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Was It Medical Malpractice or Just a Bad Outcome?

How do I know if my provider was negligent?

Medical MalpracticeJuly 6, 2026

Medicine carries risk, and a poor outcome alone is not malpractice. A claim exists when a provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and that failure causes harm.

Situations that often warrant review

  • Surgical errors and retained instruments
  • Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis of cancer, stroke, or infection
  • Medication and dosage errors
  • Birth injuries
  • Emergency room mistakes
  • Failure to order or act on test results

What a case requires

Pennsylvania malpractice claims require a certificate of merit from a qualified expert confirming the care fell below the standard. That means the medical records must be obtained and reviewed by a specialist before suit is filed.

Getting your records

You have the right to your complete chart, including imaging and nursing notes. Requesting them early preserves your ability to have the care evaluated.

If something about your care does not add up, a free review can tell you whether it deserves a closer look.

Free Case Review

Talk to Hershey Personal Injury Lawyers — free and confidential

Tell us what happened and we'll review your situation at no cost. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless compensation is recovered.