What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical Malpractice is, “bad, wrong, or injudicious treatment of a patient, professionally and in respect to the particular disease or injury, resulting. in injury, unnecessary suffering, or death to the patient, and proceeding from ignorance, carelessness, want of proper professional skill, disregard of established rules or principles, neglect, or a malicious or criminal intent .” (Black’s Law Dictionary 1111. 4th Ed. Rev. 1968). Like general malpractice, it refers to negligence in a professional setting. However, it is limited to healthcare providers, such as a doctor or hospital.
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the applicable standard of care, intentionally or unintentionally, and harms a patient. Cases such as Napier v. Greenzweig show that medical malpractice can be as blatant as ignoring understood rules, or it can be a mistake like a severe surgical error or a misdiagnosis. Medical malpractice is considered to be a serious issue, and healthcare providers found liable for malpractice often pay extensive damages. Occasionally, a doctor may lose their license to practice medicine if malpractice is severe enough or repeated.
Fully understanding cases of medical malpractice often involves some level of medical knowledge. Because of this, it is difficult to prove medical malpractice in court, and expert witnesses are typically needed to testify about a healthcare provider’s negligence.
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What Does a Wrongful Death Lawyer Do?
When faced with the tragic loss of a loved one due to someone else’s negligence or wrongful actions, understanding how a wrongful death lawyer can help becomes essential. These legal professionals specialize in wrongful death claims, guiding families through the legal process while advocating for their rights.
A wrongful death attorney helps families file their claims and build strong cases. They work diligently to gather evidence and establish who was at fault. They also fight to secure fair compensation for the family’s devastating losses. The process involves a thorough investigation of the death. They often bring in expert witnesses to strengthen the case. Throughout the process, they handle all negotiations with insurance companies.
Each element plays a vital role in building a compelling case to, ultimately, hold the responsible parties accountable. With a focus on both legal expertise and compassionate support, […]
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Who Gets the Money in a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
If you have recently lost a loved one in a tragic accident, you may be wondering how a wrongful death claim works and who gets the money. Wrongful death settlements are paid to the family members following a victim’s death due to someone else’s negligence. When an immediate family member, like a parent or spouse, dies, there is a huge financial and emotional impact. Wrongful death suits work to provide financial support to those who were dependent on the decedent.
Understanding Wrongful Death Lawsuits
Wrongful death claims are a type of civil lawsuit where a deceased person’s surviving family members can recover damages if their loved one’s death was the result of another person’s wrongful act, neglect, unlawful violence, or negligence. While the most common wrongful death lawsuits are related to car accidents and motorcycle accidents, […]
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What Is the Average Payout in a Wrongful Death Settlement?
A loved one’s untimely passing is always a painful experience. If your loved one passed because someone else was negligent, while nothing can bring them back, it’s important to understand that compensation may be available for various losses associated with their death.
Filing a wrongful death lawsuit allows surviving loved ones of a wrongful death victim to seek compensation for everything from
the direct financial losses of death to the emotional distress that might be more difficult to quantify after a tragic loss.
There is no standardized or officially tracked average payout for wrongful death settlements, as each case is uniquely influenced by factors such as the deceased’s age, income, future earning potential, and the circumstances of their death. Wrongful death settlements can vary dramatically based on multiple variables, including the jurisdiction’s laws, the severity of negligence involved, and whether the case involves auto accidents, […]
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Munley Law Earns Tier 1 Rankings From Best Law Firms® in 2025
Munley Law is pleased to announce it has been recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms® in five practice areas.
Founded in 1959, Munley Law is a national leader in personal injury law. Our personal injury lawyers have been listed in Best Lawyers in America® and Pennsylvania Super Lawyers® and have earned board certifications from the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
Munley Law received the following Regional Tier 1 rankings in the 2025 Best Law Firms® for Northeastern Pennsylvania:
- Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimants
- Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
- Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
- Insurance Law
Earlier this year, nine of our personal injury attorneys were named to The 2025 Best Lawyers in America® list. […]
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Can I Sue My Doctor for Medical Malpractice If I Contracted Sepsis?
If you were provided medical care and that care resulted in contracting sepsis, you may be able to sue your doctor for medical malpractice. However, your ability to file a medical malpractice lawsuit for sepsis depends on the specific details of your case. To have a medical malpractice claim, a healthcare professional must have deviated from the expected standard of care, leading to your illness or injury.
The medical malpractice lawyers at Munley Law can help you understand your legal options if you’ve become ill or injured after medical care.
Elements of a Medical Malpractice Case for Sepsis
Understanding the essential elements of a claim is key to successfully pursuing a lawsuit in medical malpractice cases like sepsis. In any personal injury case, the plaintiff must show four elements to prove that the medical professional or facility was responsible for the sepsis: duty of care, […]
