Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Malpractice in Pennsylvania
What Qualifies as Medical Malpractice?
A healthcare provider deviating from the accepted standard of care, causing injury. This includes misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, birth injuries, and hospital-acquired infections from negligence.
How Do I Know If I Have a Case?
If a provider made an error that caused injury and a different competent doctor would have handled it differently. Pennsylvania requires a Certificate of Merit from a qualified medical expert.
What Is the Certificate of Merit Requirement?
Within 60 days of filing, your attorney must certify that a licensed professional reviewed the case and confirmed a reasonable basis for the claim.
How Long Do I Have to File?
2 years from the malpractice or from when you discovered the injury. For minors, the deadline does not start until age 18. There is a 7-year statute of repose.
How Much Are Med Mal Cases Worth?
Cases regularly settle for substantial amounts depending on the severity of harm. Pennsylvania has no cap on compensatory damages in medical malpractice.
Can I Sue a Hospital?
Yes. Hospitals are liable for employee negligence, negligent credentialing, understaffing, and defective equipment.