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Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Philadelphia

Medical malpractice cases involve injuries caused by healthcare providers who fail to meet the accepted standard of care. These are among the most complex personal injury cases — requiring specialised attorneys with expert witness networks, deep medical knowledge, and the resources to litigate against well-funded hospital systems.

Pennsylvania Statute of Limitations

Pennsylvania medical malpractice cases generally have a 2-year statute of limitations from the date of the negligent act or discovery of injury. The discovery rule may extend this in some situations. Minors have until age 20. Missing this deadline typically means losing your right to compensation entirely.

What to Look for in a Philadelphia Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Questions to Ask at Your Free Consultation

What to Expect: Timeline and Process

Case evaluation (1–3 months): Your attorney obtains and reviews all medical records with expert consultants to assess whether the standard of care was breached.
Certificate of Merit filing: Pennsylvania requires a Certificate of Merit from a qualified medical expert within 60 days of filing suit. Without it, the case is dismissed.
Discovery (12–24 months): Both sides exchange evidence, depose witnesses, and retain expert witnesses. This phase is expensive and time-consuming.
Resolution (typically 2–4 years): Medical malpractice cases rarely settle quickly. Most require filing suit and proceeding through significant litigation before resolution.

Pennsylvania-Specific Information

Pennsylvania's Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Act governs medical malpractice litigation in the state. It sets requirements for expert witnesses, limits on punitive damages, and procedures for case management.

Pennsylvania requires medical malpractice cases to be filed in the county where the treatment occurred. For Philadelphia cases, this means Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas — which has judges experienced in handling complex medical litigation.

Pennsylvania does not cap compensatory damages in medical malpractice cases (unlike many other states), meaning serious injuries can result in substantial recoveries for economic and non-economic damages.

Philadelphia Firms That Handle Medical Malpractice Cases

Kline & Specter

30+ years in business

Focused on catastrophic injury and medical malpractice cases in Philadelphia.

Free ConsultationNo Win, No Fee

Ross Feller Casey

25+ years in business

Nationally recognized Philadelphia firm specializing in catastrophic injury and complex medical malpractice cases, with billion-dollar verdicts and a reputation for high-stakes litigation.

Free ConsultationNo Win, No Fee

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Frequently Asked Questions