Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Syracuse

Syracuse is a vibrant city known for its rich history, a diverse community, and a robust healthcare system anchored by several medical centers and a network of specialized clinics known throughout Central New York. But despite the city's commitment to providing quality healthcare, instances of medical malpractice can still occur, leaving patients and their families to deal with serious, sometimes life-altering consequences.

If you or a loved one has been affected by medical malpractice in Syracuse, New York, the Porter Law Group is here to help. We offer free, no-obligation consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Call us at 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com to learn more. You can also view the results we've achieved for previous clients throughout the State.

Why Choose the Porter Law Group for your Syracuse Medical Malpractice Case?

The lawyers at the Porter Law Group bring decades of experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by catastrophic injuries. We have obtained some of the largest settlements and verdicts in courts throughout the State of New York. We are a state-wide firm that handles cases with a hometown feel.

Our clients come to us looking for guidance and answers. With seasoned trial lawyers, the Porter Law Group has the resources necessary to help you navigate the most complex cases, against goliath insurance companies that will stop at nothing to prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve.  

You only get one chance to choose the best lawyer for you and your family.  Hire the lawyers most recommended by former clients and local attorneys, and the firm that delivers superior results. 

When you or a loved one’s life has been devastated by a serious personal injury in Syracuse, don’t hire a lawyer without calling the Porter Law Group to learn why so many of our clients are thankful they trusted us with their case in their time of need.     

What is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the expected standard of care, resulting in injury or harm to the patient. Medical malpractice encompasses many things, from delayed diagnosis of diseases to critical errors during surgery and childbirth.

To establish a valid medical malpractice claim in Syracuse, you must show:

• A doctor-patient relationship
• A breach of duty occurred, meaning the healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standard of care in their field
• An injury suffered by the patient
• Causation, direct or proximate, between the provider’s negligence and the patient’s injury
• Damages, which mean measurable harm suffered by the patient, such as additional treatment costs, pain and suffering, a reduced quality of life, etc.

In 2023, the average compensation for medical malpractice claims in New York was $481,191. If you or a loved one have been injured by medical malpractice, seeking legal help right away is crucial to protecting your rights and future recovery.

Medical Malpractice in Syracuse

Syracuse's healthcare system includes major facilities like Upstate University Hospital, Crouse Hospital, and St. Joseph's Health Hospital. While these institutions provide critical care to Central New York residents, medical errors still occur.

Porter Law Group has successfully represented Syracuse residents in malpractice cases involving:

• Surgical errors at Upstate University Hospital
• Birth injuries at Crouse Hospital
• Misdiagnosis cases at St. Joseph's Health
• Medication errors at Syracuse Community Health Center

Our Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys have handled cases throughout Onondaga County and have intimate knowledge of local medical standards and procedures. We understand the unique challenges of pursuing medical negligence claims in Central New York and have established relationships with medical experts throughout the region.

Syracuse Hospitals and Medical Facilities Where Malpractice Can Occur

Our team has the expertise to handle complex medical malpractice cases, ensuring that victims of negligent healthcare receive justice and fair compensation. We handle cases involving negligence at facilities such as:

• Syracuse Behavioral Healthcare Malpractice
• St. Camillus Health & Rehabilitation Center Malpractice
• Upstate University Hospital Malpractice
• Hutchings Psychiatric Center Malpractice
• Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital Malpractice
• Syracuse Community Health Center Malpractice
• CNY Family Care Malpractice
• Loretto Health and Rehabilitation Malpractice
• VA Syracuse Healthcare Malpractice
• Crouse Hospital Malpractice
• St. Joseph's Health Hospital Malpractice
• Upstate University Hospital Malpractice

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need to Sue a Doctor?

If you’re considering legal action against a healthcare provider, you need a specialized medical malpractice attorney, not just a general personal injury lawyer. Here's why:

• Medical Expertise: Medical malpractice lawyers understand complex medical terminology, procedures, diagnoses, and treatment standards.
• Expert Witnesses: They have relationships with medical experts who can testify about standards of care.
• Certificate of Merit: In New York, you need a certificate of merit to file a medical malpractice lawsuit, which requires attorney coordination with medical experts.
• Complex Valuation: These specialized attorneys can calculate current and future medical costs, lost wages, and non-economic damages.
• Negotiation Experience: They understand how medical malpractice insurance companies operate and negotiate.

At Porter Law Group, our Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys have decades of specialized experience helping victims of medical negligence secure the compensation they deserve.

How to Start a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Syracuse

Starting a medical malpractice lawsuit requires strategic planning and proper legal guidance. Here's how to begin:

1. Contact an experienced Syracuse medical malpractice attorney for a free consultation.
2. Gather all medical records and documentation related to your treatment.
3. Your attorney will review your case with medical experts to determine if malpractice occurred.
4. If viable, your lawyer will file a Certificate of Merit with your lawsuit.
5. Your lawsuit must be filed within 2.5 years of the malpractice incident (with some exceptions).
6. Your attorney will guide you through the discovery process and negotiation phases.
7. If a fair settlement can't be reached, your case will proceed to trial preparation.

The Porter Law Group handles all aspects of the legal process, allowing you to focus on recovery while we fight for your compensation.

Not sure how to start your medical malpractice case? Contact our Syracuse attorneys today for step-by-step guidance.

How Long Does a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Take in New York?

In Syracuse and across New York State, medical malpractice lawsuits typically take between 1-3 years to resolve. The timeline varies based on the following factors:

• Case complexity: Cases involving multiple healthcare providers, severe injuries, or long treatment histories may take longer to investigate and litigate.
• Investigation phase (2-6 months): Gathering medical records, consulting with experts, and evaluating your claim.
• Discovery phase (6-12 months): Both sides exchange evidence, conduct depositions, and build their legal arguments.
• Settlement negotiations: Can occur at any stage but often follow discovery.
• Trial preparation and scheduling: If a case doesn’t settle, court scheduling and preparation may extend the process.
• Appeals process: If either party appeals a verdict, the case may continue for an additional year or more.

At Porter Law Group, we work efficiently to move your case forward while maintaining a thorough, detail-oriented approach. We keep you updated about your case timeline and work diligently to resolve your claim as quickly as possible without sacrificing the quality of your representation.

Common Types of Medical Malpractice Cases in Syracuse

The following are the most common specific instances of medical malpractice that patients may experience in Syracuse:

Medical Misdiagnosis

Failure to diagnose a disease or medical misdiagnosis can significantly delay appropriate treatment and worsen a patient’s condition. Types of medical misdiagnosis include:

1. Misdiagnosis: This is when a medical provider diagnoses a patient with a disease other than what they have. This results in a patient not only losing resources for undergoing the wrong treatments but also in a delay in the necessary treatment, which actively worsens the condition.
2. Delayed Diagnosis: This is when a healthcare provider fails to diagnose a disease in its early stages. It can lead to the patient requiring more expensive treatments, which may also be more painful and have more side effects.
3. False positive diagnosis: The patient is incorrectly diagnosed with a disease they don’t have. This can lead to a patient undergoing costly treatments which may be painful and even harmful, when they didn't even have the disease to begin with.

Learn more about medical misdiagnosis here.

Cancer Misdiagnosis or Delayed Cancer Diagnosis

Errors in cancer diagnosis are among the most serious types of medical negligence, often leading to more aggressive treatments, reduced quality of life, or even premature death. In Syracuse's healthcare facilities, including major hospitals and specialized oncology centers, failures in cancer detection can occur due to misinterpreted test results, overlooked symptoms, or delayed referrals to specialists.

Commonly misdiagnosed cancers include:

• Prostate cancer
• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Ovarian cancer

At the Porter Law Group, our attorneys have extensive experience in handling cancer misdiagnosis cases, fighting to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable for these critical mistakes.

Wondering if your cancer diagnosis was delayed? Contact our Syracuse medical malpractice team for a free case evaluation.

Was Your Cancer Misdiagnosed In Syracuse?

Reach out to our experienced team for a free consultation and explore your options for compensation.

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Birth Injuries

Birth injuries are physical traumas or complications that occur to infants during the labor and delivery process, potentially leading to temporary or permanent disabilities. In the United States, approximately 28,000 birth injuries are reported annually, with around 6-8 cases per 1,000 live births being attributed to medical malpractice or negligence.

These injuries can range from mild conditions like bruising and minor fractures to severe complications such as:

• Cerebral palsy
• Erb's palsy
• Brain damage
• Spinal cord injuries

The effects of birth injuries can be devastating, often resulting in lifelong physical disabilities, cognitive impairments, developmental delays, and substantial emotional and financial burdens for families.

What Causes Birth Injuries?

The causes of birth injuries are diverse and can include:

• Medical negligence
• Improper use of delivery tools (such as forceps or vacuum extractors)
• Delayed cesarean sections
• Failure to monitor fetal distress
• Oxygen deprivation during delivery
• Mismanagement of maternal complications

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of birth injuries include:

• Prolonged labor
• Abnormal fetal positioning
• Maternal obesity
• Gestational diabetes
• Larger-than-average babies (macrosomia)

While some birth injuries may resolve naturally or with minimal intervention, others require extensive medical treatment, ongoing therapy, and specialized care throughout the affected individual's life. Medical professionals are required to follow established standards of care to prevent such injuries, and failure to do so may constitute medical malpractice.

Did Your Child Suffer A Birth Injury In Syracuse?

Reach out to our experienced team for a free consultation and explore your options for compensation.

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Surgical Errors

Surgical errors may be errors of omission—such as a surgeon’s failure to do something necessary—or errors of commission, which involve doing something beyond what is safe and reasonable. Surgical errors can be fatal and may cause lifelong complications, along with significantly increased costs for corrective treatment. Some common surgical errors include:

• Retained foreign bodies - Accidentally leaving surgical tools inside the patient's body, which can lead to sepsis, obstructions, and serious infection.
• Mislabelling of surgical specimens - Tissues and organs removed during surgery may be mislabelled, resulting in inaccurate testing and medical misdiagnosis.
• Wrong-site surgery - Surgery performed on the wrong part of the body, such as the incorrect knee or arm, leading to unnecessary trauma and delayed treatment of the actual condition.
• Wrong-procedure surgery - When doctors perform the incorrect operation, it can cause diagnostic delays, and in critical cases like cancer, may allow the disease to progress to a more advanced stage.
• Wrong-person surgery - This happens when doctors mix up which patient requires which surgery, leading to surgery being performed on the wrong individual. This can have life-threatening consequences.

These errors are serious and can result in delayed recovery, the need for additional procedures, infections, organ and tissue damage, and even death. 

If you or a loved one suffered from a surgical error in Syracuse, it’s important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to ensure that you receive the best compensation possible for your injuries and losses.

Medication Errors

Medication errors may occur when doctors or pharmacists are negligent in prescribing and dispensing medicine to patients. Some common examples include:

• Prescribing the wrong medication or dosage
• Failing to consider drug interactions or allergies
• Misreading or misinterpreting a prescription
• Dispensing the wrong drug or dosage
• Administering medication incorrectly or at the wrong time

These mistakes can happen due to a variety of factors, such as poor communication, inadequate training, or simple carelessness. Regardless of the cause, medical professionals must exercise reasonable care in handling medications, and when they fail in this duty, they can be held liable for the resulting harm.

What are the Consequences of Medication Errors?

The effects of a medication error can range from mild to severe, but they may include:

• Adverse drug reactions
• Allergic responses
• Organ damage
• Worsening of underlying conditions
• Death

In addition to the physical harm, medication errors can also cause emotional trauma and financial hardship for patients and their families.

Other Cases of Medical Malpractice

You may have also experienced the following cases of medical malpractice in Syracuse:

• Proctologist Malpractice
• Nephrologist Malpractice
• OB/GYN Malpractice
• Hospital Infections
• Pathology Malpractice
• Neurology Malpractice
• Primary Care and Family Medicine Malpractice
• Pain Management Malpractice
• Podiatry Malpractice
• Pulmonologist Malpractice
• Oncology Malpractice
• Urology Malpractice
• Pediatric Malpractice 
• Sports Medicine Malpractice
• Neurosurgery Malpractice 
• Ophthalmology Malpractice
• Nursing Malpractice
• Radiology Malpractice
• Orthopedic Malpractice

If you or a loved one have fallen victim to any of the above cases, don’t hesitate to contact the Porter Law Group for a free, no-obligation consultation. Remember, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t have to pay any up front costs. View our results to learn more about why so many clients have placed their trust in our firm. 

Are You Suffering From A Medical Malpractice-Related Injury?

Reach out to our experienced team for a free consultation and explore your options for compensation.

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Compensation Available for Medical Malpractice Victims

If you or a loved one has suffered medical malpractice in Syracuse, or anywhere in New York State, you may be entitled to the following economic and non-economic damages:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Cost of medical equipment
• Household or nursing help expenses
• Other out-of-pocket costs related to the injury

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Mental anguish
• Disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium

Our Syracuse medical malpractice lawyers will help determine and calculate the full value of your claim to ensure you receive maximum compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Medical Malpractice?

Determining liability in medical malpractice cases is not always straightforward. While the doctor primarily responsible for the patient is often the key party, other individuals or entities may also share liability, including:

Healthcare Professionals

• Physicians (including specialists, surgeons, and residents)
• Nurses and nurse practitioners
• Physician assistants
• Dentists
• Physical therapists
• Mental health care professionals
• Radiologists
• Anesthesiologists

Medical Facilities

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Nursing homes
• Assisted living facilities
• Hospice care centers
• Free clinics

Other Entities

• Medical corporations and groups
• Pharmaceutical companies

Whatever the case may be, the medical malpractice lawyers at the Porter Law Group will ensure that all parties at fault are held fully accountable. We draw from decades of experience in medical malpractice litigation, and work with board-certified medical experts across various specialties, so you can be confident that no stone will be left unturned in our pursuit of the answers and compensation you and your family deserve.

What Makes a Strong Medical Malpractice Case

Not all bad medical outcomes qualify as malpractice. Here's what our Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys look for when evaluating potential cases:

1. Clear deviation from standard of care: Evidence that the provider's actions fell below acceptable medical standards
2. Direct causation: Proof that this deviation directly caused your injuries
3. Significant damages: Serious injuries resulting in substantial medical bills, lost income, or pain and suffering
4. Timely filing: Claims filed within New York's statute of limitations
5. Expert support: Medical experts willing to testify that malpractice occurred

During your free consultation, our experienced medical malpractice lawyers will review these factors and help determine whether you have a viable claim.

What is the Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Cases in Syracuse?

In Syracuse and throughout New York State, medical malpractice claims generally must be filed within two years and six months from the date of the alleged malpractice.

But there are certain exceptions, including:

• Continuous treatment: The clock starts after treatment for the condition ends.
• Cancer misdiagnosis: Patients may file within two years and six months from when they knew or should have known about the misdiagnosis, but no later than seven years after the malpractice occurred.
• Foreign objects left in the body: Claims can be filed within one year of discovery.

Medical malpractice cases are complex, with numerous technicalities involved. Time is of the essence, so contact the Porter Law Group immediately for expert legal guidance. Don't stress yourself with the burden of legal paperwork, let us put our skills and resources towards securing the compensation you and your loved ones deserve.

Wondering if you're still within the statute of limitations? Use our Medical Malpractice Statute of Limitations Calculator or call 833-PORTER9 for a free case review.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Malpractice

What Kind of Lawyer Do I Need for Medical Malpractice?

You need a specialized medical malpractice attorney with experience handling healthcare negligence cases. These lawyers understand medical terminology, have relationships with expert witnesses, and know how to navigate the complex laws specific to medical malpractice in New York.

How Long Does a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Take?

In Syracuse and throughout New York, medical malpractice lawsuits typically take between one to three years to resolve. Complex cases may take longer, especially if they go to trial. The timeline includes investigation (2-6 months), filing the lawsuit, discovery phase (6-12 months), negotiation or mediation, and trial, if necessary. 

How to Start a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Syracuse

1. Contact an experienced Syracuse medical malpractice attorney for a free consultation
2. Gather all relevant medical records and documentation
3. Your attorney will review your case with medical experts
4. If viable, your lawyer will file a Certificate of Merit with your lawsuit
5. Your lawsuit must be filed within 2.5 years of the malpractice incident (with some exceptions)

What's the Difference Between a Medical Malpractice Attorney and a Regular Personal Injury Lawyer?

Medical malpractice attorneys specialize in healthcare negligence cases and typically have:

• In-depth knowledge of medical standards and procedures
• Relationships with medical expert witnesses
• Experience with the specific legal requirements of malpractice claims
• Understanding of how to value complex medical damages

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Syracuse Medical Malpractice Lawyer?

At Porter Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning:

• No upfront costs or hourly fees
• We only get paid if we win your case
• Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict
• Initial consultations are always free

Contact Syracuse Medical Malpractice Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one suffered from medical malpractice in Syracuse, don't face this challenging time alone. The Porter Law Group is here to help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation your family deserves. 

Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys are dedicated to providing compassionate and  effective legal representation to families throughout New York State.

To schedule your free consultation with the Porter Law Group, call our toll-free number at 833-PORTER9. Let us put our expertise to work for you and your family. Remember, there's no fee unless we win your case. Contact us today to take the first step towards justice.

Not Sure What Kind of Lawyer You Need to Sue a Doctor? Contact Our Medical Malpractice Team for Guidance - Call 8833-PORTER9 Now.