Medical Malpractice Litigation

Medical Malpractice Litigation Services

Leeson & Leeson handles all aspects of civil trial and appellate practice. As the Lehigh Valley's premier litigation attorney, Joseph F. Leeson, III represents both Plaintiffs and Defendants in Pennsylvania state and federal courts. From the initiation of a lawsuit through all stages of appellate procedure, Leeson & Leeson is prepared to litigate your case to its conclusion. Below are some primary areas of litigation that Leeson and Leeson is prepared to handle:

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is a concerning issue that can have devastating consequences for patients and their families. When healthcare professionals fail to meet the standard of care expected within their field, it can lead to serious injuries, prolonged illnesses, or even loss of life. In such cases, victims and their loved ones have the right to seek compensation for the harm caused by medical negligence. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, nurse, surgeon, or healthcare institution, deviates from the accepted standard of care while treating a patient. The standard of care refers to the level of competence and diligence that a reasonably skilled and prudent healthcare professional would provide in similar circumstances. If a healthcare provider's actions fall below this standard, and it results in harm to the patient, it can be classified as medical malpractice.

Medical malpractice can manifest in various forms, some of which include:

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Failing to correctly diagnose a condition or delaying the diagnosis can lead to worsened health outcomes, missed treatment opportunities, and undue suffering.
Surgical Errors: Mistakes made during surgical procedures, such as operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside the patient, or improper surgical techniques, can cause severe complications and harm.
Medication Errors: Administering the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or neglecting to consider potential drug interactions can have harmful effects on the patient's health.
Birth Injuries: Negligence during prenatal care or childbirth can result in birth injuries, affecting both the mother and the child for the rest of their lives.

Victims of medical malpractice often endure physical pain, emotional distress, financial burden, and, in the worst cases, permanent disabilities or loss of life. Families can suffer significant emotional and financial strain due to medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care for the affected individual. Seeking legal help becomes crucial to ensure accountability and fair compensation for these damages. If you feel that you have been injured as a result of the negligent actions of a medical professional, it is important to contact an experienced lawyer at Leeson & Leeson to evaluate your case and advocate for you.

In a medical malpractice case, victims can claim various types of damages, which are intended to compensate them for the losses and harm they have suffered due to the negligence of a healthcare professional or institution. These damages are grouped into 2 primary categories: economic damages and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages: These tangible, quantifiable losses can be directly measured in financial terms. Examples of economic damages include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes all past, present, and future medical costs incurred as a result of the malpractice. It covers expenses such as hospitalization, surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, therapy, and any other necessary medical treatments.
- Lost Wages: If the victim is unable to work or needs to take time off due to the injuries caused by the malpractice, they can claim compensation for lost wages. This may also include lost earning capacity if the injuries lead to a permanent disability that affects their ability to work in the future.
- Property Damage: In some cases, medical malpractice can cause damage to personal property, such as medical devices, prosthetics, or other equipment. Victims can seek reimbursement for the repair or replacement of such items.
- Home Modifications and Accommodations: If the victim requires modifications to their home or accommodations to meet their new medical needs, they can claim these expenses.
- Additional Expenses: This category includes any other out-of-pocket costs incurred as a direct result of the malpractice, such as transportation costs to medical appointments or home care services.
Non-Economic Damages: Non-economic damages are more subjective and harder to quantify as they address the emotional and intangible losses experienced by the victim. These include:
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress endured by the victim due to the malpractice.
- Emotional Distress: This encompasses compensation for mental distress, unease, despondency, and other psychological or emotional suffering inflicted as a result of the misconduct.
- Loss of Consortium: In some jurisdictions, the spouse or immediate family members of the victim may be entitled to claim damages for the loss of companionship, support, and services resulting from the injuries or death caused by medical malpractice.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If the victim's injuries result in a diminished quality of life or the inability to engage in activities they once enjoyed, they can claim compensation for this loss.
- Punitive Damages: On occasion, if the actions of healthcare providers are purposeful, careless, or exhibit extreme negligence, the court may grant punitive damages. These damages are designed not only to penalize the defendant but also to dissuade such conduct in the future.

It's important to note that the laws regarding medical malpractice and the types of damages that can be claimed vary by jurisdiction. Additionally, some states may have caps or limits on certain types of damages, especially non-economic damages, to prevent excessive awards. An experienced medical malpractice attorney at Leeson & Leeson can help assess the specific circumstances of the case and determine the appropriate damages to seek on behalf of the victim.

Medical malpractice cases are complex and require expert legal representation. The skilled medical malpractice attorneys at Leeson & Leeson have the knowledge and experience to investigate the incident thoroughly, gather evidence, consult medical experts, and build a strong case on your behalf. They will strive to advocate vigorously on your behalf and, if necessary, pursue the case in court to secure justice for how you have been wronged.

Over fifty years ago the Leeson law practice was built on three fundamental pillars that continue to guide the law firm today: the deliberate commitment to the growth and development of others, an unwavering dedication to integrity, and a dedication to strong work ethic. Clients who seek legal services from Leeson & Leeson will be provided with legal services that meet, or exceed, the levels of proficiency that the Leeson family has maintained for the last fifty years.

Leeson & Leeson represents people throughout all of Eastern Pennsylvania, including those in Lehigh, Northampton, Bucks, Schuylkill, Carbon, and Monroe counties. Leeson & Leeson's law office is conveniently located in the heart of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. If you are in need of an experienced litigation lawyer, be sure to contact the legal team at Leeson & Lesson today.