Everyone makes mistakes, and many can be excused. However, when mistakes endanger your health or life, you will need the help of an experienced law firm.

A HealthGrades Patient Safety in American Hospitals study found that 195,000 people in the United States died due to potentially preventable, in-hospital medical errors in each of years 2000, 2001 and 2002. The study is the first to look at the mortality and economic impact of medical errors and injuries that occurred during Medicare hospital admissions nationwide from 2000 to 2002.
Although the most sensational cases tend to make the news, medical malpractice covers almost any error a doctor or any other health-care provider (hospital, nurse, etc.) might make in treating a patient. Maybe the doctor gives a wrong diagnosis, orders the wrong kind of treatment, orders treatment to begin too early or too late, or makes a mistake while treating the patient. All of these errors are considered "malpractice".

The incidence of medical errors means that each day, between 121-268 people die as a result of errors. This exceeds the number killed in traffic accidents per year (43,450) or those who die yearly from breast cancer (42,300). In addition to this, medical errors can cause birth trauma, brain injury, paralysis, amputation, disability and disfigurement.

Just a few examples of medical mistakes are:

• Failure to protect a patient from a fall or other injury on hospital property.
• Failure to administer medications properly.
• Failure to manage a pregnancy or deliver a baby in a safe manner.
• Failure to properly treat a patient's medical condition.
• Misdiagnosis of a medical condition.

The HealthGrades study shows that previous reports may have underestimated the number of deaths due to medical errors, and that there is little evidence that patient safety has improved in the last five years.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical negligence by a healthcare provider, contact Munley, Munley and Cartwright. Only an experienced lawyer who knows Pennsylvania's intricate medical malpractice laws, the court system and individual rights can effectively prove your physical and/or mental injury under state laws. Our medical malpractice lawyers will evaluate your case thoroughly and explore all potential sources of recovery. We will help you decide your best course of action and we will develop the best legal strategy for demonstrating your claim. Most cases are brought before an arbitration panel prior to court. It is always advisable to be represented by an attorney during arbitration.

We have offices conveniently located in Stroudsburg, Carbondale, Hamlin, Hazleton, Scranton, and Wilkes-Barre, PA. We have the benefit of the local presence within and knowledge of the local legal communities where medical malpractice matters are litigated. Our firm has built a reputation over 40 years in the courts within Lackawana, Monroe, Schuylkill, Wayne, Luzerne, and Wyoming counties. Our goal is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients.

Contact us now for a free claim evaluation. 1-800-318-LAW1