Patients throughout the state of Pennsylvania encounter medical mistakes regularly. Whether they are aware of such a mistake being committed or whether it results in an injury depends on the mistake and the circumstances surrounding it. When such a mistake is uncovered, it is possible the injured party, or his or her loved ones, will file a medical malpractice lawsuit against responsible parties.

Recently, a Pennsylvania man whose medical malpractice lawsuit went to trial received an award from jury.

The lawsuit was prompted by the treatment the man received, or more accurately, did not receive after undergoing a surgery to remove his gall bladder. After the surgical procedure he reportedly encountered problems that because they were not promptly or correctly treated, resulted in a hernia.

The hernia made it necessary for the man to undergo more surgeries and affected both his home and work life. As a result of the injuries the man suffered, he and his wife sued both the medical facility where the surgery took place, as well as one of the doctors involved.

The result in this case is worth noting. Prior to trial the man and his wife indicated they would settle the case for $100,000. The defendants did not accept the offer and the case proceeded to a jury trial. After hearing the testimony from both sides, the jury found in favor of the injured patient and is wife. In doing so, they awarded the couple $250,000, or two and a half times what they were willing to settle for.

Certainly not all cases have such a good result and this case illustrates the uncertainty tied to virtually all medical malpractice lawsuits. For those who are injured due to the negligent action or inaction of someone in the medical field however, a medical malpractice lawsuit could bring about the result they need.

Source: Penn Live, "Dauphin County jury awards $250K damages in medical malpractice case," Matt Miller, March 11, 2013

Medical malpractice cases can arise in a variety of settings for a variety of reasons. Our firm provides counsel in these types of matters. If you would like to learn more about our practice, please visit our page that focuses on Pittsburgh hospital negligence.