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  • medical malpractice attorneys in Pittsburgh

Medical Malpractice

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Your Med Mal Attorneys in Pittsburgh – Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C.

Standing Strong for Medical Malpractice Victims

Medical malpractice can change lives in an instant. One mistake by a doctor, nurse, or hospital staff member can lead to serious injury, permanent disability, or even death. Patients and their families are often left facing overwhelming medical bills, long recovery periods, and emotional distress. At Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., we are deeply committed to helping individuals and families who have been harmed by medical negligence. Our goal is simple yet powerful: to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable for their actions and to guide victims toward recovery and justice.

When you place your trust in a medical professional, you expect safe, competent, and compassionate care. Unfortunately, medical errors happen far too often. These errors can occur in hospitals, surgical centers, nursing homes, and even private practices. Whether it involves a misdiagnosis, surgical mistake, or medication error, the consequences can be devastating. That is why our firm stands strong for victims—because no one should have to face the burden of medical malpractice alone.

A History of Helping Clients

Our firm has built a long-standing reputation for handling complex medical negligence cases throughout Pennsylvania. Medical malpractice cases are not only emotionally challenging but also legally demanding. They require a thorough understanding of both medical procedures and state malpractice laws. At Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., we bring together decades of combined legal background to navigate these challenges effectively.

We also know that every case is different. Some involve catastrophic surgical errors, while others stem from delayed diagnoses that robbed patients of life-saving treatment options. We take the time to fully investigate each case, tailoring our approach to the unique circumstances of our clients. Our record of results comes from careful preparation, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Building Strong Cases with Professional Support

Medical malpractice cases require more than legal ability—they require strong evidence supported by medical review. Our firm has developed relationships with a wide network of trusted medical professionals and investigators. These individuals help us review complex medical records, identify where negligence occurred, and provide insight that strengthens your case.

For example, a cardiology specialist might be called upon to explain how a heart condition was misdiagnosed, or a surgeon could describe the exact error that caused lasting damage. By working with respected professionals across many areas of medicine, we ensure that every client’s case is supported by reliable evidence.

This detailed and careful approach allows us to build cases that stand up in negotiations and in court. Our attorneys are not afraid to take on hospitals, insurance companies, and large healthcare institutions. We fight on behalf of our clients to secure fair compensation.

A Team That Truly Cares

Choosing an attorney after a medical malpractice injury is an important decision. At Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., we pride ourselves on being more than just legal representatives. We see ourselves as partners in your recovery. Our attorneys and staff take the time to listen, understand your concerns, and answer your questions with honesty and compassion.

We know the legal process can feel overwhelming, especially while you are also dealing with pain and uncertainty. That is why we make it our mission to keep clients informed and supported at every stage. From your very first consultation, you will see that we are committed to your well-being, not just your case outcome. We provide clear guidance, explain your options, and walk beside you from investigation through settlement or trial.

Understanding Medical Malpractice and Compensation

Medical malpractice is a serious issue that occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care, causing harm to a patient. The consequences for victims can be devastating, affecting their physical health, emotional well-being, and financial stability. Navigating the aftermath of such an event can be overwhelming, but understanding the legal and financial avenues available is a crucial first step.

The goal of a medical malpractice claim is to provide a way for individuals to recover from their losses and move toward a more secure future. This process involves proving that a medical error occurred and then calculating the full scope of the resulting damages.

The Financial Impact: Compensation for Victims

Compensation in medical malpractice cases is designed to cover a wide range of losses, aiming to restore the victim to the position they would have been in had the negligence not occurred. These damages are typically divided into two categories: economic damages, which have a clear financial value, and non-economic damages, which are more subjective. The determination of these amounts depends on the unique facts of each case and the long-term impact on the individual’s life.

Medical Expenses: Immediate and Long-Term Costs

A core component of compensation is the reimbursement for all medical expenses incurred as a direct result of the malpractice. This can include a wide array of costs. Immediately following the incident, a person may face charges for emergency room visits, hospital stays, and any corrective surgeries or procedures needed to address the initial injury.

Over time, these costs can accumulate to include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and ongoing doctor’s appointments. For more severe injuries, the compensation might cover assistive devices like wheelchairs or prosthetics, home modifications to accommodate a disability, and the services of home healthcare attendants. The goal is to ensure the patient does not bear the financial burden of receiving treatment for an injury that was not their fault.

Future Medical Care: Planning for a Lifetime

The need for medical care does not always end once a claim is settled. In many malpractice cases, the injury leads to permanent or long-term health issues that will require a lifetime of treatment. Compensation for future medical care is calculated to cover these anticipated needs.

This requires a comprehensive evaluation by medical and financial professionals who can project the costs of future surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and long-term care. A life care plan is often created to detail these needs over the victim’s life expectancy, taking into account inflation and the rising cost of healthcare. This type of compensation provides peace of mind that a person’s future health needs will be met without creating a crushing financial hardship.

Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: The Impact on Your Career

Medical malpractice can disrupt a person’s ability to work, leading to an immediate loss of income. Compensation for lost wages covers the salary or wages missed during the recovery period. This is often straightforward to calculate using pay stubs and work history.

However, the impact can extend far beyond a temporary absence. If the injury causes a permanent disability or impairment that prevents the victim from returning to their former job or career, they may also receive compensation for the loss of their future earning capacity. 

This more complex calculation takes into account factors like the person’s age, education, career trajectory, and projected future income. The goal is to make up for the financial security that the person has been robbed of, ensuring they can still provide for themselves and their family.

Pain and Suffering: Recognizing the Emotional Toll

The physical and emotional toll of a medical error can be immense. Pain and suffering damages are awarded to recognize the non-financial harm a person has endured. This includes the physical pain from the initial injury and subsequent treatments, as well as the mental anguish, emotional distress, and trauma that often follow.

These damages are subjective and do not have a fixed calculation. They can encompass feelings of anxiety, depression, fear, and frustration. The amount of compensation for pain and suffering is determined by a jury or through a settlement, based on the severity of the injury, the duration of the pain, and the overall impact on the person’s mental state.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life: When Hobbies and Activities Are Lost

When a medical error fundamentally changes a person’s life, they may be compensated for the loss of enjoyment of life. This means that the person is no longer able to participate in activities that once brought them joy and fulfillment.

For example, an injury that leaves a person unable to walk may prevent them from hiking, playing with their children, or traveling as they once did. A person who loses the use of their hands may no longer be able to play a musical instrument or paint. This type of damage acknowledges the profound loss of personal fulfillment and quality of life that a person experiences when they can no longer engage in the hobbies, family activities, or social pursuits that defined their life before the injury.

Permanent Disfigurement or Impairment: Lasting Physical Harm

Some medical errors result in lasting physical harm, such as extensive scarring, loss of a limb, or a physical disability. Compensation for permanent disfigurement or impairment addresses the lifelong consequences of these injuries.

This type of damage covers not only the physical limitations but also the emotional and psychological distress that accompanies a permanent alteration to one’s appearance or bodily function. It recognizes the impact of living with a constant reminder of the negligence, which can lead to social anxiety, self-consciousness, and a reduced quality of life.

Wrongful Death Damages: Support for Surviving Family

When medical malpractice tragically results in a person’s death, their surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. This type of compensation is intended to provide financial stability to those who have lost a loved one due to a preventable medical error.

Damages can include payment for funeral and burial expenses, the loss of the deceased person’s future income and financial support, and the loss of companionship, guidance, and consortium. These claims recognize the irreplaceable loss suffered by the family and provide a path to financial recovery in a time of grief.

Common Failures in Medical Care

While every case is unique, certain patterns of medical negligence occur more often than others. Understanding these common situations can help identify when a medical error may have taken place. Our team has a history of assisting with a wide range of malpractice claims, including those involving:

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

One of the most frequent types of medical malpractice is the failure to properly diagnose a serious illness. A misdiagnosis can lead to a patient receiving incorrect treatment for a condition they do not have, while a delayed diagnosis can allow a serious illness to progress to a more advanced stage, making it more difficult to treat.

Examples include a doctor failing to identify a malignant tumor from a benign one, or mistaking the symptoms of a heart attack for indigestion. These errors often stem from a failure to order necessary tests, a misinterpretation of test results, or a failure to consider a patient’s full medical history and symptoms. The consequences can be fatal, as timely intervention is often essential for a positive outcome.

Surgical Errors

Surgery is a complicated medical procedure, and errors can occur during any stage. Surgical malpractice can range from operating on the wrong body part or patient to leaving surgical instruments or sponges inside the body. Other serious errors include damaging a nerve or organ during the procedure or providing too much or too little anesthesia.

The consequences can be immediate and severe, requiring additional surgeries and extensive recovery time. These errors often occur due to poor communication among the surgical team, a lack of proper preparation, or a deviation from established surgical protocols.

Medication Errors

Medication is a fundamental part of modern medicine, but errors in prescribing or administering it can have dangerous side effects. Medication errors can occur at various points in the process, from a doctor prescribing the wrong drug or dosage to a pharmacist filling the prescription incorrectly or a nurse administering the wrong medication to a patient.

For example, a doctor might prescribe a drug to which a patient is allergic, or a nurse might give a patient a dose that is far too high. These mistakes can lead to life-threatening complications, including organ failure, allergic reactions, and death.

Birth Injuries

Negligence during labor and delivery can have tragic, lifelong consequences for both mother and child. Birth injuries can include cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or a lack of oxygen to the brain, which can lead to developmental delays and permanent physical impairments.

Errors that contribute to these injuries may include a failure to monitor the baby’s heart rate, a delayed C-section, or the misuse of birth-assisting tools like forceps. These are sensitive cases that require careful examination of the events during the birthing process to determine if a preventable error caused the injury.

Hospital Negligence

Sometimes, the negligence is not due to a single person but to the hospital or medical facility itself. Hospital negligence can be a result of unsafe conditions, understaffing, or a lack of proper administrative protocols. This might include inadequate training for staff, improper hygiene leading to infections, or a failure to monitor patients properly, especially in high-risk areas like the intensive care unit.

For example, a patient might suffer a fall due to a lack of supervision, or develop a serious infection because of a hospital’s failure to maintain sterile conditions. These system-level failures can create an environment where individual errors are more likely to occur and cause harm.

The Legal Process for Med Mal Claims in Pittsburgh 

The journey to receive compensation in a medical malpractice case can be complex and lengthy. It typically begins with a thorough investigation of the incident. This involves gathering and analyzing all relevant medical records, consulting with medical professionals who can provide a neutral view on the standard of care, and reconstructing the events that led to the injury.

Once a case is filed, the legal process moves into a discovery phase where both sides exchange information, conduct depositions, and gather evidence. Most malpractice claims are resolved through a negotiated settlement, but some do proceed to trial, where a jury will decide if negligence occurred and, if so, the amount of compensation.

A person’s ability to recover from a medical error is often tied to their ability to secure the financial resources needed for their recovery and future care. The legal system provides a vital mechanism for achieving that end, giving victims a way to hold those responsible accountable and obtain the support they need to move forward.

Why Timely Action Matters

Medical malpractice claims are subject to strict deadlines under Pennsylvania law. Failing to file a claim in time could mean losing your right to seek compensation. That is why it is critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible after you suspect malpractice. Early action allows us to preserve evidence, consult with professionals, and begin building a strong case without delay.

The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can investigate your claim, protect your rights, and begin the process of holding negligent parties accountable.

Take the First Step Toward Justice

If you or a loved one has been harmed by medical malpractice in Pittsburgh or anywhere in Pennsylvania, you don’t have to face the future alone. Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C. is here to provide guidance, support, and strong legal advocacy. We are passionate about helping clients move forward after devastating injuries, and we fight to achieve the compensation they deserve.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. During this meeting, we will review your case, explain your rights, and answer your questions with honesty and clarity. From the moment you call us, you will have a team on your side that is ready to listen, advise, and fight for your future.

With Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., you never have to walk this journey alone. We will stand with you every step of the way, committed to helping you rebuild your life and secure the justice you deserve.

The Foundation of a Medical Negligence Claim in Pittsburgh: Proving the Four D’s

To succeed in a medical malpractice lawsuit in Pennsylvania, a plaintiff must prove four fundamental elements, often referred to as the “Four D’s”: Duty, Dereliction, Direct Causation, and Damages. Each element is an essential link in the chain of evidence, and the failure to prove any one of them will cause the claim to fail.

Duty is established when a doctor-patient relationship exists. This relationship is created when a healthcare provider agrees to treat a patient, thereby assuming a professional obligation to provide care consistent with the medical standard. This duty extends to the provider’s employees and the hospital or facility where the care is rendered. Pennsylvania law recognizes this duty as the bedrock of the entire claim, without which there can be no legal liability.

Dereliction refers to the breach of that duty. This is the core of the malpractice claim and requires proving that the healthcare provider’s actions or inactions fell below the acceptable standard of care. This is not simply a matter of a poor outcome; medicine is not an exact science, and some negative results are unavoidable. Instead, dereliction must demonstrate that the provider’s specific conduct was negligent—that they did something a reasonable professional would not have done, or failed to do something they should have done, under similar circumstances. This breach is almost always proven through the testimony of a qualified medical expert.

Direct Causation requires a direct link between the provider’s dereliction and the patient’s injury. It is not enough that a patient was harmed and that a doctor was negligent; the patient must demonstrate that the negligence directly caused the injury. For example, if a doctor failed to diagnose a patient’s cancer, it must be proven that a timely diagnosis would have led to a better outcome and that the delay directly caused the patient’s condition to worsen. Causation can be one of the most challenging elements to prove, often requiring a complex analysis of medical records and further expert testimony to establish a definitive link.

Damages are the quantifiable losses and injuries resulting from the negligence. These damages can be economic, such as medical bills, lost wages, and the cost of future care. They can also be non-economic, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life’s enjoyment. In Pennsylvania, these damages are calculated to compensate the patient for the full extent of the harm caused by the medical negligence.

The Role of the Expert Witness and the Certificate of Merit in a Pittsburgh Medical Negligence Case 

In Pennsylvania, the role of the expert witness is paramount. Due to the highly technical nature of medicine, a layperson, including a jury, cannot be expected to understand what constitutes a deviation from the standard of care. Therefore, state law requires a plaintiff to present expert testimony to establish that a breach of duty occurred and that it was the cause of the injury.

Pennsylvania’s rules of civil procedure also mandate a procedural step known as the “Certificate of Merit.” This requirement, outlined in Rule 1042, obligates a plaintiff’s attorney to file a certificate within 60 days of the filing of the complaint. 

This certificate, signed by a licensed professional in a similar field, attests that a review of the medical records has confirmed a reasonable probability that the care of the defendant fell outside the acceptable professional standards and that this breach caused the harm. 

The expert providing this opinion must be qualified by having practiced in the same specialty as the defendant and possessing a similar background and experience. This rule was designed to prevent frivolous lawsuits and ensures that all claims have a basis in medical fact before proceeding through the court system.

Common Forms of Medical Negligence

Medical negligence can manifest in numerous ways, impacting various aspects of patient care. Some of the most frequently encountered forms include:

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: When a medical condition is incorrectly identified or not identified in a timely manner, it can have devastating consequences. This can range from a doctor failing to recognize the signs of a heart attack to overlooking a malignant tumor on a diagnostic scan. 

A delayed diagnosis of cancer, for instance, can allow the disease to progress to a point where it is no longer treatable, turning a curable condition into a terminal one. Similarly, misdiagnosing a stroke as a simple migraine can prevent a patient from receiving critical clot-busting medication within the narrow therapeutic window, leading to permanent brain damage.

Surgical Errors: These are among the most clear-cut forms of medical negligence. Mistakes made during surgery can include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside a patient, or causing damage to surrounding organs or tissues. A wrong-site surgery is a “never event” in medicine, as it is a preventable error that should never occur. The consequences of such errors are often severe, requiring additional surgeries to correct the mistake and leading to prolonged recovery times and significant pain and suffering.

Medication Errors: These can occur at any stage of the medication process, from the initial prescription to the final administration. A physician might prescribe the wrong drug or an incorrect dosage. A pharmacist might dispense the wrong medication. A nurse might administer a drug to the wrong patient. All of these errors can have serious and even fatal consequences, especially with potent drugs like chemotherapy agents or powerful anesthetics.

Birth Injuries: Negligence during childbirth can lead to injury to the mother or the baby, resulting in lifelong disabilities. Examples include cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or other developmental issues caused by oxygen deprivation to the brain, improper use of instruments like forceps, or a delayed C-section despite signs of fetal distress. These are particularly tragic cases, as they often involve a lifetime of medical care and a reduced quality of life for the child.

Anesthesia Errors: Mistakes made by anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists can lead to severe complications. These errors often involve improper dosing of anesthesia, a failure to monitor vital signs during a procedure, or an inadequate patient assessment before surgery. Anesthesia is a delicate science, and any error can result in brain damage, heart attack, or death due to lack of oxygen or a toxic reaction.

Failure to Treat: This occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide appropriate and timely treatment for a diagnosed condition, leading to preventable harm. This could involve neglecting to order necessary tests, not referring a patient to a specialist when their condition warrants it, or delaying critical care that a reasonable provider would have delivered promptly.

Hospital Negligence: Malpractice is not always the fault of a single doctor. Hospitals can be held liable for their own negligence, which can encompass a range of issues such as inadequate staffing, negligent hiring practices, unsanitary conditions leading to infections, or a failure to properly monitor patients in their care. A hospital’s responsibility is to provide a safe and effective environment for patients, and a breach of this duty can result in significant harm.

The Statute of Limitations in Pennsylvania

Timing is a critical factor in any medical malpractice case. In Pennsylvania, the general rule for the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. However, the law provides for an important exception known as the “discovery rule.” 

This rule dictates that the two-year clock does not begin to run until the patient knew or reasonably should have known that they were injured and that the injury was caused by the medical provider’s negligence. 

This is especially important in cases where the injury is not immediately apparent, such as with a misdiagnosis that only comes to light months or years later. There are also specific rules and exceptions for cases involving minors, where the statute of limitations may be tolled until the minor reaches the age of majority.

The Legal Process of a Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Claim

The legal process for a medical malpractice claim in Pennsylvania is structured and lengthy. It typically begins with an initial consultation between the injured party and a lawyer specializing in medical malpractice. If the lawyer believes there is a viable claim, they will initiate an in-depth investigation, gathering all relevant medical records and consulting with medical experts to review the facts.

Once the expert review is complete and the attorney has a signed Certificate of Merit, they will file a formal complaint in the Court of Common Pleas. The defendant, typically the doctor or hospital, is then served with the complaint and must file an answer.

Following the initial filings, the case moves into the “discovery” phase. This is an extensive period where both sides exchange information, including depositions of the parties, witnesses, and expert witnesses. This phase is crucial for building a strong case and can last for many months.

After discovery, most courts will require the parties to attempt mediation or another form of alternative dispute resolution. This is an opportunity for the parties to negotiate a settlement before a costly and time-consuming trial. 

If no settlement is reached, the case will proceed to trial, where a jury will hear the evidence and determine whether medical negligence occurred and what, if any, damages should be awarded. The entire process, from initial filing to a jury verdict, can often take several years.

Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C.: Your Advocates in Pittsburgh

Medical malpractice can shatter lives in an instant, leaving individuals and families grappling with physical pain, emotional distress, and significant financial burdens. At Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., we are profoundly committed to helping those harmed by medical negligence. Our primary goal is to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable for their actions and to help injured patients rebuild their lives.

Our firm brings a long history of successfully navigating complex medical negligence claims across Pennsylvania. We understand the profound impact these incidents have, and we approach each case with the dedication and care it deserves. We have cultivated strong relationships with a vast network of trusted medical professionals and investigators. This allows us to meticulously review medical records, consult with leading experts in various medical fields, and gather the compelling evidence needed to construct powerful, evidence-based cases for our clients.

When you choose to work with us, you’re not just engaging a legal representative; you’re gaining a dedicated team that genuinely cares about your well-being and your future. We recognize the profound trust you place in us, and we strive to honor that trust by providing compassionate support and unwavering advocacy throughout the entire legal process. From the initial consultation and investigation to negotiations and, if necessary, trial, we will be by your side, fighting tirelessly for the compensation you deserve.

This compensation can cover a range of damages, including:

  • Medical Expenses: Past and future costs associated with your injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
  • Lost Wages: Income you have lost and will continue to lose due to your inability to work.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life caused by the negligence.
  • Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Damages for the inability to participate in activities and hobbies you once enjoyed.
  • Disfigurement or Impairment: Compensation for permanent physical changes or functional limitations.

If you or someone you love has suffered due to medical malpractice in Pittsburgh or anywhere in Pennsylvania, don’t wait to seek guidance. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin to investigate your claim and protect your rights. 

Contact Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C. today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will help you understand your legal rights, answer your questions, and take the crucial next steps toward achieving the justice and recovery you deserve. We are here to listen, to advise, and to stand with you every step of the way.

Common Examples of Medical Malpractice

At Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., we represent clients who have suffered from a wide range of medical malpractice incidents. Below are some of the most common categories of medical negligence we encounter in our practice:

  1. Birth Injuries

The birth of a child should be a joyful and celebratory moment. Unfortunately, when medical professionals fail to provide appropriate care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, the consequences can be tragic. Birth injuries caused by malpractice can result in lifelong disabilities and emotional trauma for families.

Common birth injuries include:

Cerebral Palsy – Often caused by oxygen deprivation during labor or delivery, cerebral palsy can impair motor skills, muscle tone, and cognitive function.

Erb’s Palsy – A condition affecting the arm and shoulder due to brachial plexus nerve damage, usually the result of excessive pulling during delivery.

Shoulder Dystocia – A complication where the baby’s shoulders get stuck during birth, potentially leading to nerve injuries or oxygen deprivation if not handled properly.

These types of injuries are often preventable with appropriate monitoring, timely cesarean sections, and adherence to standard obstetric protocols.

  1. Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis

A misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can have dire consequences. When a healthcare provider fails to identify a medical condition accurately or in a timely manner, the patient may not receive the appropriate treatment—allowing the disease to progress or worsen.

Some common misdiagnosed or undiagnosed conditions include:

  • Cancer
  • Heart attacks and strokes
  • Infections (like sepsis or meningitis)
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Autoimmune diseases

These failures can lead to unnecessary suffering, prolonged illness, irreversible damage, or even death. In some cases, the delay in diagnosis eliminates the possibility of successful treatment altogether.

  1. Surgical Errors

Surgical mistakes are among the most serious types of medical malpractice and can occur at any stage of the procedure—from preparation to post-operative care. These errors are especially troubling because they often involve highly controlled, sterile environments where patients place immense trust in their care teams.

  • Examples of surgical malpractice include:
  • Wrong-site or wrong-patient surgery
  • Leaving surgical instruments inside the body
  • Organ or nerve damage during surgery
  • Failure to monitor for post-surgical infections
  • Inadequate anesthesia or pain management

Even seemingly “routine” surgeries can become dangerous if proper precautions and protocols are not followed.

  1. Emergency Room Errors

Emergency rooms are often chaotic, high-pressure environments where quick decisions must be made. However, this is no excuse for medical professionals to act negligently or make reckless choices that compromise patient care.

  • Common ER malpractice scenarios include:
  • Failure to triage properly
  • Misinterpreting lab results or imaging
  • Failure to diagnose conditions like heart attacks, strokes, or internal bleeding
  • Improper discharge of patients who still need care

Patients in emergency settings are especially vulnerable and deserve careful, timely, and competent care.

  1. Hospital Negligence

Hospitals are responsible for ensuring that all aspects of patient care meet professional standards. Hospital negligence can occur due to systemic issues, poor hiring practices, understaffing, lack of training, or negligent supervision of staff.

  • Types of hospital-related malpractice may include:
  • Neglect leading to bedsores, falls, malnutrition, or dehydration
  • Abuse—physical, emotional, sexual, or financial—of patients
  • Failure to prevent or control infections
  • Improper patient monitoring
  • Inadequate recordkeeping or communication between departments

Hospitals have a duty to create and maintain a safe and clean environment. When they fail to do so, the results can be catastrophic.

  1. Medication Errors

Medications are critical tools in the treatment and management of countless health conditions. But when errors are made in prescribing, dispensing, or administering these drugs, the consequences can be deadly.

  • Some medication-related malpractice scenarios include:
  • Prescribing the wrong drug or dosage
  • Administering a drug to the wrong patient
  • Failure to account for drug allergies or interactions
  • Errors by pharmacists in filling prescriptions
  • Defective or contaminated medications

These cases may involve both individual healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies, depending on the nature of the error.

  1. Transmission of Infectious Diseases

In recent years, there has been a rise in medical malpractice cases involving the transmission of infectious diseases, often due to negligent practices. These incidents typically result from the use of unsterilized or contaminated medical equipment, especially needles and surgical tools.

Patients have developed conditions such as:

  • Hepatitis C
  • HIV
  •  Staph or MRSA infections
  •  Other healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)

Proper sterilization, infection control, and safety protocols are not optional—they are mandatory responsibilities that healthcare providers must uphold at all times.

How Pennsylvania Law Handles Medical Malpractice Claims

If you believe you have been a victim of medical malpractice in Pennsylvania, it is important to act quickly. Under Pennsylvania law, you generally have two years from the date of the injury—or from when the injury was discovered—to file a lawsuit. This is known as the statute of limitations. However, exceptions may apply, especially in cases involving minors or when the injury could not have been reasonably discovered 

Additionally, Pennsylvania requires that a Certificate of Merit be filed along with your complaint. This certificate must be signed by a licensed medical professional who confirms that your case has merit—that is, that the medical provider likely breached the standard of care.

Navigating these legal requirements can be complex, which is why having an experienced legal team on your side is crucial.

Let Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C. Fight for You

Medical malpractice can shatter lives in an instant. At Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., we are committed to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable and helping injured patients rebuild their lives. Our firm has decades of experience handling complex medical negligence claims across Pennsylvania. We work with a network of trusted medical experts and investigators to build strong, evidence-based cases for our clients.

When you work with us, you’re not just getting an attorney—you’re gaining a team that genuinely cares about your well-being and your future.

If you or someone you love has suffered due to medical malpractice, don’t wait. Contact Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C. today for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and take the next steps toward justice.

Medical Malpractice Law in Pennsylvania

For a case to qualify as medical malpractice, it must meet three specific criteria:

The Standard of Care Was Violated

Healthcare professionals are required to adhere to certain standards under all circumstances and at all times. This is generally referred to as the “standard of care.” Patients have a right to expect that they will receive the minimum required standard of care when receiving treatment. If this doesn’t happen, it could be an indicator of medical malpractice.

Medical Negligence Caused Your Injury

A deviation in the standard of care alone isn’t enough to justify a medical malpractice case. The deviation must also be the cause of your injury. As the patient, you will need to show that your injury would not have occurred if the negligence hadn’t taken place.

The Injury Resulted in Significant Damages

If the damages are small, it may not make sense to pursue a medical malpractice case. As medical malpractice cases are very expensive and time consuming to properly pursue. You will also need to demonstrate that your injury resulted in significant damages. Examples may include significant medical expenses, significant past and/or future lost wages, permanent disability, severe pain and suffering, emotional distress or death.

Why Do Medical Mistakes Occur?

The Journal of Patient Safety published a study reporting that hospital errors alone could be responsible for as many as 400,000 deaths each year. This is a staggering statistic, and there are many other patients who suffer serious physical and emotional consequences due to medical errors.

Through years of handling medical malpractice cases, some of the most common reasons we have seen for these tragic mistakes include:

  • Lack of communication among healthcare providers;
  • Understaffed facilities that ignore proper procedures and cut corners;
  • Poor record-keeping that causes providers to miss important details about procedures and patient history;
  • Drug and alcohol dependence among healthcare providers; and
  • Lack of rest among providers which can compromise sound decision making.

Prescription Error

If you or someone you care about has been harmed by a prescription medication error, talking with the attorneys at Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., can help you understand your legal options. Since 1972, we have been representing the victims of medical malpractice. Our lawyers use comprehensive knowledge, years of experience and extensive resources to help you achieve effective solutions in medical negligence cases.

There are many different types of medication errors that occur in doctor’s offices, pharmacies, hospitals and nursing homes throughout Pennsylvania:

  • Failure to give medication
  • Giving too much medication
  • Giving the wrong type of medication
  • Prescribing the wrong and dangerous combination of drugs
  • Prescribing a medication despite a known drug allergy
  • Giving inadequate instructions or directions
  • Substitution of one incorrect drug for another

There are many reasons why medication errors occur. Many physicians fail to take a complete medical history, document the medications to which a patient has allergies or medications that a patient already takes. Many doctors also overprescribe medication or they prescribe medications that are much stronger than necessary, with bad side effects.

What To Do If You Suspect A Medication Error

If you suspect that a medication error is the cause of a serious health problem or the death of a loved one, you must act quickly. If you have lost a loved one, and suspect that there has been a medication error, you may need to consider whether an autopsy should be performed.

Who Is Responsible for Medical Negligence in Pennsylvania?

All healthcare providers are required to follow the standard of care. When they fail to do this and patients suffer substantial harm, those same providers can be sued for medical malpractice. In many cases, the negligent provider is a doctor, but this can vary.

Some of the parties that could be liable in a medical negligence case include:

  • Doctors, surgeons, and physician’s assistants
  • Nurses
  • Physical therapists and chiropractors
  • Hospital administrators
  • Pharmacists
  • Home health aides
  • Electronic health record (EHR) software providers

Some medical malpractice cases involve more than one party that was negligent. Our Pennsylvania injury attorneys have experience handling these complex cases against multiple parties. When we take your case, we will conduct an independent investigation to identify the responsible parties so that they are held fully accountable.

Time Limits for Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim

When you’re sick or hurt, it’s difficult to focus on anything other than your recovery. All of your time and energy seems to be spent getting your life back on track. But if you wait too long, it might be too late to pursue the parties responsible for your circumstances.

According to Pennsylvania law, you have just two years to pursue a claim for medical malpractice. If you miss this deadline, called the statute of limitations, the courts will most likely disregard your case.

In some cases, you may not know that you were the victim of medical malpractice right away. According to the state’s “discovery rule,” you have two years from the date that you knew or should have known that a medical error took place to pursue legal action.

The statute of limitations in Pennsylvania is also different for minors. Because different time limits can apply, it’s vital that you speak with a qualified medical malpractice attorney to get your case started as soon as possible.

Seeking Medical Malpractice Justice on Your Behalf

When you’ve been injured by a healthcare provider, you are likely facing additional hospital fees as well as the loss of income and other damages. Proving medical malpractice can be challenging, which is why you need a legal team with the experience, skill, knowledge, and resources to advocate for your rights from the beginning. We provide free consultations, and we take medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis – which means no out of pocket risk to you.

If you suspect that you have been hurt by medical malpractice, speak with one of our experienced injury attorneys about your options. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation by calling 412-391-9860 in Pittsburgh or Western Pennsylvania, or toll-free at 866-466-5789. You can also reach out to us online through our contact form.

Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C.

20 Stanwix Street, Suite 700
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Phone: 412-391-9860
Toll Free: 866-565-4949
Fax: 412-391-7453

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For more than 50 years, the personal injury attorneys of Caroselli, Beachler & Coleman, L.L.C., have helped injury victims throughout Pennsylvania, West Virginia and across the United States exercise their legal rights and secure maximum compensation for their injuries. Our lawyers handle medical malpractice, workers’ compensation claims and Social Security Disability claims.

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Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Phone: 412-391-9860
Toll Free: 866-565-4949
Fax: 412-391-7453

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