In Pennsylvania, medical malpractice identifies a failure to provide adequate health care and causes a patient’s condition to worsen. It is often identified after surgical procedures and when doctors refuse to provide updated medications for their patients. Personal Injury Lawyers in Sunbury PA provide patients with the legal help they need to start an injury claim.
Retracing the Patient’s Injuries
The surgical or medical records for the patient shows what happened to them and in what order. The charts show what doctors and/or nurses provided health care services for the patient. When retracing a series of events, the attorney defines what occurred and produced the patient’s injuries.
Subpoenaing Medical Staff
When the medical staff is reluctant to come forward, the attorney can subpoena them for the court hearing. Typically, the medical staff also provides depositions for the attorney ahead of time and explains their version of what happened. The staff defines what happened when the injury occurred and how it was discovered. Their testimony could also define whether or not the doctor is guilty of an act of malice.
A Credible Witness
A doctor must testify on behalf of the patient. The purpose of the doctor is to conduct a full assessment of the patient’s injuries and create a timeline of what happened. Next, the doctor determines what they would have done differently to avoid the patient’s injuries. The doctor must be a peer of the defendant’s.
Why are Punitive Damaged Awarded?
Punitive damages are considered non-economic and tort-based awards provided to the patient as a form of punishment for the doctor. Most states apply a cap on the damages at about $1 million. If the court finds the doctor liable for avoidable injuries, punitive damages are almost always included in the settlement.
In Pennsylvania, medical malpractice constitutes a failure on the part of a doctor. The act caused a patient-related injury that could have been avoided with a different course of action. The cases present patients with economic, noneconomic, and punitive damages if they win their case. Patients who need help contact Personal Injury Lawyers in Sunbury PA directly or Browse the site for appointment information right now.
