Medical Malpractice

The Most Experienced Medical Malpractice Attorneys

For years, OHDP Law worked with hospitals, medical staff and insurance companies to prevent fraudulent claims. Nobody understands the medical and insurance systems like we do. Today, we use our knowledge and experience to help regular people who have become the victims of personal injury and medical malpractice. That’s why you’ll want us on your side.

Errors that are made by doctors, nurses, surgeons, dentists and other medical staff while performing a procedure or surgery, can often be life changing for victims and their families.

Have you or someone that you love become a victim of medical malpractice at a Northeast Pennsylvania hospital or medical facility? This would include the Scranton/Wilkes Barre area and the following counties: Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, Pike, Wayne, Monroe, Lehigh, Lycoming, Montgomery, Wyoming, Montour and Carbon counties.

At the law offices of O’Malley, Harris, Durkin & Perry (OHDP Law), we understand the impact that these types of medical mistakes can have on victims and work quickly to obtain the MAXIMUM amount for your damages lawsuit.

To find out if you have a claim, contact us today at (570) 348-3711 for your free case review. Or check out our Medical Malpractice Checklist.

What is Medical Malpractice?

DID YOU KNOW: 225,000 patients die each year as a result of medical malpractice…

By definition, cases of medical malpractice are the result of negligence, carelessness or human error on the part of the physician or the medical staff. Sadly, the majority of these instances are preventable.

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports that 225,000 patients die each year as a result of medical malpractice. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), 90 percent of medical malpractice lawsuits are brought by patients who have suffered a permanent injury, or because a loved one has died.

However, research shows that only 2% of those that have suffered from incidences of medical malpractice have reported the case and filed claims for damages.

Malpractice in the medical industry is a much larger problem than many medical professionals admit, and such high numbers of fatalities or injury without compensation from the responsible parties is an unfortunate and unjust reality.

Other factors that may contribute to malpractice may be untrained or incompetent staff; miscommunications between medical staff; administrative errors or incorrect test results; misread prescriptions or pharmacy errors.

Types of Medical Malpractice Claims

The number of individuals and families suffering from medical malpractice are staggering, according to most recent statistics. Claims of medical malpractice could be pursued if the patient feels that they experienced injuries that were a direct result of the actions or inaction of a medical professional. The following are some of the most common types of medical malpractice claims:

• Misdiagnosis
• Failure to diagnose
• Unreasonable delay in diagnosis of treatment
• Failure to adequately treat the patient
• Failure to follow up with the patient
• Surgical injury
• Birth injury
• Incorrectly prescribed medication
• Not providing informed consent to the patient

…. along with many other claims.

A medical professional’s mistake doesn’t have to be obvious. Cases such as a failure to diagnose cancer, a delayed diagnosis or a failure to follow-up could lead to tragic consequences.

Medical malpractice represents one of the leading causes of death in the United States every year, and is a contributor to life-long birth injuries such as Cerebral Palsy. Those who believe they have suffered from the negligence of a medical professional should report the incident immediately, as they may be entitled to compensation from the physical, mental and emotional trauma they have experienced.

Industries Associated With Medical Malpractice

Any medical professional that is in the position to make a medical recommendation to his or her patient may be at fault for medical malpractice if their actions are found to be negligent or out of line with industry standard procedures. Some of the industries associated with medical malpractice claims include:

• Surgeons
• Dentists
• Anesthesiologists
• Chiropractors
• Cardiologists
• Pharmacists
• Nursing homes or other elder care facilities

…and many other healthcare professionals.

Medical professionals have a duty to their patients to provide services safely and with the most up-to-date information on the issue. In cases of medical malpractice, the trust between a physician and his or her patient may have been breached and serious, long-term damage can be done to that patient.

Victims of medical malpractice should report their concerns as soon as possible and consult with a medical malpractice attorney who is well versed in the realm of medical malpractice claims. If you or a loved one suspects that you are the victim of medical malpractice, do not hesitate to follow up on your concerns. Medical professionals are human and can make mistakes, but serious health consequences can result from ignoring your concerns, which will only lead to more pain and suffering if malpractice did indeed occur.

Potential Consequences of These Mistakes

Any number of dire consequences can present themselves if malpractice has occurred, which is why it is so important to file a claim if you feel an injustice has been done to you. Some of the potential consequences of medical mistakes may be:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Further medical expenses to correct the issue
• Lost wages
• Personal losses

…and many more.

There is no end to the accidents that can occur in cases of medical malpractice. Incisions made in the wrong body part, deadly mistakes with anesthesia, or surgeries that are completely unnecessary are only a few of the traumatic events that can occur as a result of medical negligence or oversight.

Frightening stories of medical tools left inside patients are a sobering reality to those who have experienced medical malpractice, and before choosing a physician or medical professional, always check past history, and conduct as much research as you can on the medical professional you are planning to visit. Of course, no amount of research can prevent an incident of negligence from occurring. The only way to quell the amount of medical negligence is to speak up when it has affected the lives of you or a loved one.

Contact Our Scranton Medical Malpractice Attorneys Today

The people and businesses of Pennsylvania need an ally that understands how to win. For years, OHDP Law worked with hospitals, medical staff and insurance companies to prevent fraudulent claims. Nobody understands the medical and insurance systems like we do. Today, we use our knowledge and experience to help regular people who have become the victims of personal injury and medical malpractice. That’s why you’ll want us on your side.

We’re the ally you need, protecting the rights and interests of Pennsylvanians from medical malpractice, helping them to receive compensation for their pain and suffering while holding medical professionals accountable for their actions.

Call our office at (570) 348-3711, or contact us by online form.