A bad outcome is not automatically malpractice — medicine has risks even when done right. Malpractice is when care falls below the accepted professional standard and that failure causes harm. Distinguishing the two requires medical records review and qualified experts, which is exactly how we evaluate every case before anyone files anything.
What Pennsylvania Requires in These Cases
- A certificate of merit. Pennsylvania rules require certification early in the case that a licensed professional believes the care fell outside accepted standards — a screening step that makes pre-suit expert review non-negotiable.
- Expert testimony. The standard of care and causation must generally be established through qualified medical experts; cases are built or broken here.
- Deadlines with wrinkles. The general two-year rule interacts with discovery-of-injury issues and special rules for minors — our post on the malpractice statute of limitations explains why “when did the clock start” is often the first fight.
Cases We Evaluate
Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis (see our misdiagnosis explainer), surgical and emergency-care errors, medication errors, birth injuries, hospital and nursing negligence, and dental malpractice. Patient-safety research from AHRQ documents how often preventable errors occur; the Pennsylvania Department of Health regulates the facilities involved, and MedlinePlus is a sound resource for understanding your diagnosis while we handle the legal side. Our post on damages in malpractice cases covers what compensation can include.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have a malpractice case rather than just a bad outcome?
You usually can’t know without records review — and neither can we, which is why the evaluation comes first and costs nothing. Red flags: an unexpected result no one explained, a diagnosis that changed dramatically, or providers who became evasive. See five reasons patients file.
Will my doctor find out I consulted a lawyer?
Not from us — consultations are confidential. If a case proceeds, the provider learns of it through formal process; consulting us commits you to nothing.
Are these cases expensive to bring?
They’re expert-intensive, which is why we take them on contingency and advance case costs per the written fee agreement — you pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover. It’s also why honest screening matters: we tell you plainly if the case isn’t there.
How long do malpractice cases take?
Longer than most injury cases — expert review, the certificate requirement, and hard-fought defense mean many run one to several years. We prepare clients for the timeline honestly at the start.
How long do I have to file a personal injury claim in Pennsylvania?
Generally two years from the date of injury under Pennsylvania law, but important exceptions exist — shorter notice deadlines for claims against government entities (including SEPTA and the City), and different rules for minors and late-discovered injuries. Treat two years as the outer marker and get specific advice about your dates early.
Concerned about the care you or a family member received? Call (215) 464-4600 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. We handle injury cases on a contingency fee: no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation for you, with case costs explained in the written fee agreement before you sign.