Erie, PA Medical Malpractice Lawyers

When Medical Care Raises More Questions Than Answers

Most medical outcomes involve uncertainty.

But sometimes, what happened doesn’t feel like uncertainty.

It feels like something went wrong—and no one is explaining why.

A delayed diagnosis. A surgical complication that was never discussed. A discharge that came too early. A result that leaves you searching for answers.

Medical malpractice cases often begin there.

Not with certainty. With doubt.

Pennsylvania law allows patients and families to pursue claims when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and causes harm. But these cases are governed by strict procedural and legal requirements.

You generally have two years to file a claim under 42 Pa.C.S. § 5524.

You must also file a Certificate of Merit (Pa.R.C.P. 1042.3) within 60 days of filing your case—requiring a qualified medical expert to confirm that malpractice likely occurred.

In many cases, claims are also shaped by Pennsylvania’s MCARE Act (40 Pa.C.S. § 1303.512), which governs insurance coverage, excess liability, and how cases are funded and defended.

These are not simple claims. But they are often the only way to get real answers—and accountability.

You May Have a Medical Malpractice Case If

You may have a claim if:

• Your condition worsened after a surgery or medical procedure
• You were misdiagnosed or diagnosed too late
• A doctor failed to order tests that would have revealed a serious condition
• You were given the wrong medication or dosage
• A birth injury occurred due to delayed intervention or improper care
• An anesthesia or surgical error caused complications
• You were discharged too early and suffered preventable harm
• A provider failed to obtain informed consent before treatment

Most people are not certain whether malpractice occurred.

That’s exactly why these cases require careful investigation.

What Makes Our Firm Different in Medical Malpractice Cases

Medical malpractice is one of the most complex areas of law.

It requires more than legal knowledge. It requires insight into how healthcare systems actually operate.

Eric Purchase brings a credential that is rare on the plaintiff side:

He served as a member of a hospital Institutional Review Board (IRB) from 2008 to 2010—an independent ethics committee responsible for reviewing patient safety, medical protocols, and clinical decision-making.

That experience matters.

It means he has evaluated the same standards hospitals use internally when assessing physician conduct and patient care.

He also previously represented hospitals and healthcare providers in complex cases—giving him a clear understanding of how these cases are defended.

Tim George, a former prosecutor and military lawyer, brings trial experience and the ability to prepare cases that stand up in court.

Together, that perspective allows us to approach medical malpractice cases with both legal and institutional insight.

Results That Matter

Medical malpractice cases are complex—but results still matter.

Examples of outcomes include:

• Significant settlement in a failure-to-diagnose case involving delayed cancer treatment
• Six-figure recovery for a surgical error resulting in long-term complications
• Confidential resolution in a medication error case causing permanent harm
• Substantial recovery in a hospital negligence case involving preventable injury

These cases require expert support, resources, and a willingness to challenge healthcare systems.

We are prepared to do all three.

Medical Errors: The Pennsylvania Reality

Medical errors are more common than many people realize.

• Studies estimate that more than 250,000 deaths per year in the United States are linked to medical errors, making them one of the leading causes of death
• Pennsylvania ranks among the top states in total malpractice payouts, reflecting both case volume and severity
• Hundreds of malpractice claims are filed each year statewide, with significant financial impact on patients and families

Many of these cases involve diagnostic failures:

• Diagnostic errors account for a substantial portion of malpractice claims and are often associated with the most serious outcomes

These are not isolated incidents. They are systemic issues that require accountability when harm occurs.

Healthcare in Erie: What Patients Should Know

Medical care in Erie is delivered through major regional providers, including:

• UPMC Hamot, a Level II Trauma Center serving the region
• AHN Saint Vincent Hospital, a major healthcare system in Erie

Publicly available safety data shows variation across facilities in areas such as patient falls, complications, and infection rates

These metrics do not establish malpractice. But they can become relevant when investigating whether a preventable error occurred.

Types of Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle

We represent clients in cases involving:

• Failure to diagnose cancer and serious conditions
• Surgical errors
• Medication and prescription errors
• Birth injuries
• Hospital negligence
• Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis
• Brain injuries caused by medical error
• Nursing home negligence and abuse

Each case requires a detailed and individualized approach.

Why Investigation Is Critical

Medical malpractice cases are built on evidence—and that evidence is not always easy to find.

Medical records may be incomplete. Explanations may be unclear. Important details may not be documented at all.

Our approach includes:

• Obtaining and analyzing all relevant medical records
• Working with qualified medical experts
• Identifying deviations from the standard of care
• Building a clear and evidence-based case

For many clients, understanding what happened is just as important as the outcome itself.

What Compensation May Include

A medical malpractice claim is meant to reflect the full impact of the harm caused.

Depending on the case, compensation may include:

• Medical expenses, including future care
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability or life care needs
• Out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury

Pennsylvania does not cap non-economic damages in most malpractice cases, allowing compensation to reflect the real impact of serious harm.

What to Expect From a Medical Malpractice Case

These cases take time and require careful preparation.

You should expect:

• A detailed review of your medical records
• Expert consultation before filing
• Clear communication about your options
• A legal team prepared to take your case to trial if necessary

Not every case proceeds to trial. But preparation is what creates leverage.

Talk to an Erie Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If you believe a medical error caused harm to you or a loved one, the most important step is getting answers.

Call (814) 402-8826 for a free consultation.

There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Malpractice in Erie, PA

What is medical malpractice?

It occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and causes harm to a patient.

Why are these cases more complex?

They require expert testimony to establish what a reasonable medical provider would have done under similar circumstances.

What is a certificate of merit?

It is a requirement under Pennsylvania law that a qualified medical professional confirm your case has merit within 60 days of filing.

Who can be held responsible?

Doctors, nurses, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare providers may be liable depending on the circumstances.

How do I know if I have a case?

Most patients are not certain. A detailed review of your records and expert evaluation is required.

Do I have to go to trial?

Not always. Many cases resolve through settlement, but preparation for trial is essential.