Skip to Content
Top

Do I Have a Medical Malpractice Case?

|

Representing Victims of Medical Negligence in Schuylkill County, Northumberland County & Surrounding Areas

At The Law Offices of Anthony Urban, P.C., we regularly speak with patients and families in Pottsville, Shamokin, Tamaqua, Mount Carmel, Pine Grove, and other Pennsylvania communities who are devastated by poor outcomes after medical procedures or hospitalizations. We want you to know: your questions are valid—and we encourage you to reach out.

But not all negative outcomes result from medical malpractice. To determine whether you have a viable medical negligence claim in Pennsylvania, you need to understand how these cases are evaluated under the law.

In this article, we’ll help you understand:

  • What defines a valid medical malpractice case in Pennsylvania

  • The difference between poor outcomes and legal negligence

  • Why are these cases expensive and complex

  • What types of injuries may qualify for a lawsuit

  • How to know when to call a Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyer

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor, nurse, hospital, or other provider fails to follow the accepted medical standard of care—and that failure causes serious harm or death to the patient.

In Pennsylvania, a successful medical malpractice lawsuit must prove:

  1. A provider-patient relationship existed

  2. The provider acted negligently or omitted proper care

  3. The negligence directly caused the harm

  4. The harm is severe, permanent, or life-altering

To even initiate a case, Urban Law Offices must file a Certificate of Merit with expert testimony from a licensed medical professional in the same field—confirming the care was below the accepted standard.

Not Every Poor Outcome Is Malpractice

Even if a procedure didn’t go as planned, it doesn’t automatically mean the provider was negligent. Medical risks like infection, bleeding, or organ damage are sometimes unavoidable—even with proper care.

We’ve reviewed countless heartbreaking cases where injury or death occurred, but no legal negligence could be proven. At Urban Law Offices, our goal is to provide compassionate and honest guidance—even when we must explain that a lawsuit isn’t legally viable.

Why Medical Malpractice Cases Are Expensive

These cases are high-stakes and highly complex, often requiring tens of thousands of dollars in up-front costs before trial. These expenses may include:

  • Expert physician record reviews

  • Depositions of medical staff

  • Trial testimony from multiple medical specialists

  • Medical illustrations or timelines

  • Filing and court fees

Due to the significant financial and legal resources involved, Pennsylvania malpractice lawyers must carefully evaluate both the strength of the case and the severity of the injury before proceeding.

What Makes a Medical Malpractice Case Worth Pursuing?

At The Law Offices of Anthony Urban, P.C., we typically pursue cases involving:

  • Wrongful death from surgical error, misdiagnosis, or medication overdose

  • Birth injuries, such as cerebral palsy or brachial plexus injury

  • Surgical errors, like operating on the wrong body part or leaving instruments inside the patient

  • Anesthesia errors leading to coma or death

  • Delayed diagnoses (e.g., cancer, stroke) causing serious harm

  • Permanent disability, such as paralysis, amputation, or blindness

  • Failure to monitor post-surgery or in ER settings, resulting in brain injury or fatality
     

If you’re unsure whether your case qualifies, we offer a free case review to help you understand your options.

Medical Malpractice Checklist

You may have a valid medical malpractice case in Pennsylvania if:

  • ☐ The patient died due to a preventable medical error

  • ☐ A newborn suffered permanent brain damage or disability

  • ☐ The patient is now paralyzed, blind, or amputated

  • ☐ Ongoing or full-time care is required

  • ☐ A known surgical mistake caused long-term harm

  • ☐ A diagnosis delay made a condition worse (e.g., cancer, stroke)

  • ☐ A medication error resulted in seizures, coma, or death

  • ☐ Another doctor said, “This should not have happened”

Serving Clients Across Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania

Urban Law Offices represents medical negligence victims across:

  • Schuylkill County: Pottsville, Tamaqua, Pine Grove

  • Northumberland County: Shamokin, Elysburg, Mount Carmel

  • Berks, Montour, Lackawanna, and Columbia Counties

If your medical injury occurred in these regions, we welcome you to reach out for a free consultation.

Contact Urban Law Offices Today

At The Law Offices of Anthony Urban, P.C., we believe every injured patient deserves answers. We’ll review your records, consult with independent experts, and give you a clear, honest assessment of your options. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you.

Not Sure If You Have a Case?

Call Urban Law Offices today at (570) 622-1247. We understand that families are often overwhelmed and grieving when they reach out. We are here to listen, to review, and to provide advice.

Even if we cannot take your case, we will do our best to offer clear guidance—or refer you to a trusted colleague for a second legal opinion. If we believe you have a viable medical malpractice claim in Pennsylvania, we will fight to protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.