Baltimore Maryland Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Leading Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers Representing Clients Throughout Maryland

A stethescope and a gavel sitting next to each other on a table. If you or a loved one have been a victim of medical negligence, our medical malpractice lawyer in Baltimore has years of experience and is ready to fight for your justice.

Nobody should be left with the unexpected bills and mental and physical injuries that result from an act of medical malpractice. When you seek medical attention from a provider, you expect there to be a certain degree of competence, and when this degree is not met, you are right to be angry, and you certainly should not be forced to deal with the resulting medical costs.

Negligence and malpractice victims may have to deal with injuries for the rest of their lives, and their quality of life may be impacted forever. You could be looking at long years of recovery and rehabilitation, potential surgery, or injuries that may never heal. This could mean you can no longer work in the same capacity, look after your family, or enjoy your life to the same standard.

If you believe you may have a medical malpractice claim, contacting an experienced personal injury attorney is crucial to understanding your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve. Our team at Peter Angelos Law is dedicated to advocating for those who have suffered due to medical negligence, and we are committed to providing personalized attention to your case. By calling us today at 410-705-2405 for a free consultation, you can take the first step towards seeking justice and obtaining the compensation necessary for your recovery. Time is of the essence, so don’t hesitate to reach out and let us help you navigate the complexities of Maryland medical malpractice laws and work towards a fair resolution for your damages.

Peter Angelos – Trustworthy and Knowledgeable Malpractice Attorneys

At Peter Angelos Law, our Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers are ready to spring into action on your behalf. Working on behalf of our clients since 1961, our law firm has a long history of victories, recovering favorable outcomes for numerous clients.

Able to draw upon over 50 years of experience, representing a wide variety of clients in an even wider variety of cases, Peter Angelos is an exceptional and fierce advocate for those who have been wronged. This allows us to treat every case with the due care and attention that it deserves. We don’t back down from a fight, and we are not afraid to seek compensation on your behalf aggressively.

Peter Angelos Law is proud to offer legal representation to Baltimore, MD clients who have suffered personal injuries and economic losses from medical malpractice. When a medical provider fails to uphold their legal obligation to ensure utilizing the appropriate standard of care and injures a patient, the patient has grounds for a medical malpractice claim. While these claims fall under the purview of personal injury law, medical malpractice claims are more complex than most other personal injury claims. As such, they require the attention of an experienced medical malpractice law firm in Baltimore.

If you or a loved one suffered any type of injury due to a medical provider’s failure to uphold the standard of care for the treatment you required, we can assist you in holding them accountable for your damages via a medical malpractice claim. Peter Angelos Law has years of experience helping clients throughout the Baltimore, MD area recover compensation for their personal injury claims, including those pertaining to the negligence of medical providers.

Understanding Medical Malpractice in Baltimore

A confused doctor looking at patient records. A medical malpractice lawyer in Baltimore, Maryland can help if you’ve been injured due to medical negligence.

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide the standard of care expected of a reasonably competent practitioner, resulting in patient injury. These cases can have devastating consequences for the victims and their families. Those seeking justice through compensation for their injuries need to comprehend the legal definition and requirements.

In Baltimore, medical malpractice cases can be complex, as they involve both legal and medical issues. A significant understanding of the laws and regulations governing medical negligence cases, along with an experienced medical malpractice attorney, is needed to successfully navigate a medical malpractice claim.

Defining Medical Malpractice

The “standard of care” is simply defined as the minimum degree of acceptable treatment a patient’s condition demands. Medical providers and researchers must use the top available data to determine the most appropriate treatments for known medical conditions and for managing patient symptoms. Doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other medical providers may only deviate from the standard of care with good reason, such as when a patient is physically incapable of tolerating the accepted measures of the standard of care and requires alternative treatment.

Examples of medical malpractice include:

Not all medical errors qualify as medical malpractice. To prove medical malpractice, you must demonstrate that the healthcare provider’s breach of duty directly resulted in injury or harm. This is where the experience of a skilled medical malpractice lawyer from Peter Angelos Law becomes invaluable.

Negligence

Negligence means that the healthcare provider did not follow the accepted standards of medical practice that they should have followed and that by doing so, the provider breached their duty of care to you. If this breach in duty of care caused an injury or the worsening of an illness, it might be classified as medical malpractice. This is laid out in state statute Maryland Annotated Code, Courts and Judicial Proceedings §3-2A. The Medical Malpractice Act states: “All claims, suits, and actions … by a person against a health care provider for medical injury allegedly suffered by the person … are subject to and shall be governed by the provisions of this act”.

The Role of Peter Angelos Law in Medical Malpractice Cases

Peter Angelos Law has a strong history of success in representing clients in medical malpractice cases, emphasizing client satisfaction and results. We have an established reputation in the Baltimore medical and legal communities and are known for their capability to build a strong case, making certain that medical practitioners and healthcare institutions are held accountable for any errors.

At Peter Angelos Law, clients are treated with the utmost care and respect. The firm’s client-centric approach ensures that their needs are prioritized, providing personalized attention and building strong relationships throughout the legal process.

Client-Centric Approach

Peter Angelos Law gives priority to client needs, offering individual attention and fostering solid relationships throughout the legal process. A client-centric approach is essential in medical malpractice cases, as it enables the attorney to gain insight into the client’s perspective, offer tailored legal advice, and involve the client in decision-making processes.

By focusing on the client’s needs and concerns, the attorney is able to:

  • Develop trust and facilitate open communication
  • Better understanding of the client’s perspective
  • Offer customized legal advice
  • Include the client in the decision-making process

Consequently, a client-centric approach strengthens the attorney-client relationship and improves the client’s overall experience.

Common Medical Malpractice Scenarios in Baltimore

Medical malpractice in Baltimore, including Maryland medical malpractice, can occur in various scenarios, such as surgical errors, misdiagnosis, medication errors, and more. These scenarios can have severe consequences for patients, necessitating the experience of a skilled medical malpractice lawyer to ensure fair compensation and justice. If you or a loved one has been a victim of such negligence, it is crucial to consult with Peter Angelos Law to protect your rights and interests in a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Comprehending the specific scenario of the medical malpractice occurrence is fundamental in building a compelling case. By identifying the type of error and demonstrating how it resulted in harm, a medical malpractice lawyer can effectively argue for compensation on behalf of their client.

When you require legal counsel for any type of civil claim, it is essential to find a Baltimore personal injury lawyer who has an extensive background in handling cases like your own. Peter Angelos Law provides legal representation to clients facing a wide range of medical malpractice claims, including:

Surgical Errors

Surgeons must use the utmost care when performing surgical procedures. Even minor invasive or routine surgeries carry significant risks for patients, especially when surgeons fail to execute these procedures correctly. A surgery error could cause the patient to require further surgical treatment to correct the error, extending their recovery time and increasing the economic impact of their treatment. Examples of surgical errors include retained instruments, or anesthesia complications.

These errors can necessitate additional surgical procedures to rectify the mistake, prolonging the recovery period and exacerbating the financial burden of treatment. A qualified surgical error lawyer can evaluate who is responsible for the damages and help pursue legal action against them.

Anesthesia Errors

When you go for surgery, you will be put under through the use of anesthesia. This is designed so that you do not physically feel what is happening. Administering anesthesia requires a high level of training and should be administered by a competent provider.

If you receive too little and wake up during the experience or you receive too much and have lasting damage and numbness, you could be entitled to make a claim. We often see cases where patients are put in a certain position on the operating table for too long and they walk up with permanent deformities. This is usually an anesthesia error that could have been avoided if the patient had been timely and properly repositioned during the surgery.

Birth Injuries 

A birth injury can potentially cause permanent harm to the infant and in some cases can negatively affect the health of the mother as well. Cerebral palsy, injuries from surgical instruments, and even fatal birth injuries are possible when medical providers do not handle childbirth procedures appropriately. 

Parents who pursue birth injury claims can potentially secure compensation for both immediate and future medical costs resulting from the incident. For example, the doctor’s negligence may have caused an infant to develop permanent brain damage that will prevent them from living independently for the rest of their life, placing extreme hardship on the child’s parents. Plaintiffs in birth injury claims can secure substantial compensation with the assistance of experienced medical malpractice lawyers in Baltimore, Maryland. 

Emergency Room Errors

Emergency rooms are inherently chaotic for many reasons, but the medical providers working in these environments must follow appropriate standards of care when addressing each individual patient. Unfortunately, emergency room errors can result in devastating consequences for patients. If you believe a recent medical injury was caused by an emergency room error, you can file a medical malpractice claim against the emergency room personnel you believe to be responsible for your injury. 

Hospital Infections

Hospitals must follow specific regulations when it comes to sanitation and cleaning all patient contact areas. When hospital staff fail to properly sterilize a hospital bed, operating room, or any other location within the hospital, they can cause infectious diseases to spread to incoming patients. If you or a loved one developed an infectious illness or other adverse medical symptoms due to the hospital’s failure to provide a safe and sterile treatment environment, we can help you hold them accountable through a medical malpractice claim. 

Post-Surgical Infections and Hospital-Acquired Infections

Hospital operating theaters, wards, and rooms should all be cleaned on a regular schedule and to a high standard. This is to prevent post-surgical infections from seriously harming a patient.

If you developed an infection during a stay in hospital and believe that protocol was not followed, then you may be entitled to compensation.

Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis

There is a strict diagnostic process all physicians must follow when determining the cause of a patient’s symptoms. A doctor has a professional obligation to conduct an accurate diagnosis using the process of elimination to precisely identify a patient’s condition. They must also conduct this diagnostic process in a timely manner. If a doctor delivers an incorrect diagnosis, the patient may undergo inappropriate treatment that worsens their condition or causes additional complications.  For example, a doctor who fails to accurately diagnose a form of cancer can have life-threatening consequences if the condition is not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner.

In these instances, demonstrating that the healthcare provider’s negligence directly caused harm is vital for a successful medical malpractice claim. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can help gather evidence and build a strong case to demonstrate this.

Medication Errors

Medication errors, such as incorrect prescriptions or dosages, can result in serious injury or even death. Mistakes in prescribing medication can happen in various ways. This may include a doctor prescribing the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or overlooking a patient’s drug allergies and sensitivities. Similarly, when a pharmacist fails to fill a prescription correctly, they can be held accountable for any resulting adverse effects the patient experiences.

In cases involving medication errors, it’s essential to demonstrate that the healthcare provider’s negligence directly resulted in harm. A skilled medical malpractice lawyer can help gather evidence and build a strong case to hold the responsible party accountable

Failure to Inform Patients of Risks

Before any procedure, a patient should give full consent. Before a patient can give their consent, they should have the procedure details, and all of the potential risks and side effects explained to them thoroughly.

If you have been pushed to give your consent and suffered a known risk of surgery without having all of this explained to you and you can state that had you known of that risk you would not have undergone surgery, then your consent may be void and the procedure should not have been carried out.

Medical Record Errors

Your medical records should be kept up to date accurately by your healthcare providers. Keeping your records up to date and accurately helps prevent medical errors.

When medical records are not kept up to date, or they are mixed up or misplaced, the results can be catastrophic.  This can also happen when physicians or staff neglect to appropriately record treatments in a patient’s chart.

In some cases, medical malpractice victims are taken to the wrong procedure, given the wrong medication, or dosed twice because their records were not appropriately updated.

These are only a few examples of the types of claims our medical malpractice law firm in Baltimore can handle. We understand that any medical malpractice incident can have life-altering consequences for the patient and their family. When preventable and foreseeable medical injuries occur, Peter Angelos Law can help you and your family secure fair compensation for your damages.

Navigating the Legal Process of a Medical Malpractice Claim

Medical malpractice forms

Navigating the legal process of a medical malpractice claim involves comprehension of filing requirements, deadlines, and the necessary evidence to establish liability and damages. This process can be complex and time-consuming, making it essential to have the guidance of an experienced medical malpractice attorney.

An attorney can assist in navigating the legal process to ensure that the claimant receives the most favorable award possible while mitigating the risk of a jury trial. By understanding the legal requirements and gathering the necessary evidence, an attorney can help victims of medical malpractice secure the compensation they deserve.

How Do You Know If You Have a Medical Malpractice Case in Maryland? 

When you file a personal injury claim, your medical malpractice lawyer in Baltimore, Maryland must prove several components of negligence to succeed with your claim and hold the defendant responsible for your damages. In a medical malpractice claim, you face similar requirements if you intend to succeed with your claim and secure compensation.

First, your medical negligence lawyer in Baltimore must prove that a formal doctor-patient relationship existed between you and the defendant named in your medical malpractice suit. Second, your attorney must establish the standard of care that your situation demands. This may require consultation with outside medical providers who can attest to whether the treatment you received was appropriate considering the details of your situation. 

The next stage of determining whether medical malpractice caused you harm is to identify the doctor’s failure to uphold the standard of care. Your medical malpractice attorney in Baltimore must also prove that this failure resulted in your claimed damages. Most incidents of medical malpractice will require victims to undergo corrective treatment, resulting in additional medical expenses and a longer recovery time. Your Baltimore medical malpractice attorney can help you assess the extent of the damages you can include in your medical malpractice claim. 

Peter Angelos Law has years of experience assisting clients with complicated medical malpractice claims. We are very familiar with the various indications of medical malpractice and can help clients accurately determine the full scope of the damages available in their claims. We can also consult with a wide network of medical providers and other witnesses to support a client’s claim and ensure their recovery.

Filing Requirements and Deadlines

Filing a medical malpractice claim in Baltimore involves the following steps:

  1. Meeting specific deadlines and requirements, such as obtaining a certificate of merit from a qualified medical professional.
  2. Paying the necessary court fees.
  3. Submitting all documents to the appropriate court.
  4. Serving all named defendants.
  5. Providing any necessary supporting documents.
  6. Avoid submitting a baseless claim.

It’s important to note that there are time limits for filing a medical malpractice claim in Baltimore. Generally, the time limit to file is either five years from the date of the injury or three years from the date of discovery. A seasoned medical malpractice attorney from Peter Angelos Law can guide you through these requirements and deadlines to ensure a successful claim.

Proving Liability and Damages

Proving liability and damages in a medical malpractice case requires the following types of evidence:

  • Medical records
  • Hospital records
  • Witness and testimony
  • Demonstrative evidence

These pieces of evidence are used to demonstrate the healthcare provider’s negligence and the resulting harm.

Professional testimony is particularly crucial in establishing whether the healthcare provider breached their duty of care. The witness testifies regarding what a competent doctor would have done under the same circumstances, adhering to the appropriate standard of care. This testimony assists in establishing the necessary elements of a medical malpractice case:

  1. Duty of care
  2. Breach of duty
  3. Causation
  4. Damages

What to Expect with Your Medical Malpractice Claim 

Typically, the first phase of any medical malpractice claim is to submit your claim to the medical board with jurisdiction over the defendant named in your claim. The medical board must conduct a thorough review of the incident described in the claim and determine whether there is reason to believe medical malpractice occurred. If approved, you will be provided with a Notice of Right to Sue and may proceed with filing your personal injury claim for medical malpractice. 

Medical malpractice lawsuits almost always require input from witnesses. These individuals are accomplished providers in areas of study relevant to a case in progress. A medical malpractice law firm in Baltimore can potentially consult with a wide variety of different witnesses to support a client’s case. Economic and financial professionals can help a plaintiff prove the full extent of their lost earning capacity as a result of medical negligence. This process can help to ensure the plaintiff recovers as much compensation as possible for their damages. Meanwhile, medical providers can help the court understand complex medical terms and concepts more easily. They can also convey their provider interpretations of the defendant’s behavior and explain how they violated the standard of care for the plaintiff’s condition. 

Your attorney will assist you in gathering the records and other documentation you may need to establish the entire scope of your claimable damages. Some medical malpractice claims solely seek compensation for a patient’s additional medical expenses and lengthened recovery time due to negligence, while others can involve far more substantial compensation. This is especially true when medical malpractice causes permanent harm, severe trauma, and exorbitant corrective treatment costs. 

Compensation for Your Medical Malpractice Claim

Your medical malpractice claim can potentially yield multiple forms of compensation. A plaintiff can expect to recover all their immediate and future medical expenses in full, as well as full compensation for any lost income resulting from the defendant’s negligence. Additionally, if they suffered permanent harm that prevents them from working and living independently after the incident, it is also possible for them to recover their lost future earnings and the cost of any in-home medical care they require in the future. 

Selecting the Right Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Selection of the appropriate Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer involves evaluation of their:

  • Experience
  • Track record
  • Communication skills
  • Your comfort level with the attorney

These factors play a crucial role in the outcome of your case, as a skilled attorney can effectively navigate the legal process, build a strong case, and secure the compensation you deserve.

It’s essential to work with a lawyer who:

  • has the necessary experience and a successful track record in medical malpractice cases
  • communicates effectively
  • prioritizes your needs and comfort throughout the legal process

Experience and Track Record

An experienced medical malpractice lawyer with a successful track record in medical malpractice cases is essential for achieving a positive outcome. Their experience in handling complex medical malpractice claims allows them to competently manage the legal process and represent their clients effectively.

When selecting a Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer, ensure that they:

  • Have a demonstrated record of success in medical malpractice cases
  • Are knowledgeable about the laws and regulations in Baltimore
  • Have experience in the precise type of medical malpractice case you are pursuing

Communication and Comfort Level

Effective communication and a comfortable working relationship with your attorney are vital for a successful case. Good communication establishes trust between the lawyer and the client, allowing the client to feel heard and understood. It also enables the attorney to gain a better understanding of the client’s perspective, provide tailored legal advice, and involve the client in decision-making processes.

The comfort level of a lawyer can significantly influence the outcome of a medical malpractice case. A trusting relationship between the client and the lawyer can facilitate better communication and collaboration, thus enabling a more compelling presentation of the client’s side of the story and an effective legal strategy.

Contact Us to Take Action Against Medical Malpractice

A woman with an injured leg looking at medical bills.

Peter Angelos Law can provide legal representation for victims of medical malpractice in Baltimore, with a focus on client satisfaction and results. Our dedicated team of attorneys has a proven track record of success in handling complex medical malpractice claims, ensuring that ourA clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Nobody should have to suffer through the negligent behavior of a trained provider. We place our trust in our healthcare providers, and we expect them to act in a manner that benefits their station.

Here at Peter Angelos Law, we have dealt with numerous medical malpractice cases, recovering compensation for numerous clients. We have significant, unrivaled knowledge of the medical malpractice rules that govern the state of Maryland, and our teams of medical malpractice lawyers are skilled advocates for their clients.

We will work with you every step of the way, keeping you informed and educated about the process. This makes our approach to the client-attorney relationship second to none. Contact us to schedule a free consultation, call 410-705-2405.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can You Bring a Medical Malpractice Suit Against in Baltimore, Maryland?

Most medical malpractice claims are brought against healthcare providers who owe you a duty of care. This duty of care means that they may be held liable if the negligent behavior results in your injury or further complications.

This means that you can bring a case against the following:

  • Hospitals
  • Nursing homes
  • Healthcare companies
  • Doctors
  • Nurses
  • Technicians
  • Anesthesiologists
  • Aids or assistants
  • Many other medical providers

Can I Sue a Hospital for Mistakes Made by a Doctor?

One of the most common challenges experienced by medical malpractice plaintiffs is determining liability for their damages. While it may seem logical to assume that any doctor or other medical provider who injures you due to malpractice is responsible for your damages, this is not always the case. The legal concept of “vicarious liability” can apply to some medical malpractice claims. A medical provider’s employer may absorb liability for damages in these claims. 

If your medical malpractice lawyer in Baltimore can prove that the medical provider who injured you only did so due to their employer’s policies or failure to enforce important policies, vicarious liability is likely to apply to your case. Hospitals can absorb liability for medical malpractice claims when such claims result from understaffing issues, inadequate or broken medical equipment, or failure to enforce critical medical policies. A hospital can also absorb liability if they hire a medical provider with a known history of substance abuse, previously substantiated medical malpractice liability, or repeated incidents of medical incompetence. 

Many doctors are hired by hospitals on a contract basis, effectively making them independent contractors. In any medical malpractice case involving a contracted provider, the hospital will almost certainly attempt to avoid any and all accusations of vicarious liability. Your medical malpractice attorney in Baltimore, MD will help you determine who is responsible for your recent medical injury.

How long do medical negligence claim cases take?

The series of events and specific circumstances that led to your medical malpractice incident will be unique to your case. This means that every case will be different from every other case.

Medical malpractice claims do take longer to settle than personal injury claims, sometimes taking several years.

Do all medical negligence cases go to court?

Typically, the deciding factor of whether or not your case will go to court will be the complexity. In cases where there was clear negligence and a lot of evidence against the healthcare provider, there is a good chance they will offer to settle outside of court.

In cases that are more complex, there is a good chance the other party and their insurance company will decide to dig their heels in. In these cases, you and your attorney will need to work hard to create the strongest case on your behalf.

Should you accept the first offer of compensation?

We always advise our clients to refuse the first offer of compensation in the majority of cases. There are some exceptions, and you will need to make the decision on your own, but with the advice of your attorney. Normally, the first offer will be a lot less than what the other party is truly willing to offer. 

This is why it is important to hire a lawyer to help negotiate your claim so that you receive an award while at the same time, eliminating the risk of having your case tried before a jury.

 

Read more Frequently Asked Questions Here

 

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