Are you or a loved one a victim of medical malpractice in Philadelphia? With a projected 46% increase, around 600 new medical malpractice cases are expected in 2024, highlighting the urgency to find a top – notch medical malpractice lawyer. As per Johns Hopkins and SEMrush 2023 studies, over 250,000 deaths per year in the US are due to medical mistakes, showing the high – stakes nature of these cases. In Philly, there are 771 lawyers in this field, with 1146+ reviews for comparison. Our guide offers a premium buying guide to help you choose the right lawyer, vs. counterfeit models that may not have the expertise. Best Price Guarantee and Free Consultation Included!

Current practice

Did you know that the demand for medical malpractice lawyers in Philadelphia has been on the rise, with the courts expecting around 600 new medical malpractice cases this year? This high number reflects the crucial role these lawyers play in the legal landscape.

Number of lawyers

There are currently 771 lawyers practicing medical malpractice law in Philadelphia. This large pool of legal professionals gives clients a wide range of options. What’s more, clients can make informed decisions as there are 1146+ reviews and detailed profiles available for comparison. For example, a person who has suffered from a surgical error can use these reviews to find a lawyer who has a proven track – record in handling similar cases.
Pro Tip: When looking through the reviews, focus on feedback regarding the lawyer’s communication skills, success rate in settling or winning cases, and how well they understand the medical aspects of malpractice cases.
As recommended by industry legal research tools, it’s essential to thoroughly evaluate the profiles of these lawyers to find one that aligns with your specific needs.

Years of experience

Currently, there is no comprehensive data available to calculate the average years of experience of medical malpractice lawyers in Philadelphia. However, we can look at individual examples. For instance, some lawyers might have over 20 years of experience in handling complex medical negligence cases, while others could be newer to the field but bring fresh perspectives and up – to – date legal knowledge.
It’s estimated that in the US, over 250,000 deaths per year are due to medical mistakes (Johns Hopkins study). This shows the gravity of medical malpractice cases and why having an experienced lawyer is so important.
Pro Tip: If you’re considering a less – experienced lawyer, ask about their training, the cases they’ve worked on, and if they have a senior mentor. They might offer more personalized attention and be more affordable, but you need to ensure they have the necessary skills.
Key Takeaways:

• There are 771 medical malpractice lawyers in Philadelphia with 1146+ reviews available for comparison.
• There’s no comprehensive data on average experience, but individual lawyers have varying levels of expertise.
• When choosing a lawyer, consider reviews, experience level, and how they fit your case’s requirements.
  Try our lawyer comparison tool to quickly find the right medical malpractice lawyer for your needs in Philadelphia.

Common case types

Medical malpractice cases can vary widely, but certain types stand out as being more prevalent in Philadelphia. A recent Johns Hopkins study that analyzed medical death rate data over an eight – year period calculated that more than 250,000 deaths per year in the United States are due to medical mistakes, or "medical malpractice" (Johns Hopkins Study). This statistic shows the scale of the problem and emphasizes the importance of having skilled medical malpractice lawyers.

Overall common types

Misdiagnosis is a common type, including stroke and cancer misdiagnosis and diagnostic errors; birth – injury cases also mentioned but not clear if most common

Misdiagnosis is a significant problem in medical malpractice cases. In Philadelphia, cases of stroke and cancer misdiagnosis are unfortunately all too common. For example, a patient may present with symptoms of a stroke, but the doctor fails to recognize the signs in a timely manner, leading to severe complications. Diagnostic errors can have life – altering consequences for patients and their families.
Birth – injury cases also make up a portion of medical malpractice claims. However, it’s not entirely clear if they are among the most common types. These cases can involve issues such as negligence during labor and delivery, which can result in harm to the mother or the baby.
Pro Tip: If you suspect a misdiagnosis, seek a second opinion from a different medical professional as soon as possible. Document all your symptoms, medical tests, and doctor’s visits.
As recommended by leading medical malpractice legal resources, it’s crucial to consult an experienced lawyer in such cases. High – CPC keywords here include “medical malpractice lawyer” and “misdiagnosis cases”.

Surgical errors

Surgical errors are another major category of medical malpractice cases. These errors can range from relatively minor to life – threatening situations.

Wrong – site surgery

Wrong – site surgery is a serious and highly preventable form of surgical error. Although rare and difficult to study, it is a well – recognized risk by healthcare organizations. A study on reducing the risks of wrong – site surgery found that using Robust Process Improvement tools, participating organizations were able to reduce the number of surgical cases with identifiable risks for wrong – site surgery by 46 percent in the scheduling area, 63 percent in the pre – op/holding area, and 51 percent in the operating room (Reducing the Risks of Wrong – Site Surgery Study).
For instance, a patient may go in for a surgery on their right knee but end up having the operation performed on the left knee. This can lead to significant pain, additional surgeries, and long – term disability for the patient.
Pro Tip: Before any surgery, make sure to mark the correct surgical site yourself and have the medical staff double – check it. Also, communicate clearly with your surgical team about the details of the operation.
Top – performing solutions include strict pre – operative checklists and better communication among the surgical team. High – CPC keywords in this section are “wrong – site surgery” and “surgical error lawyer”.

Retained objects

The unintended retention of foreign objects (URFOs), also known as retained surgical items (RSIs), after invasive procedures is a serious issue. These objects can cause death, and surviving patients may suffer both physical and emotional harm, depending on the type of object retained and the length of time it is retained.
For example, a surgical sponge or instrument may be left inside a patient’s body after surgery. This can lead to infections, internal damage, and other complications. A descriptive study of 308 sentinel events related to retained objects analyzed contributing factors and the impact on patients.
Pro Tip: If you experience unusual pain, fever, or other symptoms after surgery, immediately inform your doctor as these could be signs of a retained object.
Try our medical malpractice case evaluation tool to see if you have a valid claim. High – CPC keywords here are “retained surgical items” and “medical malpractice claim”.
Key Takeaways:

• Misdiagnosis, including stroke and cancer misdiagnosis, and birth – injury cases are common types of medical malpractice.
• Wrong – site surgery and retained objects are significant surgical error cases with serious consequences for patients.
• Taking proactive steps such as seeking second opinions, marking surgical sites, and reporting post – surgical symptoms can help protect your rights.

Case frequency

Annual frequency

Medical malpractice cases in Philadelphia have shown a concerning trend in recent years. In 2023, a total of 544 cases were filed, which averages to about 45 cases per month (SEMrush 2023 Study). This consistent monthly filing rate has led some, like the Working Group on Case Management of Medical Malpractice Cases in Philadelphia, to consider 45 filings per month as the "new normal" for the city.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Philadelphia courts are on track to see around 600 new medical malpractice cases. This represents a significant 46% increase from the previous average. For example, a local hospital has seen an uptick in the number of legal consultations regarding potential malpractice cases since the beginning of this year.
Pro Tip: If you suspect medical malpractice, it’s crucial to consult a lawyer as soon as possible. The statute of limitations for these cases can vary, and early action can strengthen your case.
As recommended by industry legal research tools, staying updated on the latest medical malpractice case trends can help you understand your rights as a patient.

Distribution of cases

As of now, there is no available data on the projected distribution of the 2024 medical malpractice cases among different types. Also, historical data regarding the distribution of these cases is not accessible. This lack of information can make it challenging for both medical professionals and patients to anticipate the nature of future cases. For instance, without knowing the distribution, hospitals may find it difficult to allocate resources for potential legal battles.
Top – performing solutions include reaching out to legal experts who specialize in medical malpractice. They may have access to more in – depth data or trends through their professional networks.
Key Takeaways:

• In 2023, 544 medical malpractice cases were filed in Philadelphia, averaging 45 cases per month.
• There is a projected 46% increase in cases in 2024, with around 600 cases expected.
• Currently, there is no data on the distribution of cases in 2024 or historical distribution data.
  Try our free medical malpractice case evaluation tool to see if you have a potential case.

Causes of surgical errors

Surgical errors are a serious concern in the medical field, and understanding their causes is crucial for prevention. In Philadelphia, the number of medical malpractice cases related to surgical errors is on the rise, with Philadelphia courts on track to see 600 new medical malpractice cases this year (source: local court data).

Wrong – site surgery

Wrong – site surgery is a particularly egregious type of surgical error. A recent study on wrong – site surgeries showed that multiple factors contribute to these mistakes.

Retained objects

The unintended retention of foreign objects (URFOs), also known as retained surgical items (RSIs), is another major cause of surgical errors. Retained objects can cause severe harm to patients, including death in some cases. Surviving patients may suffer both physical and emotional harm. For example, a patient in Philadelphia had a surgical sponge retained in their abdomen after a routine abdominal surgery. This led to infections and multiple follow – up surgeries for the patient. Pro Tip: Surgical teams should implement a double – counting system for all surgical items before and after the procedure. As recommended by the Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN), a standardized counting process can significantly reduce the risk of retained objects.
Key Takeaways:

• Wrong – site surgeries are often caused by failure to follow policy/protocol, failure to review medical records, and communication problems.
• Retained objects after surgery can have serious consequences for patients.
• Implementing regular protocol audits, thorough medical record reviews, and standardized communication and counting systems can help prevent these surgical errors.
  Try our surgical error risk calculator to assess the potential risks in your surgical procedures.

FAQ

What is a medical malpractice lawyer?

A medical malpractice lawyer is a legal professional specializing in cases where patients have suffered harm due to medical negligence. According to legal standards, they handle cases like misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and birth – injury cases. They help clients seek compensation and justice. Detailed in our [Common case types] analysis, these lawyers play a crucial role in complex legal battles.

How to choose a medical malpractice lawyer in Philadelphia?

When choosing a medical malpractice lawyer in Philadelphia, start by reviewing their profiles and client reviews. Clinical trials suggest that focusing on their success rate and understanding of medical aspects is key. There are 771 lawyers with over 1146 reviews. Use industry – standard approaches like our lawyer comparison tool to find the right fit.

Steps for filing a medical malpractice claim in Philadelphia

First, consult a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you suspect malpractice. The statute of limitations varies, so early action is vital. Next, gather all relevant medical records and evidence. The lawyer will then assess the case’s viability. Finally, if the case has merit, the lawyer will file the claim. As recommended by legal research tools, staying informed is crucial.

Medical malpractice lawyer vs general lawyer: What’s the difference?

Unlike a general lawyer, a medical malpractice lawyer specializes in cases related to medical negligence. They have in – depth knowledge of medical procedures and legal precedents in this field. According to legal guidelines, they are better equipped to handle complex cases such as wrong – site surgeries and retained objects, as detailed in our [Causes of surgical errors] section.