When a doctor or hospital in Conshohocken makes a preventable medical error that adversely impacts your life, you deserve a legal team that will fight to hold them accountable. At Wapner Newman, our Conshohocken medical malpractice lawyers have spent over 40 years standing up for patients and families across Philadelphia, and we are ready to stand up for you.
Whether you were harmed at a local clinic along Fayette Street or at a nearby Montgomery County hospital, we have the experience and resources to take on even the most complex medical malpractice cases.
Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, and that failure causes you harm. These cases can involve surgical mistakes, misdiagnoses, medication errors, birth injuries, and much more.
If you or a loved one has been hurt by a medical professional's careless actions, our team is here to listen, to understand your situation, and to pursue the compensation you and your family need to move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Speak to a Lawyer TodayWhy Choose Wapner Newman for Your Conshohocken Medical Malpractice Case?
Not every law firm has the ability to take on hospitals and insurance companies in medical malpractice cases. These claims require deep legal knowledge, access to medical professionals who can review your case, and the willingness to go to trial if a fair settlement is not offered. At Wapner Newman, we bring all of that to the table and more.
Here is what sets our team apart:
- Proven results that speak for themselves. Our attorneys have recovered millions for clients in medical malpractice and personal injury cases, including a $227 million result in the Market Street building collapse, a $16 million recovery for a pedestrian hit by an impaired driver, and a $7.25 million result in an elevator injury case.
- Decades of trial experience. With over 40 years of winning cases, we know how to prepare, present, and fight for our clients at every stage of the legal process.
- A compassionate, client-first approach. We understand that a medical injury can leave you feeling scared and uncertain. Our team keeps you informed at every step and treats you like a member of our extended family.
- Convenient access for Conshohocken residents. If you are unable to travel to our Philadelphia office at 1628 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, we can come to you. We will even arrange to pick you up if getting to us is a challenge.
You should never have to feel like just another case number. When you work with us, you will have a dedicated team of attorneys who care about your well-being and are committed to getting you the best possible result. Contact us at (215) 569-0900 to get started.
What Is Medical Malpractice Under Pennsylvania Law?
Medical malpractice is a specific type of personal injury claim. It occurs when a healthcare provider, whether a doctor, nurse, surgeon, anesthesiologist, dentist, or hospital, provides treatment that falls below the accepted standard of care in their field, and that substandard care causes injury to a patient.
The "standard of care" is the level of treatment that a reasonably competent medical professional with similar training and experience would provide under the same circumstances. When a provider falls short of that standard and you are harmed as a result, Pennsylvania law gives you the right to seek compensation.
Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations
Under 42 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 5524(2), you generally have two years from the date you knew or should have known about the malpractice to file your claim. Pennsylvania also recognizes a "discovery rule," which means the clock may not start ticking until you actually become aware of the injury and its connection to the medical error.
There are additional rules for minors and cases involving wrongful death, so speaking with an experienced medical malpractice attorney in Conshohocken as early as possible is important. Learn about the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in PA.
Certificate of Merit for PA Medical Malpractice Claims
One requirement that makes Pennsylvania medical malpractice claims unique is the Certificate of Merit. Under Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1042.3, a plaintiff must file a certificate within 60 days of filing the complaint.
This certificate confirms that a qualified medical professional has reviewed the case and believes the healthcare provider's actions fell outside acceptable medical standards. Failing to meet this requirement can result in your case being dismissed, which is why having an experienced legal team matters from the very beginning. See 10 reasons to hire a medical malpractice attorney.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice in Conshohocken
Medical errors can happen in almost any healthcare setting, from large hospital systems to small private practices. Conshohocken residents often receive care both locally and at hospitals throughout Montgomery County and the greater Philadelphia area. No matter where the malpractice occurred, our medical malpractice lawyers can help.
Some of the most common types of medical malpractice we handle include:
- Surgical errors. This can include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside a patient, or making mistakes during the procedure that lead to complications. Read about surgical errors and malpractice.
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. When a doctor fails to correctly identify a condition, or takes too long to diagnose it, the delay can allow the illness to progress and cause far greater harm.
- Medication and prescription errors. Prescribing the wrong medication, the wrong dosage, or a drug that dangerously interacts with another medication can have serious consequences.
- Birth injuries. Errors made during labor and delivery can lead to lifelong conditions for the child, including brain injuries and other complications.
- Anesthesia errors. Administering too much or too little anesthesia, failing to review a patient's medical history, or not properly monitoring a patient during surgery can result in brain damage, organ injury, or death.
- Hospital negligence. Understaffing, unsanitary conditions, failure to follow up on test results, and poor communication between providers can all lead to preventable patient harm. Learn about hospital liability for falls during inpatient care.
- Nursing errors. Nurses play a critical role in patient care, and mistakes in administering medication, monitoring vital signs, or following physician orders can be devastating.
- Dental malpractice. Errors during dental procedures, including nerve damage, unnecessary extractions, or failure to diagnose oral health conditions, may also give rise to a claim.
Each of these situations can result in serious, life-altering injuries. Our team works closely with medical professionals to carefully evaluate your case and build the strongest possible claim on your behalf.
What Compensation Can You Pursue in a Medical Malpractice Case?
If you have been harmed by medical negligence, Pennsylvania law allows you to seek compensation for a range of losses. Every case is different, and the value of your claim depends on the specific facts and circumstances.
When you meet with our medical malpractice lawyer team, we will assess all the details of your situation and give you an honest evaluation of what your claim may be worth.
Compensation in a medical malpractice case may include:
- Medical expenses. This covers the cost of treatment you have already received because of the malpractice, as well as any future medical care you will need.
- Lost income. If your injury has kept you from working, or if it will limit your ability to earn a living in the future, you may be able to recover those lost wages.
- Pain and suffering. Physical pain, emotional distress, and the loss of enjoyment of life are all real consequences of medical negligence, and they have value in a legal claim.
- Loss of companionship. In some cases, a medical injury can affect your relationships with family members, and compensation may be available for that loss.
- Wrongful death damages. If medical malpractice resulted in the death of a loved one, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and other losses.
It is worth noting that Pennsylvania does not place a cap on compensatory damages in medical malpractice cases, which means there is no artificial limit on the amount you can recover for your injuries and losses.
Our Conshohocken medical malpractice attorneys will aggressively pursue every dollar you are owed so that you can focus on healing.
Speak to a Lawyer TodayHow Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers Build Your Conshohocken Case
Medical malpractice cases are some of the most complex in personal injury law. Hospitals and their insurance companies have teams of attorneys and significant resources to defend against claims. You need a legal team that knows how to match that level of preparation.
At Wapner Newman, we take a thorough, strategic approach to every medical malpractice case we handle. Here is what you can expect when you work with our team:
- A detailed review of your medical records. We obtain and analyze all relevant records to identify where the standard of care was not met.
- Consultation with medical professionals. We work with qualified physicians and other healthcare providers who can evaluate the treatment you received and provide the professional opinions needed to support your claim, including the Certificate of Merit required by Pennsylvania law.
- A full assessment of your damages. We look at every way the malpractice has affected your life, from medical bills and lost wages to pain, suffering, and long-term care needs.
- Skilled negotiation with insurance companies. We understand the tactics insurers use to minimize or deny claims, and we push back firmly to seek a fair settlement on your behalf.
- Trial-ready preparation. If the other side will not offer a settlement that reflects the true value of your case, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for you in the courtroom.
We know the legal process can feel unfamiliar and even intimidating. That is why we make it a priority to keep you informed about what is happening with your case and explain every step in plain language. You will always know where things stand and what comes next.
FAQs Answered by Our Conshohocken Medical Malpractice Lawyers
How much does it cost to hire a medical malpractice lawyer at Wapner Newman?
There is no upfront cost to hire our team. We handle medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you do not pay us unless we recover compensation for you. Your initial consultation is completely free.
Can I file a medical malpractice lawsuit if the error happened at a hospital outside of Conshohocken?
Yes. Pennsylvania law requires that medical malpractice cases be filed in the county where the alleged malpractice occurred. Regardless of where the error took place, our attorneys handle cases across Montgomery County, Philadelphia, and the surrounding region.
What is the Certificate of Merit, and why do I need one?
The Certificate of Merit is a legal requirement in Pennsylvania for medical malpractice cases. It is a document confirming that a qualified medical professional has reviewed your case and believes the healthcare provider's treatment fell below the accepted standard of care. It must be filed within 60 days of the initial complaint. Our team handles this process for you.
How long do medical malpractice cases typically take to resolve?
There is no single answer, because every case is different. Some cases settle in a matter of months, while more complex cases may take a year or longer, especially if they go to trial. Our team will give you a realistic timeline based on the specifics of your situation.
Can I pursue a claim if a family member died because of medical negligence?
Yes. Pennsylvania law allows surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim when a patient dies as a result of medical malpractice. These claims can help recover funeral costs, loss of financial support, and other damages. We are experienced in handling these sensitive cases with the compassion and care they require.
What if I signed a consent form before my medical procedure?
Signing a consent form does not mean you gave up your right to hold a provider accountable for negligence. Consent forms typically cover the known risks of a procedure, not errors caused by carelessness or failure to follow proper medical protocols. If you believe something went wrong during your care, it is still worth contacting us for a free evaluation. Learn about the intersection of medicine and the law in malpractice cases.
Contact Our Conshohocken Medical Malpractice Lawyers Today
If you or someone you love has been harmed by a medical error, you do not have to face this alone. The medical malpractice lawyers at Wapner Newman have been fighting for injured patients and their families for over four decades, and we are ready to fight for you.
Your case matters to us, and we will treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve from day one. Call us today at (215) 569-0900 for a free consultation. If you cannot make it to our office, we will come to you.
Let our team put our experience and dedication to work for you so that you can focus on what matters most: your health and your family's future.