When Trust in Healthcare Fails
We put a lot of trust in doctors, nurses, and hospitals. Whether it’s a routine checkup Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we walk in with the belief that we’re in good hands. And most of the time, we are. But when medical care goes wrong—really wrong—the consequences can be devastating. If you’ve been harmed by a healthcare provider’s mistake, it’s important to know that you do have rights, and you’re not alone.
What Counts as Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice is when a healthcare professional fails to provide care that meets the accepted standard, and as a result, a patient gets hurt. That can mean a misdiagnosis, surgical error, medication mistake, or even a failure to act when they should have. These aren’t just small slip-ups. We’re talking about mistakes that lead to serious injuries, permanent disability, or even death. And unfortunately, it happens more often than most people think—right here in the Lehigh Valley. Take for example someone who goes into the ER in Allentown with chest pain, gets sent home with antacids, and suffers a heart attack two days later. Or a mother who isn’t told that her test results showed signs of a complication during pregnancy. In cases like these, the damage is real—and families are left with questions, grief, and often massive medical bills.
Understanding Pennsylvania Law
Pennsylvania has specific laws that govern how and when you can file a medical malpractice claim. One of the first things to know is the statute of limitations. Generally, you have two years from the date the malpractice occurred—or from when you reasonably discovered it—to file a lawsuit. That sounds like a lot of time, but in reality, these cases take months to investigate. Medical records need to be reviewed, expert opinions gathered, and legal strategies developed. So, the sooner you take action, the better.
Proving Medical Negligence
To build a strong malpractice claim, you’ll need to prove a few things: that there was a doctor-patient relationship, that the healthcare provider acted negligently, that their negligence caused your injury, and that your injury led to significant damages. That might sound like legal jargon, but what it really means is this—was the care below what a competent professional would have provided, and did that mistake cause real harm? That’s the heart of it.
What’s a Certificate of Merit?
Another critical piece of the process in Pennsylvania is what’s called a Certificate of Merit. This is a document, signed by a medical professional, stating that your claim has a reasonable basis. Without it, your lawsuit won’t move forward. That’s why working with someone who knows how these cases work locally—in Lehigh Valley courts—is so important. Each judge, each hospital system, and even the lawyers on the other side play a part in how these cases play out.
Why This Matters for You and Your Family
These kinds of lawsuits aren’t about revenge or greed. They’re about accountability. They’re about getting answers and making sure you and your family aren’t left picking up the pieces alone. Compensation from a successful malpractice claim can help cover medical bills, lost wages, future treatment, and the emotional toll of what you’ve gone through. It can also send a clear message to healthcare providers that cutting corners or ignoring warning signs isn’t acceptable.
Leaning on Local Support
At Michael A. Snover ESQ Attorney at Law, we’ve worked with individuals and families across Bethlehem, Allentown, Fountain Hill, Freemansburg, Rittersville, and other parts of the Lehigh Valley who’ve been impacted by medical negligence. Whether it’s a botched surgery, delayed diagnosis, or something that just doesn’t feel right—we’ll listen. We’ll dig into the details. And if there’s a case to be made, we’ll stand by your side through every step of the process.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
If you believe you or someone you love may be a victim of medical malpractice, don’t wait in silence. Visit www.snoverlaw.com to learn more or to schedule a confidential consultation. We proudly serve communities throughout the Lehigh Valley and Eastern Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, and we’re here to help you understand your rights, fight for what’s fair, and move forward with clarity and support.
