Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Doctors and other trained medical professionals are the ones we turn to when we are sick or injured; we put our trust in them. One of the most difficult things to handle is when that trust is betrayed. Doctors are only human, and sometimes mistakes occur. However, when these mistakes are acts of negligence that result in injury it is completely unacceptable and it is known as medical malpractice.  A Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyer can give you crucial advice on how to proceed with your case or injury.

Medical malpractice is one of the most devastating types of personal injury and can have a significant impact on your health and well-being, emotional state, and can cause significant financial hardship. Philadelphia has had the highest number of medical malpractice cases filed in Pennsylvania year after year. Although the number of claims has lessened over the last few years, the numbers are still alarming.

Medical Malpractice Crisis in PA

Pennsylvania has had a large volume of medical malpractice cases in the past. They even went as far as to call it a medical malpractice crisis in the early 2000s. To help curb the massive filing of these cases the State Supreme Court implemented 2 necessary requirements in or to file a medical malpractice claim in Pennsylvania beginning in March 2002.

•You file your claim in the county where the alleged incident occurred. This rule is meant to eliminate a practice known as “venue shopping” where attorneys try to file cases in counties where they think jurors would be more sympathetic to their client.

•You must file a “certificate of merit” that is signed by a licensed medical professional supporting the claim. This certificate needs to declare there is a “reasonable probability” that the treatment in question failed to meet acceptable standards of care.

Since the induction of these requirements the numbers have reflected that they are helping the crisis situation. However, even though medical malpractice claims are on the decline, Philadelphia still accounted for about a fourth of these claims filed in the state in 2010. Philadelphia is home to dozens of hospitals, which most likely accounts for the high number of claims since there are thousands of medical professionals practicing in the city.

One study showed that Pennsylvania is in the top three states that are “most prone to claims and costly cases.” The report, released in 2010, found that Pennsylvania had an occurrence of 3.42 claims for every 100 occupied bed equivalents. The study also found that children’s and teaching hospitals had a higher claim severity than community hospitals and outpatient facilities. Non-profit and faith-based hospitals had the lowest severity.

If you or someone close to you has been the victim of medical malpractice you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, loss of wages, and pain and suffering. To find out all of your legal rights and options contact the Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys at Console & Hollawell. For 17 years we have fought to defend the rights of medical malpractice victims. We understand how devastating the injuries that result from these acts of negligence can be and we will do everything in our power to make sure you get the money you deserve. Call us today to set up your free, confidential consultation by calling 1-800-455-2746.

Source: http://ifawebnews.com/2010/10/25/ill-n-y-and-pa-lead-in-medical-malpractice-claims-costs/