Lawyer Firm Expands Focus on Medical Malpractice in Pennsylvania

News Summary

Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. is enhancing its commitment to medical malpractice cases in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania starting April 1, 2025. This strategic move is in response to rising incidents of misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis, emphasizing patient accountability and recovery. With expertise in navigating the legal complexities of medical malpractice, the firm aims to secure compensation for victims facing severe health consequences due to negligent medical practices.

Expansion of Legal Representation in Medical Malpractice Cases

The prestigious law firm Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., known for its dedication to personal injury cases, is making significant strides in its pursuit of justice for victims of medical malpractice. As of April 1, 2025, the firm has expanded its focus specifically on medical malpractice cases in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. This strategic move comes in response to the alarming rise in misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis incidents across the region, with the firm stepping up to champion the causes of patients affected by negligent medical practices.

The Urgent Need for Accountability

Medical misdiagnosis is increasingly being recognized as one of the leading causes of preventable patient harm. Errors in diagnosis can result in prolonged suffering, escalated health complications, and unnecessary procedures that could further compromise patient well-being. Lowenthal & Abrams aims to hold healthcare providers accountable for their failures in diagnosing life-threatening conditions such as cancer, stroke, and heart disease. The firm emphasizes that timely and accurate diagnosis is crucial in delivering effective treatments to patients.

Legal Guidance for Affected Patients

Patients who find themselves victims of diagnostic mistakes are encouraged to seek legal guidance to evaluate potential claims. It has become essential to initiate legal action against negligent medical professionals, as this process not only serves to achieve accountability but also aids in the recovery of financial compensation for victims. Funds recovered from medical malpractice claims can significantly help cover medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and compensation for emotional distress.

Understanding the Consequences of Misdiagnosis

The consequences of misdiagnosis can be severe, potentially resulting in the need for unnecessary surgeries, delayed treatments, or the deterioration of a patient’s health due to irreversible complications. The legal team at Lowenthal & Abrams specializes in handling medical malpractice lawsuits concerning various errors made by healthcare providers. These encompass issues such as radiology errors, misread lab results, and the failure to order essential diagnostic tests.

Common Errors Leading to Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis can originate from human error, problematic test results, or insufficient patient evaluations. Typical errors include missed diagnoses, incorrect interpretations of lab results, and misidentification of medical conditions. For instance, common scenarios include heart attacks being mistaken for mere indigestion or anxiety, as well as infections that progress to septic shock due to delayed intervention. Such examples underscore the critical need for vigilance in the medical community.

Navigating Challenges with Insurance Companies

Patients often face challenges when negotiating with insurance companies, as insurers frequently aim to minimize payouts or contest liability in cases of malpractice. Lowenthal & Abrams is committed to assisting victims in navigating these complexities, ensuring they are represented fairly and effectively to secure compensation for medical costs, lost income, and emotional trauma stemming from malpractice incidents.

Contingency-Based Legal Services

The firm operates on a contingency basis, which allows clients to pursue their claims without incurring upfront costs. This framework empowers patients seeking justice against negligent medical practices, knowing that they only owe fees if they successfully secure compensation.

Legal Protections Under Pennsylvania Law

Pennsylvania law provides a framework for patients to file claims in cases of medical negligence, permitting the pursuit of both economic and non-economic damages. In instances of gross negligence, punitive damages may also be sought to deter future misconduct and enhance patient safety standards within the healthcare system.

High-Profile Cases Highlighting the Stakes

Lowenthal & Abrams has a reputation for fighting relentlessly on behalf of their clients. The firm has previously secured over $100 million in settlements across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Recent cases exemplify the severe ramifications of medical misdiagnosis, such as the case of Stephen Burrows, who was awarded $856,000 for negligence after delays in stroke treatment resulted in permanent neurological damage. Another case involved a substantial judgment of $7.1 million for Allison Mitchell, whose legally blind status stemmed from a radiologist’s failure to diagnose blood clots in her brain. Such cases underscore the critical importance of timely medical intervention and the devastating impact of diagnostic errors.

Commitment to Patient Advocacy

Lowenthal & Abrams, with a history dating back to 1975, continues to affirm its commitment to protecting the rights of injured patients throughout the region. The firm is particularly focused on cases involving misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, and birth injuries. With strong partnerships established with medical professionals, including a medical doctor and nurse on staff, the firm is well-equipped to tackle the intricate nature of medical malpractice cases.