The Role of Expert Witnesses in Medical Malpractice Lawsuits: Importance and Selection

When you are faced with the daunting prospect of a medical malpractice lawsuit in Pennsylvania, understanding the intricacies can be overwhelming. One of the most important elements of these types of cases is the role of expert witnesses. These individuals are more than just voices¾they are the cornerstone upon which many cases pivot.

Why are expert witnesses so significant in medical malpractice lawsuits, and how does one go about selecting the best possible witness?

The Importance of Expert Witnesses

Imagine you are in the midst of a legal battle. Your case hinges on complex medical knowledge, which requires more than just a keen legal mind to interpret. This is where expert witnesses shine. They possess the specialized knowledge that can make or break your case, translating medical jargon and procedures into clear, understandable information that a jury can grasp.

These experts provide testimony on whether the standard of care was breached and if this breach resulted in harm. In Pennsylvania's legal landscape, their testimony is not just helpful, but often required to establish the fundamental arguments of your claim. Without them, even the best medical malpractice lawyers in Pennsylvania might struggle to convey the nuances of your situation.

Selecting the Right Expert Witness

The process of selecting an expert witness is crucial. A good medical malpractice lawyer will vet potential experts to ensure they have the necessary credentials and experience. But it's not just about their resume. The expert must also be able to present their knowledge clearly and convincingly in court.

In Pennsylvania, the expert must typically work in the same field as the defendant. This ensures that they are well-versed in the applicable standards of care. Your lawyer, possibly a seasoned pi attorney with a track record of handling such cases, will seek-out an expert whose expertise aligns with the specifics of your case.

The Selection Criteria

Expert witnesses must meet several criteria to be considered credible. They must have current knowledge and practice in their specialty, as this lends weight to their testimony. Moreover, they should have experience in the particular procedure or treatment in question. The best medical malpractice lawyers also will consider the expert's previous experience with legal cases and their ability to stay composed under cross-examination.

Toward this end, a good medical malpractice lawyer will evaluate the expert's demeanor and communication skills. They must be able to connect with the jury and articulate complex medical concepts in a relatable way.

Working with Your Lawyer

Your role in this process, while more passive, is still significant. Trusting your attorney's judgment and providing them with all the necessary information can help them select the most fitting expert witness for your case. Remember, a strong collaboration between you, your lawyer, and your expert witness can significantly influence the outcome of your lawsuit.

In conclusion, the selection and use of expert witnesses in medical malpractice lawsuits are fundamental to the success of your case. If you are in Delaware County, Chester County, or Lancaster County, and find yourself needing assistance, reaching out to the best medical malpractice lawyers in Pennsylvania who can provide you with a good medical malpractice lawyer should be your first step. With the right team and expert witness on your side, you stand a much stronger chance of navigating the complexities of medical malpractice law and achieving a favorable outcome.

This blog was originally posted on https://pa4law.com/the-role-of-expert-witnesses-in-medical-malpractice-lawsuits-importance-and-selection/

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Difference Between Medical Malpractice and Wrongful Death Claim

 

Understanding important distinctions between different types of personal injury claims can give you vital insight into how specific legal concepts may apply in your case. If you’ve lost a loved one and believe it was due to medical malpractice, there may be several avenues you can pursue to recover compensation. Typically, attorneys at medical malpractice law firms are also experienced in handling wrongful death claims. They can help you understand the differences and advise you of your options.

Medical Malpractice vs. Wrongful Death

Just because someone passed-away while under the care of a medical professional does not mean that their death warrants a wrongful death action. Knowing the definitions of medical malpractice and wrongful death can help you recognize whether you may have a cause of action after the death of a loved one.

Medical malpractice happens when a health care professional fails to provide a reasonable standard of care, and a patient is injured or killed as a direct result. Medical providers may include physicians, nurses, pharmacists, hospitals and health systems.

Some examples of medical malpractice include:

- Misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose

- Surgical or anesthesia errors

- Medication errors

- Birth injuries

Wrongful death occurs when a person dies as the result of an individual’s or entity’s negligence or misconduct. A wrongful death claim can arise from a variety of circumstances, including medical malpractice, car accidents, slip and fall incidents, and other situations.

Damages Available in Each Type of Claim

A significant difference between medical malpractice and wrongful death claims is the type of damages you may recover. Many states also put limits on the dollar amount of damages that may be recovered in a medical malpractice claim. If you want to be compensated for funeral and burial expenses and loss of future income, inheritance, companionship, guidance, care, and mental anguish due to your loved one’s death, you must file a wrongful death claim. Before filing any kind of claim, it is always a good idea to speak with an experienced PI attorney.

What is a Survival Action?

When someone dies as the result of medical malpractice, their loved ones or estate may be able to bring a survival action against a negligent medical provider. A survival claim is for the damages your deceased loved one suffered. This may include medical bills and any pain and suffering they experienced from the time the negligent act occurred until the time of their death. In essence, pursuing a survival action is like bringing a medical malpractice claim on behalf of your loved one.

Which Type of Claim Should You File?

It can be confusing to determine which type of claim is appropriate in your case. In some states, only the personal representative of a person’s estate can bring medical malpractice or wrongful death claims on the family’s behalf. Settlement caps and statutes of limitations for medical malpractice claims and wrongful death actions may be different as well, so it is important to act fast if you believe your loved one’s death was caused by medical negligence. An accident injury lawyer can determine whether you have a viable claim and advise you of possible options for recovering compensation.

If you have questions about medical malpractice or wrongful death, contact a personal injury lawyer today.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/difference-between-medical-malpractice-and-wrongful-death-claim/

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Things You Should Know If You Are Accused Of False Medical Malpractice Claims

Health care professionals dread being accused of medical malpractice. Even if the accusation is false, it can be devastating both personally and professionally. There are steps you can take to protect yourself from these claims, and a good medical malpractice lawyer can suggest avenues of defense that can help to bring the case to the desired outcome.

Complete and up-to-date medical records

As they say, the best defense is a great offense. In terms of medical care, this means thorough documentation of every case, and of course, up-to-date charts. Your medical office must have and enforce a standard method of documenting cases that everyone in the office is required to follow. Do not leave charts to be finished at a later date, as they may not get finished properly. If any change or correction is made to a chart, you must document when and by whom it was made. Should you be the focus of a medical malpractice claim, do not alter the charts pertaining to that patient.

Obtaining effective representation

Do not ignore a lawsuit, as it won’t just “go away.” If you are accused of medical malpractice, you must seek a medical malpractice attorney with trial experience, as any case may go to trial. Your pi attorney is your most significant ally, and it is advisable to bring him or her in as soon as you are aware of a legal action against you.

Making time for your defense

Health care professionals are busy, and they rarely have any time for anything other than caring for patients. However, if you are accused of medical malpractice, you must find adequate time to assist your attorney in preparing your defense. If your attorney requests information from you, it is very important that you respond promptly and not make the attorney wait for information that could be critical in forming a successful defense.

Speaking of defenses, there are several types of defense strategies that have proven effective:

Accepted standard of care– Prove that your actions were within the accepted standard of care in your specialty and geographic location. The first thing a plaintiff’s attorney will look for is actions that do not meet the accepted standard of care, or inactions that rendered your care outside the accepted standard of care.

Cause of injury – Disprove that your actions caused the injury. Sometimes there is no factual correlation between treatment and the alleged injury. This is a defense that can work even if an error has occurred.

Emergency care – Prove that your services were rendered in a situation of medical distress. Good Samaritan laws protect health care providers from legal action in these types of EMERGENCY cases.

Statute of limitations – Prove the plaintiff waited too long to bring the medical malpractice claim. Every state has a statute of limitations on how long plaintiffs have to file such a claim. Your lawyer will know what the law is in your state.

There is a lot to know about medical malpractice to present an effective defense. Your actions in your practice and the date that you are accused of malpractice, can make a big difference. Contact a qualified medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible to discuss the next steps you should take.

This blog was originally posted on https://www.pa4law.com/things-you-should-know-if-you-are-accused-of-false-medical-malpractice-claims/

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