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Record-Setting Medical Malpractice Verdict in Philadelphia Birth Injury Case
On April 26, 2023, a Philadelphia jury awarded nearly $183 million to a mother and her child for birth-related injuries.* The verdict is believed to be a record for the highest verdict in a medical malpractice case in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The child was delivered at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (H.U.P.) but was born with severe brain injuries resulting in cerebral palsy (C.P.) As a result of the child’s medical conditions, he needs lifelong care and support. More ›
SharePrescription Errors
Prescription errors, unfortunately, are common. Every year, 7,000 to 9,000 people die as a result of medication errors in the United States, making it the third most common cause of death in the country after heart disease and cancer. It is estimated that many more people are injured from prescription errors that are never even reported. People who suffer from chronic diseases are at a greater risk of prescription errors. More ›
ShareFailure to Monitor
Healthcare providers owe patients a duty of care which includes the duty to monitor symptoms, behavior, treatment, or progress, as appropriate. A failure to monitor a patient can lead to catastrophic consequences - the new mother who suffers a stroke when her blood pressure goes unchecked and untreated, the baby born with cerebral palsy because the delivery team did not monitor fetal blood oxygen levels, or the high risk post-operative patient who suffers a pulmonary embolism (P.E.) when medical staff failed to monitor the patient’s movement, leg elevation, or use of compression stockings. If a medical provider fails to properly monitor a patient, the provider may be liable to the patient or family for the harm that they cause. A healthcare provider’s failure to monitor is one of many types of medical malpractice claims. More ›
ShareSurgical Errors
Surgeons train for years for the privilege of operating on another human being. When they or other members of their team fail to appropriately exercise this privilege, patients can be harmed. A surgical error can cause a patient to suffer infections, chronic pain, extended recovery time, additional procedures, disfigurement, and other painful outcomes. In some cases, a surgical error or the complications that arise from it can be fatal. More ›
ShareHow Long Does It Take to Resolve a Medical Malpractice Claim?
Medical malpractice claims are complex legal claims that often involve traumatic personal stories and complicated medical and legal issues. Every claim is different, and one unique fact in a case can have a significant impact on the length of time it takes to resolve a claim, whether through a settlement or jury verdict. A simple medical malpractice claim might resolve in less than one year, while a complicated or high value claim could last several years. More ›
ShareFailure to Follow Up
Medical negligence, also known as medical malpractice, is not always the result of a healthcare provider’s action – sometimes medical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider fails to act. When a physician, nurse practitioner, nurse, or other medical provider does not appropriately follow up with a patient after a medical procedure, test, consultation, or other such appointment, the healthcare provider, and its employer, could be held legally responsible for medical negligence, and financially responsible for the physical, emotional, and financial harm that they caused as a result of that failure. A medical malpractice attorney can advise you on your legal rights to compensation, and help you to stand up to powerful healthcare systems and their insurers. More ›
ShareCan Medical Negligence Cause Cerebral Palsy?
The short answer is yes, medical negligence can cause cerebral palsy, and, when that happens, the law allows victims to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable. More ›
ShareChoosing the Right Medical Malpractice Lawyer
When you or a loved one have been the victim of medical malpractice, it is crucial that you find a medical malpractice lawyer that you trust and that will help you get justice and compensation. More ›
ShareHow To Prove Medical Malpractice, Birth Injury Claims
Medical malpractice claims are complex and contentious. On the plaintiff's side, there is a suffering victim or family who has put their trust in medical professionals only to suffer painful, traumatic, and sometimes life-changing consequences. On the other side is a healthcare provider or healthcare system fighting for their reputation and perhaps their livelihood. The stakes are high, and it is essential to be able to present a strong, evidence-backed case. More ›
ShareTen of the Largest Medical Malpractice Verdicts of 2022
2022 saw record-setting medical malpractice verdicts across the country. Juries have seen the pain and suffering caused by negligent healthcare providers, and are compensating innocent victims for both their financial and non-financial harm.
This list only includes cases that went to trial and highlights some of the largest medical malpractice verdicts from 2022. The majority of medical negligence cases are settled out of court, but the terms and settlement amounts are confidential and could not be included here. However, the medical malpractice attorneys at Morris James can guide you on the relevant factors in your case that could affect your right to compensation. Contact our experienced medical malpractice lawyers online or call us at 302.655.2599 for a free, no-obligation consultation. More ›
ShareBrachial Plexus Injuries FAQs
Brachial plexus injuries in infants are most commonly caused by trauma to the neck as it stretches away from the shoulders during birth. Unfortunately, these injuries can occur during the delivery of a baby and because of a physician’s medical malpractice. Though brachial plexus injuries are rare at birth, and while many brachial plexus injuries can heal on their own, a permanent brachial plexus injury can be devastating to the baby and his or her family members. This article discusses brachial plexus injuries and medical malpractice claims involving brachial plexus injuries caused at birth. More ›
ShareFailure to Diagnose Cauda Equina Syndrome FAQs
Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a rare neurologic condition, but trained medical providers are required to understand the signs and symptoms associated with this medical emergency so that a timely diagnosis can be made. Unfortunately, when medical professionals fail to diagnose CES, or fail to make a timely diagnosis, a patient can suffer permanent, catastrophic injuries. When medical professionals fail to appropriately diagnose CES, they may be liable for medical malpractice. More ›
ShareUPDATE: Pennsylvania Supreme Court Expands Access to Courts for Medical Malpractice Cases
To expand court access for victims of medical malpractice, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court recently changed its venue rules for medical malpractice cases. Prior to this change, medical malpractice victims were required to file their case where their claim arose. Now, the new rules permit victims of medical malpractice to file their cases in any county in the state, subject to a few restrictions. This significantly broadens the ability of plaintiffs to pursue a case and serves to apply the same venue rules, regardless of the type of case. The rules will go into effect in January 2023. More ›
ShareShoulder Dystocia FAQs
Shoulder dystocia is a common cause of birth injuries. This article discusses medical malpractice claims involving shoulder dystocia, and answers common questions patients and their family members may have about shoulder dystocia, and the birth injuries it can cause. More ›
ShareCerebral Palsy FAQs
What is cerebral palsy?
Cerebral palsy refers to a group of neurologic disorders that impact a person’s motor skills and cognitive development. It typically presents with stiff muscles (called spasticity), uncontrollable movements (called dyskinesia), and/or poor balance and coordination (called ataxia). The most common form of cerebral palsy is called spastic cerebral palsy, where a person has increased muscle tone, making their muscles and difficult to move. Other types include dyskinetic cerebral palsy, where people cannot control the movement of their hands, arms, feet, legs, mouth, or tongue; ataxic cerebral palsy, where people have issues with balance, coordination, or writing; and mixed cerebral palsy, where people have symptoms of more than one type of cerebral palsy. Unfortunately, a byproduct of a cerebral palsy diagnosis can be significant cognitive delays and impairments. More ›
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