Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyer

When healthcare providers fail to meet accepted standards of care, patients can suffer devastating consequences that change their lives forever. If you or a loved one has been harmed by medical negligence, a skilled Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. At Iamele & Iamele, LLP, we have been protecting Maryland citizens’ rights for over 50 years, with two generations of the Iamele family providing aggressive legal advocacy for victims of medical malpractice throughout the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area.

Our comprehensive personal injury practice encompasses medical malpractice cases, and our attorneys have the depth and breadth of experience necessary to evaluate and litigate your claim for the full amount of compensation you are owed. We understand that medical injuries can be sudden, devastating, and tragic events which have an enormous impact on the lives of individuals who experience them. The long-term implications of many medical malpractice injuries often do not become apparent until long after the initial occurrence.

Understanding Medical Malpractice in Maryland

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional deviates from the accepted standard of care in their field, resulting in injury or harm to a patient. In Maryland, these cases are governed by specific statutes and require careful legal analysis to establish liability. The most recent available data indicates that medical errors remain a significant cause of injury and death nationwide, making it crucial for victims to understand their rights.

To successfully pursue a medical malpractice claim, several elements must be proven. First, there must be an established doctor-patient relationship that created a duty of care. Second, the healthcare provider must have breached that duty by failing to meet the accepted standard of care. Third, this breach must have directly caused the patient’s injury. Finally, the injury must have resulted in specific damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other quantifiable losses.

At Iamele & Iamele, our medical malpractice attorneys work with qualified medical experts to thoroughly investigate each case. We review medical records, consult with specialists, and conduct comprehensive research to build the strongest possible case for our clients. Our meticulous preparation and superior courtroom skills have produced outstanding results for families affected by medical negligence.

Common Types of Medical Malpractice Cases

Medical malpractice can occur in various healthcare settings and involve different types of negligence. Surgical errors represent one of the most serious categories, including wrong-site surgery, retained surgical instruments, anesthesia mistakes, and post-operative complications due to inadequate monitoring. These errors can result in additional surgeries, permanent disabilities, or even death.

There are many different types of medical mistakes that can be made, and many different types of medical workers who can make them. Below are some of the main types of medical errors that lie at the heart of typical medical malpractice claims:

• Missed Diagnosis – cancer or other serious illness is not considered when diagnosing patient’s complaint
• Delayed Diagnosis – diagnosis is not made until disease has worsened, when it could have been caught earlier
• Medication Errors – wrong medicine or wrong dosage administered
• Surgical Errors – Surgery is performed on the wrong patient, or the wrong surgery is performed; surgery is performed on the wrong side of the body; foreign object (clamp, sponge) is sewn up inside of patient; vital body part is nicked or cut during surgery
• Birth Injuries – Cerebral palsy; Erb’s palsy, Klumpke’s palsy; improper use of forceps; delayed c-section
• Anesthesia Errors – brain damage from lack of oxygen; esophageal injury; chipped teeth
• Misread Diagnostic Test – radiologist or doctor misinterprets results, misses diagnosis or makes wrong diagnosis
• Hospital/Nursing Negligence – hospital-acquired infection; wrong baby sent home; misread chart; patient mix-up

Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis cases form a significant portion of medical malpractice claims. When healthcare providers fail to accurately diagnose conditions such as cancer, heart disease, stroke, or infections, patients may miss critical treatment windows. This can lead to disease progression, reduced treatment options, and worse prognoses than would have occurred with timely and accurate diagnosis.

Birth injuries represent particularly tragic cases of medical malpractice, affecting both mothers and newborns. These may include failure to monitor fetal distress, improper use of delivery instruments, delayed cesarean sections, or medication errors during labor and delivery. Such negligence can result in cerebral palsy, brain injuries, or other lifelong conditions requiring extensive medical care and support.

Medication errors, including wrong prescriptions, incorrect dosages, or failure to consider drug interactions and allergies, can cause severe adverse reactions or worsen existing conditions. Hospital negligence, such as inadequate staffing, poor sanitation, or failure to follow established protocols, can also lead to preventable complications and infections.

The Legal Process for Medical Malpractice Claims

Maryland law requires specific procedures for medical malpractice cases that differ from other personal injury claims. These cases must typically be filed within three years of the discovery of the injury, though certain exceptions may apply. Before filing a lawsuit, Maryland requires a certificate of qualified expert review, confirming that a medical expert has reviewed the case and believes there are reasonable grounds for the claim.

The litigation process begins with a thorough investigation and case preparation phase. Our attorneys work closely with medical experts to review all relevant medical records, analyze the care provided, and determine whether the standard of care was breached. This phase is crucial for building a strong foundation for the case.

During the discovery phase, both sides exchange information and evidence. This may include depositions of healthcare providers, additional medical expert testimony, and review of hospital policies and procedures. Our legal team’s trial experience proves invaluable during this phase, as we know how to effectively present complex medical evidence to support our clients’ claims.

Many medical malpractice cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, but our attorneys are always prepared to take cases to trial when necessary. Our courtroom skills and aggressive advocacy have resulted in significant verdicts and settlements for our clients, including substantial compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages related to medical negligence.

Baltimore Area Hospitals and Trauma Centers

When serious injuries occur in Baltimore, understanding the network of Baltimore area hospitals and trauma centers can be crucial for both immediate care and future legal considerations. At Iamele & Iamele, LLP, our personal injury attorneys have worked with clients who have received treatment at hospitals throughout the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan area for over 50 years. The quality of medical care, documentation, and treatment decisions made at these facilities often play a vital role in personal injury cases involving car accidents, medical malpractice, workplace injuries, and other catastrophic events.

Our firm’s two generations of attorneys, Domenic and Anton Iamele, have developed extensive experience working with medical professionals and reviewing treatment records from hospitals across Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Prince George’s counties. This knowledge proves invaluable when evaluating the full extent of our clients’ injuries and pursuing appropriate compensation for medical expenses and ongoing care needs.

Major Baltimore Trauma Centers and Emergency Facilities

The University of Maryland Medical Center stands as Baltimore’s premier Level I trauma center, located in downtown Baltimore near the Inner Harbor. This facility handles the most severe trauma cases from across the region and maintains specialized units for burn victims, cardiac emergencies, and neurological injuries. The hospital’s proximity to major highways including I-95 and I-83 makes it a primary destination for serious accident victims transported by ambulance or helicopter.

Johns Hopkins Hospital, internationally recognized for its medical expertise, operates another major emergency department serving Baltimore residents. Located in East Baltimore, this facility is renowned for its specialized care units and research capabilities. The hospital’s emergency department treats a high volume of patients daily and maintains detailed medical records that often become crucial evidence in personal injury litigation.

Sinai Hospital of Baltimore provides comprehensive emergency services in Northwest Baltimore and serves as a major regional medical center. The facility’s trauma program handles serious injuries from motor vehicle accidents, workplace incidents, and other catastrophic events. According to the most recent available data, trauma centers like these treat thousands of serious injury cases annually across the Baltimore metropolitan area.

MedStar Harbor Hospital offers emergency services to South Baltimore communities and maintains specialized units for cardiac care and emergency surgery. The hospital’s location provides convenient access for residents of Federal Hill, Locust Point, and surrounding neighborhoods who require immediate medical attention following accidents or injuries.

Community Hospitals Serving Baltimore Residents

Beyond the major trauma centers, numerous community hospitals provide essential emergency and medical services throughout the Baltimore area. MedStar Union Memorial Hospital in North Baltimore offers comprehensive emergency care and maintains specialized orthopedic services that often treat victims of car accidents, slip and fall incidents, and sports injuries.

Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Towson serves Baltimore County residents with emergency services and specialized care units. This facility frequently treats patients involved in accidents along major corridors like York Road, Charles Street, and the Baltimore Beltway. The hospital’s documentation and treatment protocols play important roles in personal injury cases involving residents from Towson, Lutherville, and surrounding communities.

Saint Agnes Hospital in Southwest Baltimore provides emergency services to communities throughout that region. The facility’s emergency department handles a significant volume of accident-related injuries and maintains comprehensive medical records that often become vital evidence in injury litigation.

Mercy Medical Center, located near downtown Baltimore, offers emergency services and specialized care units. The hospital’s central location makes it accessible to residents throughout the metropolitan area who require immediate medical attention following various types of accidents and injuries.

Specialized Care Facilities and Rehabilitation Centers

Many serious injury cases require ongoing treatment beyond initial emergency care. The Kennedy Krieger Institute specializes in neurological rehabilitation and treats patients with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and other complex neurological conditions resulting from accidents. This facility’s comprehensive treatment programs often extend for months or years following initial trauma.

Good Samaritan Hospital maintains specialized units for cardiac care and surgery, often treating patients who suffer heart attacks or cardiac events following traumatic accidents. The facility’s detailed medical records document the full extent of cardiac injuries and treatment requirements.

Rehabilitation hospitals throughout the Baltimore area provide essential services for accident victims recovering from serious injuries. These facilities’ treatment records often demonstrate the long-term impact of injuries sustained in car accidents, workplace incidents, or other traumatic events, supporting claims for ongoing medical expenses and disability compensation.

The comprehensive network of medical facilities serving Baltimore residents ensures that serious injury victims receive appropriate care, while the detailed medical records generated during treatment provide crucial evidence for personal injury attorneys pursuing compensation on behalf of their clients.

Baltimore Medical Malpractice FAQs

When we are injured or sick, we have little choice but to put our fate in the hands of medical professionals whom we assume have the education, training, skill and compassion to treat our ailments to the best of their ability. Doctors and other healthcare professionals are held to a high standard of competence and care – this is the very essence of what it means to belong to a profession. When the medical care provided falls below this expected standard, and an injury ensues, doctors and hospitals can and should be held accountable for their errors.

The Baltimore med mal lawyers at Iamele & Iamele, LLP know what it takes to break down the wall put up by doctors, hospitals and their insurers. Our lawyers work to uncover the facts and present a strong case that fully compensates injury victims for the harm done to them, while helping to improve medical care for others by holding doctors accountable and forcing needed change in hospital practices.

How long do I have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Maryland?

Generally, you have three years from the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered the injury to file a medical malpractice claim. However, there are exceptions and specific rules that may affect your case, so it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible.

What damages can I recover in a medical malpractice case?

Damages may include past and future medical expenses, lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, disability, and other losses related to the medical negligence. In wrongful death cases, family members may also recover damages for their loss.

Do I need a medical expert for my case?

Yes, Maryland law requires expert medical testimony to establish the standard of care and how it was breached. Our firm works with qualified medical experts who can provide the necessary testimony to support your case.

How much does it cost to hire a medical malpractice attorney?

We handle medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We also provide free initial consultations to evaluate your potential case.

Can I sue if a family member died due to medical malpractice?

Yes, surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit if medical negligence caused their loved one’s death. These cases seek compensation for the family’s losses, including funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship.

What if the medical malpractice occurred at Johns Hopkins Hospital or another major medical center?

Large medical institutions can be held liable for medical malpractice just like individual healthcare providers. These cases may involve additional complexities, but our experienced attorneys have successfully handled cases against major medical centers and hospital systems.

How long do medical malpractice cases typically take?

The timeline varies depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of injuries, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Most cases take one to three years to resolve, though some complex cases may take longer.

Which Baltimore hospitals are designated trauma centers?

The University of Maryland Medical Center operates as Baltimore’s primary Level I trauma center, while several other major hospitals including Johns Hopkins maintain emergency departments capable of handling serious trauma cases. The Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems designates trauma center levels based on capabilities and resources.

How do hospital records impact personal injury cases?

Medical records from Baltimore area hospitals provide crucial documentation of injuries, treatment provided, and ongoing medical needs. These records often serve as primary evidence in personal injury litigation, demonstrating the extent of damages and supporting claims for medical expenses and future care costs.

What should accident victims know about emergency room treatment?

Emergency departments prioritize treatment based on injury severity, and patients should provide complete information about how injuries occurred. Detailed documentation of symptoms and treatment received becomes important evidence in potential legal cases.

How long do hospitals maintain medical records?

Maryland law requires hospitals to maintain medical records for specific time periods, typically several years for adult patients and longer for pediatric cases. Personal injury attorneys often need to obtain these records promptly to preserve important evidence.

Can family members access medical records of injured patients?

HIPAA regulations limit access to medical records, though family members may obtain records in certain circumstances with proper authorization. Personal injury attorneys can assist with obtaining necessary medical documentation for legal cases.

What happens if emergency room errors contribute to injuries?

Medical malpractice may occur when emergency room staff fail to provide appropriate care or make diagnostic errors. These situations can result in additional legal claims beyond the original accident case.

How do hospital bills affect personal injury settlements?

Medical expenses from hospital treatment typically represent a significant component of personal injury damages. Both past medical bills and future treatment costs must be considered when evaluating appropriate compensation amounts.

Serving Throughout Baltimore

• Federal Hill
• Inner Harbor
• Canton
• Fell’s Point
• Mount Vernon
• Charles Village
• Hampden
• Roland Park
• Locust Point
• Little Italy

Contact a Baltimore Medical Malpractice Attorney Today

If you believe you or a loved one has been the victim of medical negligence, don’t wait to seek legal help. The experienced medical malpractice attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP provide the aggressive representation and personal attention you need during this difficult time. With over 50 years of experience serving clients throughout Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel and Prince George’s counties, we understand how to effectively handle complex medical malpractice cases. Operating as a small firm that emphasizes client service, both Domenic Iamele and Anton Iamele become personally involved in most aspects of each case, treating clients with close, personal and hands-on attention. Contact our firm today to schedule your complimentary consultation and learn how our Baltimore medical malpractice attorney team can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.