When your doctor or other healthcare provider makes a harmful or life-threatening mistake, a medical malpractice lawsuit can hold them accountable and make sure you receive proper compensation for your losses. At Munley Law, we understand the devastating impact that medical errors can have on patients and their families. Our experienced West Chester medical malpractice attorneys have spent decades representing Pennsylvanians who have suffered because of someone else’s negligence. We are ready to get to work for you today.
If you or a loved one has experienced injuries due to medical negligence in West Chester or elsewhere in Chester County, contact Munley Law for a free consultation. Our attorneys will review your case and help you understand your legal options for pursuing compensation.
$32 Million Wrongful Death
$26 Million Truck Accident
$20 Million Commercial Vehicle Accident
$17.5 Million Car Accident
$12 Million Work Injury
$11 Million Truck Accident
$9 Million Truck Accident
$8 Million Truck Accident
$8 Million Truck Accident
$7.5 Million Auto Accident
$6.9 Million Garbage Truck Accident
$6.5 Million Traumatic Brain Injury
Holding Negligent Medical Providers Accountable in West Chester, PA
Medical negligence and malpractice can happen at any hospital, clinic, or specialist’s office. At Munley Law, we represent individuals who have been injured by medical errors throughout West Chester and surrounding communities. Our West Chester personal injury attorneys have an extensive background in Pennsylvania medical malpractice law, and we understand the regulations and standards that govern medical care in Pennsylvania.
The purpose of a medical malpractice lawsuit is to obtain justice for injured patients while preventing similar medical errors from happening to others. Our team meticulously reviews medical records, consults with qualified experts, and builds comprehensive cases that clearly show how healthcare providers failed to meet acceptable standards of care. We handle negotiations with insurance companies and defense attorneys, always prepared to take cases to trial when necessary to protect our clients’ interests.
The financial and emotional toll of medical negligence can be overwhelming. Medical bills pile up while injuries may prevent you from working. At Munley Law, we understand these pressures and work to resolve cases efficiently while maximizing compensation for our clients. We take on the legal burden so you can focus on recovery.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when healthcare professionals fail to deliver care that meets accepted professional standards. These cases arise when doctors, surgeons, nurses, hospitals, or other medical professionals make preventable errors that harm patients. While not every poor medical outcome qualifies as malpractice, providers must deliver treatment that meets the “standard of care,” or the level and type of care that other qualified professionals would provide in similar circumstances.
To prove medical malpractice in Pennsylvania, several key elements must be established:
- First, we must prove the existence of a “duty of care.” Usually this is assumed whenever there is a doctor-patient relationship.
- Second, we must show that the provider breached this duty by failing to meet the standard of care for their profession. Establishing the “standard of care” often entails consulting with medical experts in that field of medicine.
- Third, we will show that this breach directly caused injury to the patient.
- Finally, we demonstrate that you suffered damages as a result of the injury caused by the provider. These can include several different kinds of losses, from medical bills to pain and suffering.
Signs of possible medical malpractice
Signs of potential medical malpractice include unexpected complications, worsening conditions, or providers’ reluctance to explain what went wrong. Poor communication from medical staff, altered medical records, or pressure to sign documents quickly might also indicate problems with your care.
How do I know if I have a medical malpractice case?
If you suspect that you may have been a victim of medical malpractice, the best course of action is to contact the West Chester medical negligence lawyers at Munley Law for a free case evaluation. We will review the details of your situation and advise you about what to do next.
Pennsylvania law sets specific requirements for medical malpractice claims. Determining the validity of a claim involves careful review of medical records, including the treatments provided, medications prescribed, and decisions made by healthcare professionals. Our team, along with a licensed physician, carefully reviews these records, looking for inconsistencies, missing information, or evidence that providers missed warning signs. We also examine whether proper protocols were followed and if communication between medical staff was adequate.
Expert testimony strengthens medical malpractice cases by establishing the accepted standard of care and showing how providers failed to meet it. Pennsylvania requires a certificate of merit from a qualified medical professional before a case can proceed. This expert must confirm that the medical care fell below professional standards and likely caused harm to the patient.
Types of Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle in Chester County
At Munley Law, we handle a wide range of medical malpractice cases throughout Chester County.
Misdiagnosis
Diagnostic errors are one of the most common forms of medical negligence. Misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or failure to diagnose an illness can occur when doctors miss critical symptoms, fail to order appropriate tests, or misinterpret test results. When diagnoses are delayed or missed entirely, patients’ conditions can worsen without proper treatment.
Surgical errors
Surgical errors create devastating consequences for patients who trust their healthcare providers. These mistakes include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside patients, or making anesthesia errors that lead to serious complications. Post-surgical care errors can result in dangerous infections or other complications that require additional procedures and extended recovery time.
Birth injuries
Birth injuries particularly impact families as negligent care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery can cause lifelong disabilities. Conditions like cerebral palsy often result from oxygen deprivation during birth, while Erb’s palsy may occur when excessive force is used during delivery. These injuries typically require ongoing medical care and significantly affect both child and family.
Medication errors
Medication errors occur in various healthcare settings, from hospital rooms to local pharmacies. These mistakes include prescribing incorrect medications, failing to check for drug interactions, or administering wrong doses. The consequences range from mild reactions to life-threatening complications, especially in vulnerable patients or those with multiple health conditions.
Nursing home neglect
Nursing home residents face unique risks when facilities fail to provide proper care. Inadequate staffing, poor training, or negligent supervision can lead to falls, malnutrition, or untreated medical conditions. These vulnerable patients often cannot speak up for themselves, making it essential for families to recognize signs of substandard care.
What Damages Can You Recover in a West Chester Medical Malpractice Claim?
Pennsylvania law allows patients to recover several types of compensation when medical negligence causes harm.
Economic damages
Economic damages cover the direct financial impact of medical errors. These include bills for additional surgeries, medications, or rehabilitation needed to address injuries caused by negligent care. Lost wages form another significant part of economic damages, compensating patients for work time missed during recovery and any reduced earning capacity due to permanent injuries.
Future medical expenses often represent a major portion of compensation in medical malpractice cases. Many injuries require ongoing care, from regular physical therapy to lifetime assistance with daily activities. Our attorneys work with medical experts and financial planners to calculate these long-term costs, ensuring settlement demands account for all future care needs.
Non-economic damages
Non-economic damages address the personal toll of medical negligence. Physical pain from additional procedures or complications can persist for months or years. Emotional distress commonly affects patients who face unexpected health challenges due to provider errors. Loss of life quality impacts many aspects of daily living, from family relationships to favorite activities. Pennsylvania does not cap these non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases.
How much is a medical malpractice case worth?
The value of medical malpractice claims varies significantly based on factors like injury severity, long-term impact, and strength of evidence. Insurance companies often initially offer settlements that fail to cover the full extent of damages. Our experienced attorneys know how to evaluate these offers and negotiate for fair compensation that reflects all current and future needs.
Contact Munley Law to discuss the damages you may be entitled to recover. Our team will assess your case and explain how we can help pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why You Need an Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyer in West Chester
Medical malpractice cases are among the most challenging personal injury claims, requiring a deep understanding of both medicine and the law. The evidence often spans thousands of pages of medical records filled with technical terminology and detailed treatment notes. Understanding these records requires both medical knowledge and legal experience to identify where providers failed to meet accepted standards of care. At Munley Law, our attorneys work with leading medical experts to carefully analyze records, interpret documentation, and build a compelling case on your behalf.
Hospitals and insurance companies often go to great lengths to defend against malpractice claims. They often argue that complications were unavoidable risks of treatment rather than results of negligence. Insurance companies deploy teams of lawyers to dispute liability and minimize compensation.
At Munley Law, we have the skills, resources, and determination to stand up to these powerful entities. With decades of experience in medical malpractice cases, we know how to counter defense strategies, gather compelling evidence, and pursue the compensation you deserve. From expert testimony to trial preparation, we handle every detail, so you can focus on your recovery.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence, don’t face the fight alone. Contact Munley Law today to learn how we can help you achieve justice.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Medical Malpractice in Chester County
If you suspect medical malpractice has occurred during the course of your care or a family member’s care, these are some steps you can take to help protect your health and legal rights. Your first priority should be seeking additional medical care to address any complications from negligent treatment. Find a different healthcare provider who can evaluate your condition and provide necessary care.
Request complete copies of your medical records before they can be altered or become difficult to obtain. Save all bills, prescriptions, test results, and correspondence with healthcare providers. Keep a detailed journal about your symptoms, limitations, and conversations with medical staff. Photos of visible injuries or complications help demonstrate the physical impact of medical errors.
Avoid discussing your case with insurance representatives or signing any documents without legal review. Insurance companies may request recorded statements or offer quick settlements before the full extent of injuries becomes clear. These early settlement offers rarely reflect the true value of malpractice claims.
Medical facilities sometimes pressure patients to sign additional consent forms or releases after complications occur. These documents may contain language limiting your right to seek compensation. If providers or administrators request your signature on any paperwork, have it reviewed by an attorney who understands medical malpractice law.
Contact a West Chester Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
When medical negligence disrupts your life and threatens your health, you need experienced legal representation. Our West Chester medical malpractice attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these injuries take on patients and families. We offer free case evaluations to help you understand your legal options and the potential value of your claim.
You pay no upfront fees for our services. We work on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if we secure compensation for you. This arrangement allows you to focus on recovery while we handle the legal process. Our firm has the resources to advance all case-related costs, ensuring your case receives the attention it deserves.
Call Munley Law today or complete our online contact form to schedule your free consultation. Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys will review your case and explain how we can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Munley Law Personal Injury Attorneys
1617 John F Kennedy Blvd
Suite 1690,
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 515-7747