Patients often rely on medical professionals when they are in their most vulnerable states. Whether you are suffering from an injury or illness, you are trusting doctors and their medical staff to treat you with professionalism and care. Unfortunately, countless doctors and surgeons make critical mistakes that can cause the patient to suffer even more. Medical errors can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens for patients and their families. If you have suffered due to the negligence of a medical professional, you may be able to pursue compensation through a medical malpractice claim. Your first step to take following a medical error should be to consult with a medical malpractice lawyer. As you work with your lawyer, you will gather your medical records, gather evidence such as supporting documentation and expert opinions, identify the liable parties, and file your claim.
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., we have helped numerous clients recover compensation from negligent medical professionals. We understand how intimidating it can be to bring a medical malpractice claim against a medical professional or even a hospital, and we are prepared to walk with you through every step of your case. The doctor-patient relationship can sometimes complicate the process of seeking compensation for medical errors.
- What Is Medical Malpractice?
- What Steps Should You Take When Medical Errors Occur?
- Contact the Lawyers With Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., to Discuss Your Medical Malpractice Case Today
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional negligently causes harm to a patient. When most people think of medical malpractice, they may think of a surgeon negligently leaving surgical instruments inside a patient’s body. Surgical error is a specific type of mistake that can occur during surgical procedures, such as operating on the wrong site or leaving foreign objects inside the patient. However, medical malpractice does not always depend on what a doctor or surgeon does. Medical malpractice could be established by what a medical professional fails to do. For example, a doctor could fail to diagnose someone properly, which could lead to a worsened illness or preventable death.
There are several common examples of medical malpractice in today’s healthcare industry. Some patients experience anesthesia and medication errors during surgery. Surgical complications are another risk during surgical procedures, which can result from complex operations or failure to follow established protocols. If a person overdosed on anesthesia, the results can be catastrophic. Another example of medical malpractice occurs during birth.
Many doctors fail to react quickly enough to certain situations during a birth, which can lead to harm for the mother or child. The primary care physician plays a critical role in preventing delayed diagnoses and ensuring appropriate follow-up care after abnormal test results. Additionally, the failure to diagnose a patient properly is a very common type of medical error.
Finally, hospital negligence and surgical errors often lead to medical malpractice claims.
Failures in healthcare delivery and lapses in safety protocols at healthcare facilities can contribute to medical errors. The medical community is increasingly focused on improving patient safety by implementing best practices, regular staff training, and effective communication within healthcare systems.
Medical malpractice insurance provides financial protection for healthcare providers and helps ensure compensation for patients harmed by medical errors.
What Steps Should You Take When Medical Errors Occur?
If you have experienced a medical error and suffered as a result, you need to take certain steps to bring a medical malpractice claim against the negligent party that harmed you. With the help of a medical malpractice lawyer, you may be able to recover compensation for the harm you have experienced at the hands of a medical professional. The following are the steps you should take when medical errors occur:
- Contact an Attorney: You should contact a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible after a medical error occurs. It is important to seek legal counsel from a skilled attorney who can provide guidance and ensure your rights are protected throughout the process of filing a medical malpractice claim.
- Obtain Detailed Records: You should obtain copies of your medical records for your lawyer to review. This step is very important because your medical records will serve as evidence in your case.
- Gather Evidence: Collect all supporting documentation, including expert opinions and other relevant evidence, to build a strong case for your claim.
- Identify Liable Parties: Your medical malpractice lawyer will investigate the facts of your case and determine which individuals and/or entities can be held liable in a lawsuit. Whether or not you can sue the hospital may depend on the negligent medical professional’s employment status or lack thereof at the hospital. Determining whether the healthcare provider owed a duty of care and whether the healthcare provider’s actions deviated from accepted standards are key legal criteria in malpractice cases.
- File a Claim: Your lawyer should ensure you file your medical malpractice claim within the applicable statute of limitations. It is important that you have a lawyer assist you so that all of the procedural requirements are met when filing your claim. Understanding the legal framework and legal requirements for filing a medical malpractice claim is essential, and legal professionals can help navigate these complexities.
Victims of medical malpractice deserve to be compensated for their injuries. If you have suffered due to a medical error, you should seek medical attention immediately to address your health concerns and properly document your injuries. Legal representation is crucial for those who wish to seek compensation for their injuries through legal action. If you have suffered due to a medical error, you should not hesitate to reach out to a talented medical malpractice lawyer for help. Your lawyer will work with you to hold the negligent parties liable for their medical malpractice.
The Role of Medical Experts in Medical Malpractice Cases
Medical experts are indispensable in medical malpractice cases, serving as the bridge between complex medical facts and the legal standards required to prove a malpractice claim. When pursuing medical malpractice claims, the testimony and analysis provided by medical experts can make the difference between a successful claim and an unsuccessful one.
One of the primary responsibilities of medical experts is to clarify the standard of care that healthcare professionals are expected to uphold. The standard of care refers to what a reasonably competent healthcare provider would do under similar circumstances. Medical experts—who may be primary care physicians, surgeons, or specialists in the relevant field—review medical records, treatment plans, and the details of the patient’s care to determine whether the healthcare provider’s actions met or fell below this standard.
In the context of a medical malpractice case, medical experts play a crucial role in gathering evidence and identifying where the healthcare provider breached their duty. They meticulously analyze medical records to uncover surgical errors, medication errors, or other forms of medical negligence that may have led to patient harm. Their objective, unbiased assessments help establish the causal link between the healthcare provider’s actions and the injuries suffered by the patient, which is a critical element in proving medical malpractice.
Beyond reviewing records, medical experts are often called upon to provide expert testimony during the legal process. Their ability to explain complex medical concepts in clear, understandable terms is essential for judges and juries who may not have medical backgrounds. By articulating how a healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care, medical experts help the court understand the nuances of medical procedures and the serious consequences of medical errors.
Medical experts also contribute to improving patient safety by identifying patterns of negligence and recommending changes to prevent medical errors in the future. Their insights can lead to better practices within healthcare institutions, ultimately reducing the risk of future malpractice claims and enhancing the quality of patient care.
The collaboration between medical malpractice lawyers and medical experts is vital throughout the litigation process. Medical experts assist legal teams in gathering evidence, preparing for trial, and building a compelling case that supports the victim’s right to fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Their expertise not only strengthens the case but also helps ensure that healthcare providers are held accountable for substandard medical care.
In summary, medical experts are essential allies in medical malpractice cases. Their knowledge, experience, and ability to communicate effectively are invaluable in navigating the complexities of medical malpractice law, proving negligence, and advocating for justice and compensation for those harmed by medical errors. By working closely with skilled attorneys, medical experts help ensure that victims of medical negligence receive the support and compensation they deserve, while also promoting higher standards of care within the healthcare system.
Contact the Lawyers With Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., to Discuss Your Medical Malpractice Case Today
Medical malpractice is serious because the victims often suffer lifelong consequences due to negligent medical errors. Medical malpractice can even result in death to the victim. This is why it is crucial to hold the responsible parties liable. Victims of medical malpractice can pursue compensation through a medical malpractice claim, and they should do so with the help of an attorney who can guide them through the process. Our medical malpractice lawyers are ready to assist you today.
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our team is dedicated to obtaining the financial compensation that victims of medical malpractice deserve. To schedule a consultation, please call (215) 822-7575 or fill out our contact form.
Established in 1952 by Irwin S. Rubin, Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. boasts over 65 years of experience serving clients throughout Pennsylvania. Renowned for its commitment to ethical representation, the firm has garnered prestigious accolades, including being named the “Best Law Firm” for its outstanding legal defense work by U.S. News & World Report. Their team of seasoned attorneys, recognized as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, brings unparalleled expertise to a wide range of legal matters, ensuring exceptional representation for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations.
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
September 16, 2025
