Were you or a loved one harmed by a medical professional’s mistake in Scranton, Pennsylvania? If so, call McDonald & MacGregor, LLC at (570) 209-7062 to learn about filing a medical malpractice claim for compensation.
Medical malpractice injuries can be life-changing, and dealing with the aftermath of one while you’re trying to heal can be frustrating and overwhelming. Our Scranton medical malpractice lawyers can guide you through the legal process and help you seek justice for your injuries.
We have 93 years of combined experience and have recovered millions of dollars for our clients. We’re known for our client-focused service and aggressive legal representation, both in and out of the courtroom.
Contact our Scranton medical malpractice attorneys today to schedule a free consultation to get started.
Why Choose McDonald & MacGregor, LLC To Help With My Medical Malpractice Case in Scranton, PA?
McDonald & MacGregor, LLC has built a reputation in Scranton, PA, for handling difficult medical negligence claims. We’re ready to take your case to trial if necessary to pursue the full value of your claim. Our Scranton personal injury lawyers know how to identify medical errors and prove that they caused you harm.
Medical malpractice cases can be some of the most complicated in personal injury law. They have unique filing requirements that not every attorney is capable of handling. Our legal team has secured multiple six-figure verdicts for victims of medical malpractice in the area and will work hard to maximize the value of your claim as well.
Call today to learn more about how our Scranton personal injury attorneys can help you during your free consultation.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider fails to follow the accepted standard of care, and that failure harms a patient. The standard of care refers to what a reasonably competent medical professional would have done in the same situation.
Medical malpractice can happen in many different ways, but some of the most common examples include:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors, including operating on the wrong body part
- Birth injuries caused by poor prenatal or delivery care
- Anesthesia mistakes
- Medication or dosage errors
- Failure to monitor a patient’s condition
- Discharging a patient too early
- Not obtaining informed consent
You do not need to be sure whether malpractice occurred to contact a lawyer. Our team can help evaluate your case and determine whether your provider may have violated the standard of care.
How Much Is My Scranton Medical Malpractice Case Worth?
Every medical malpractice case is different. Some involve relatively minor injuries that resolve over time, while others lead to lifelong disabilities. The value of your claim depends on the specific facts, including how the mistake affected your life.
Our lawyers will look at many factors when evaluating what your case may be worth, such as:
- The severity and permanence of your injuries
- Whether you can return to work
- The cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation
- The impact on your quality of life
- Emotional distress or trauma you’ve suffered
- The strength of your medical evidence
In serious cases, medical malpractice claims can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars or more. Talk to us today to get a better idea of your case’s potential value.
What Damages Can I Recover in a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
Victims of medical malpractice in Pennsylvania are entitled to recover full compensation for the harm they’ve suffered. The goal is to restore your financial position and acknowledge the personal losses caused by the provider’s negligence.
If your claim is successful, you may be able to recover economic damages, such as:
- Medical bills, including hospital stays and surgeries
- Future medical treatment and long-term care
- Lost wages and reduced future earning ability
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury
The other main category of damages you may potentially recover is non-economic damages, which include:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement or physical impairment
- Loss of consortium
In rare instances, punitive damages may also be available. These damages are intended to punish the provider for especially reckless or intentional conduct.
There is no cap on compensatory damages in Pennsylvania medical malpractice cases. However, punitive damages may be capped at 200% of the compensatory damages awarded, and 25% of the punitive award goes to the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Fund.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer?
At McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, we understand that medical malpractice injuries can create serious financial stress. That’s why we represent clients on a contingency fee basis.
That means you can hire us without paying anything upfront, and you also won’t have to pay any hourly rates or flat fees. We only receive attorney’s fees if we successfully handle your case, whether through a jury verdict or settlement.
This fee arrangement allows anyone to access top-tier legal representation, regardless of their financial circumstances. We’ll also explain all terms clearly when you contact us so that there are no surprises.
Can I Still Recover Damages if I Was Partly at Fault for My Medical Malpractice Injury?
Pennsylvania follows a modified comparative negligence rule. Under this law, you typically still recover compensation for your injuries as long as you were less than 51% responsible for your harm.
If you are found partially at fault, your financial award may be reduced in proportion to your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you were awarded $500,000 but are found to be 20% at fault, you might only receive $400,000.
In medical malpractice cases, healthcare providers and insurers may try to blame patients for things like missing follow-up visits, ignoring medical advice, or contributing to their conditions. A skilled Scranton personal injury attorney can help protect your rights and fight back against these tactics.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Medical Malpractice Injuries in Scranton, PA
McDonald & MacGregor, LLC has handled a wide range of medical malpractice cases throughout Pennsylvania. Whether you were harmed in a hospital, doctor’s office, or other medical facility, we’re here to help.
Our team can assist with medical malpractice cases involving:
- Surgical mistakes
- Emergency room errors
- Nursing negligence
- Hospital-acquired infections
- Birth injuries
- Cancer misdiagnosis
- Medication administration errors
- Failure to diagnose heart attacks or strokes
- Radiology and lab result errors
- Failure to provide follow-up care
- Medical device and equipment failures
If you don’t see your exact situation listed, don’t worry. These are just examples, so we encourage you to call and speak with us about your specific case. We’ll give you honest feedback during your free consultation.
What Is Medical Negligence and How Do I Prove It?
Medical malpractice is a form of professional negligence. To win a case, you generally must show that the healthcare provider failed to act with the skill and care that a competent provider would have used under similar circumstances.
In legal terms, your claim must establish these four elements:
- Duty of care: The provider had a professional obligation to treat you.
- Breach of duty: The provider’s actions or omissions fell below the accepted medical standard of care.
- Causation: The provider’s mistake caused your injury or worsened your condition.
- Damages: You suffered harm as a result, such as physical injury, financial loss, or emotional distress.
Proving these elements usually requires expert testimony from another qualified medical professional. That’s why our Scranton medical malpractice attorneys work with respected specialists in relevant medical fields to support our clients’ claims.
How Long Do I Have To File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania statute of limitations for most medical malpractice lawsuits is two years. This means you typically have two years from the date you discovered, or reasonably should have discovered, the injury to file a claim. There are exceptions that can adjust this time limit, but only for rare cases.
It’s important to act quickly, as filing too late can result in losing your right to recover damages. Our Scranton medical malpractice lawyers can help determine precisely how much time you have left based on the specifics of your case.
Contact Our Scranton Medical Malpractice Attorneys for a Free Case Review
Medical errors can cause immense suffering, but the law entitles you to file a legal claim against the responsible doctor or other medical professional. At McDonald & MacGregor, LLC, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Our Scranton medical malpractice attorneys have decades of experience holding negligent healthcare providers accountable. We’ve recovered millions for victims throughout Pennsylvania and are prepared to fight just as hard for you.
If you believe you or a loved one were injured by a medical mistake, don’t wait. Contact our law offices today to schedule a free consultation.
