Navigating Medical Malpractice: Steps to Take When Medical Errors Occur

Legally reviewed by:
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
December 8, 2024
patient sitting

Patients often rely on medical professionals when they are in their most vulnerable states. Whether you are suffering from an injury or illness, you are trusting doctors and their medical staff to treat you with professionalism and care. Unfortunately, countless doctors and surgeons make critical mistakes that can cause the patient to suffer even more. If you have suffered due to the negligence of a medical professional, you may be able to pursue compensation through a medical malpractice claim. Your first step to take following a medical error should be to consult with a medical malpractice lawyer. As you work with your lawyer, you will gather your medical records, identify the liable parties, and file your claim.

At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., we have helped numerous clients recover compensation from negligent medical professionals. We understand how intimidating it can be to bring a medical malpractice claim against a medical professional or even a hospital, and we are prepared to walk with you through every step of your case.

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional negligently causes harm to a patient. When most people think of medical malpractice, they may think of a surgeon negligently leaving surgical instruments inside a patient’s body. However, medical malpractice does not always depend on what a doctor or surgeon does. Medical malpractice could be established by what a medical professional fails to do. For example, a doctor could fail to diagnose someone properly, which could lead to a worsened illness or preventable death.

There are several common examples of medical malpractice in today’s healthcare industry. Some patients experience anesthesia and medication errors during surgery. If a person is overdosed with anesthesia, the results can be catastrophic. Another example of medical malpractice occurs during birth. Many doctors fail to react quickly enough to certain situations during a birth, which can lead to harm for the mother or child. Additionally, the failure to diagnose a patient properly is a very common type of medical error. Finally, hospital negligence and surgical errors often lead to medical malpractice claims.

What Steps Should You Take When Medical Errors Occur?

If you have experienced a medical error and suffered as a result, you need to take certain steps to bring a medical malpractice claim against the negligent party that harmed you. With the help of a medical malpractice lawyer, you may be able to recover compensation for the harm you have experienced at the hands of a medical professional. The following are the steps you should take when medical errors occur:

  • Contact an Attorney: You should contact a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible after a medical error occurs. Your lawyer will be able to guide you and support you throughout the entire process of filing a medical malpractice claim.
  • Obtain Detailed Records: You should obtain copies of your medical records for your lawyer to review. This step is very important because your medical records will serve as evidence in your case. 
  • Identify Liable Parties: Your medical malpractice lawyer will investigate the facts of your case and determine which individuals and/or entities can be held liable in a lawsuit. Whether or not you can sue the hospital may depend on the negligent medical professional’s employment status or lack thereof at the hospital. 
  • File a Claim: Your lawyer should ensure you file your medical malpractice claim within the applicable statute of limitations. It is important that you have a lawyer assist you so that all of the procedural requirements are met when filing your claim.

Victims of medical malpractice deserve to be compensated for their injuries. If you have suffered due to a medical error, you should not hesitate to reach out to a talented medical malpractice lawyer for help. Your lawyer will work with you to hold the negligent parties liable for their medical malpractice.

Contact the Lawyers With Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., to Discuss Your Medical Malpractice Case Today

Medical malpractice is serious because the victims often suffer lifelong consequences due to negligent medical errors. Medical malpractice can even result in death to the victim. This is why it is crucial to hold the responsible parties liable. Victims of medical malpractice can pursue compensation through a medical malpractice claim, and they should do so with the help of an attorney who can guide them through the process. Our medical malpractice lawyers are ready to assist you today.

At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., our team is dedicated to obtaining the financial compensation that victims of medical malpractice deserve. To schedule a consultation, please call (215) 822-7575 or fill out our contact form.


Legally reviewed by:
Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C.
Pennsylvania Attorney's
December 8, 2024
Established in 1952 by Irwin S. Rubin, Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford P.C. boasts over 65 years of experience serving clients throughout Pennsylvania. Renowned for its commitment to ethical representation, the firm has garnered prestigious accolades, including being named the "Best Law Firm" for its outstanding legal defense work by U.S. News & World Report. Their team of seasoned attorneys, recognized as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers and Rising Stars, brings unparalleled expertise to a wide range of legal matters, ensuring exceptional representation for individuals, families, businesses, and organizations.