This is the second part of a blog summarizing the timeline of a typical medical malpractice case. This installment focuses on the crucial case evaluation stage. The first part focused on the claim and hiring a qualified and experienced medical malpractice attorney to assert it.
Collecting and Gathering Evidence
Medical malpractice cases generate a paper trail miles and miles in length. A potential plaintiff’s medical records, with few exceptions, must be gathered, reviewed, and analyzed. Medical records may be both tangible and intangible; paper and paperless.
Medical records include numerous types of notes that include recording observations and the administration of drugs and therapies, various orders for drugs and therapies, test results, x-rays, reports, etc.
The traditional medical record for inpatient care can include admission notes, on-service notes, progress notes (SOAP notes), preoperative notes, operative notes, postoperative notes, procedure notes, delivery notes, postpartum notes, and discharge notes. This large volume of notes must be thoroughly reviewed and analyzed by various members of the legal team.
Easy access to medical records is not always guaranteed. The availability of electronically organizing and storing medical records has increased accessibility to a patient’s medical files. The evaluation of these records still requires the substantial involvement of legal and medical experts.
Investigation and Review of Evidence (Medical Records)
Once the time-consuming task of evidence gathering is completed, a seasoned and expert medical malpractice attorney will review the evidence to determine the viability of a medical malpractice claim under Pennsylvania law.
This process may take several weeks, even several months, to complete. Once this analysis ends, an experienced medical malpractice lawyer will determine if the case is viable and worth moving forward. James F. Mundy, Esq. has nearly five decades of experience in analyzing the viability and merits of medical malpractice cases.
Powell Law’s attorneys have unmatched experience assisting individuals who have suffered damages caused by the negligence of medical professionals. At Powell Law, it is our goal to protect and assert our clients’ rights effectively. Powell Law has an established 113-year-old reputation throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Contact Powell Law at (570) 961-0777. The consultation is FREE, and you don’t pay unless we win!
