Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyer

When we seek medical treatment or advice of any kind, we expect that we can trust that doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional to provide quality care. From a legal standpoint, we should expect care that meets acceptable standards. If that doesn’t happen, and you or a loved one suffer harm as a result, then you may have a case of medical malpractice.

At The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl, we have been tireless advocates for victims of medical malpractice for decades, and we have a strong history of securing favorable outcomes for our clients. But it is important you know that before we begin building a strong case on your behalf, we listen to your concerns, we answer your questions, and we communicate clearly – throughout the legal process.

Contact our law offices for FREE consultation. Let us help you understand what legal options you may have and how we can help you. If we don’t think you have a case – we’ll let you know that too.

Call us today to request your free case review. There is no risk and no obligation to you. 410-244-7005

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider fails to meet the acceptable standard of care. The acceptable standard of care is the minimum quality of care expected of a medical professional with similar background, education, and training. When this standard of care is not met and it causes you or a loved one to suffer serious or fatal harm, it is medical malpractice.

How Do I Know If My Injury or Condition Is Due to Medical Malpractice?

You can discuss your situation with an attorney to get a more accurate legal perspective on your specific case. Before you decide to speak to an attorney, there are probably some red flags indicating something isn’t quite right, such as recovering properly after a procedure.

Here are some key signs your injury or condition may be due to medical malpractice:

• Unexpected Complications:Your condition worsened or new problems emerged after treatment that weren’t discussed as potential risks.

• Diagnosis That Contradicts Your Original Doctor:A second opinion reveals a completely different condition or finds that your illness should have been caught much earlier.

• Treatment That Deviates From Standard Care:Other medical professionals express surprise or concern about the approach your doctor took.

• Lack of Informed Consent: You weren’t told about significant risks, alternative treatments, or potential complications before a procedure.

• Surgical Errors: Wrong-site surgery, objects left inside your body, or damage to surrounding organs or nerves.

• Medication Errors:Wrong drug, wrong dosage, or failure to check for dangerous drug interactions.

• Delayed or Missed Diagnosis: Cancer, heart attack, stroke, or infection that wasn’t identified when symptoms were present.

• Birth Injuries:Your child suffered brain damage, nerve injuries, or other harm during labor and delivery that could have been prevented.

• Ignored Test Results: Critical lab work, imaging, or diagnostic tests that were overlooked or not followed up on.

• Inadequate Follow-Up Care: Your doctor failed to monitor your recovery or didn’t respond to your reported complications.

How Do I Know If I Have a Medical Malpractice Case?

Believing you may have a medical malpractice case is not enough to prove it. Unfortunately, the burden of proving medical malpractice falls to the injured victim – unless you have an attorney to advocate on your behalf. 

At The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl, we need to get more details about your situation, including events leading up to your injury or medical condition. There are certain documents we need to review and answers to questions about your specific situation so we can provide you with the most accurate information.

When we represent a medical malpractice victim, there are several factors that must be considered. Additionally, to have a valid case, we must be able to establish these four legal elements:

• Doctor-Patient Relationship: We must prove that the healthcare provider agreed to treat you and that a formal doctor-patient relationship existed.

• Breach of Standard of Care: The healthcare provider failed to provide treatment that meets the accepted medical standards that a reasonably competent provider would have delivered under similar circumstances. 

• Causation: The provider’s negligence directly caused your injury—your condition resulted from the substandard care, not from an underlying illness or unavoidable complication. 

• Damages: You suffered actual harm, including physical injury, emotional distress, additional medical bills, lost wages, or other measurable losses as a direct result of the negligence. 

What Could My Medical Malpractice Case Be Worth in Maryland? 

Every case is unique, including the total value of a case. The final calculated value of your claim is affected by the severity of your injuries or medical condition, the treatments or long-term care you may need as a result, and other factors.  

Generally, the types of compensation you may be eligible to recover in a medical malpractice case in Maryland may include: 

• Medical Expenses: Past and future costs for corrective surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, therapy, and ongoing medical care needed due to the malpractice. 

• Lost Wages: Income you lost while recovering from your injuries or attending medical appointments. 

• Lost Earning Capacity: Compensation for reduced ability to earn income in the future if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous occupation or working at full capacity. 

• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain, discomfort, and limitations you endure as a result of the negligent care. 

• Emotional Distress: Psychological harm including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and mental anguish caused by the malpractice and its consequences. 

• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Compensation for your inability to participate in activities, hobbies, and daily experiences you enjoyed before the injury. 

• Disfigurement and Scarring: Damages for permanent physical changes that affect your appearance and self-esteem. 

• Loss of Consortium: Compensation for your spouse’s loss of companionship, affection, and support due to your injuries. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Baltimore? 

In Baltimore, as throughout the state, there is a strict filing deadline that applies if you decide to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. That deadline, called the statute of limitations, is five years from when the injury occurred or three years from the discovery of the injury – whichever date occurs first. 

Some exceptions may apply that could make your filing deadline shorter, but we can review the unique circumstances of your situation to determine your filing deadline. 

In Maryland, we do not recommend waiting to seek legal help once you suspect something is wrong. If you may be the victim of medical malpractice, contacting an attorney sooner, rather than later, is to your benefit. Your attorney needs time to gather evidence and build a strong case on your behalf. 

Most Common Types of Medical Malpractice 

Medical malpractice can occur in many different ways and situations. Unfortunately, many victims may not even realize the harm they suffered was preventable.  

Our firm handles the full spectrum of medical negligence cases, from surgical mistakes to diagnostic failures. We investigate each claim thoroughly, consult with medical experts, and build compelling cases that hold negligent providers accountable for the devastating impact their errors have on patients’ lives. 

Types of Medical Malpractice We Handle: 

• Surgical Malpractice: Errors during operations including wrong-site surgery, damage to organs or nerves, objects left inside the body, anesthesia mistakes, and post-operative infections due to negligent care. 

• Misdiagnosis and Failure to Diagnose: Missed or delayed diagnoses of cancer, heart attacks, strokes, infections, blood clots, and other serious conditions that worsen without proper treatment. 

• Medication Errors: Wrong prescriptions, incorrect dosages, failure to check for dangerous drug interactions, and pharmacy dispensing mistakes that cause serious harm. 

• Failure to Obtain Informed Consent: Performing procedures without properly explaining the risks, benefits, and alternatives, depriving you of the right to make an informed decision about your care. 

• Birth Injuries: Negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery that causes brain damage, cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, shoulder dystocia injuries, or maternal complications. 

• Bariatric Surgery Malpractice: Complications from gastric bypass, sleeve gastrectomy, or lap-band procedures including leaks, perforations, infections, malnutrition, and inadequate post-operative monitoring. 

Why Hire an Attorney to Manage Your Baltimore Medical Malpractice Case 

Medical malpractice cases are among the most complex personal injury claims you can pursue. To make things even more complicated, Maryland law has extremely strict procedural requirements. One example is that you need to obtain a certificate from a qualified medical expert before you can even file your lawsuit.  

Insurance companies and healthcare institutions have aggressive defense teams to protect their interests, especially for high value cases where the stakes are higher. They count on victims feeling overwhelmed and giving up.  

Why you need an attorney manage your Baltimore medical malpractice case: 

• We Navigate Maryland’s Complex Legal Requirements: We obtain the required certificate of qualified expert, meet strict filing deadlines, and handle all procedural requirements that can derail your case if missed. 

• We Access Medical Experts Who Strengthen Your Claim: We work with respected physicians who review your records, identify the standard of care violations, and provide credible testimony that proves negligence. 

• We Calculate Your Full Damages: We account for all current and future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and non-economic losses to ensure you pursue maximum compensation. 

• We Handle Aggressive Defense Tactics: Healthcare providers and their insurers use sophisticated strategies to minimize payouts—we counter their arguments and protect your rights throughout the process. 

• We Take Cases to Trial When Necessary: Many firms settle too quickly for too little—we prepare every case for trial and aren’t afraid to fight for you in court. 

• You Pay Nothing Unless We Win: We work on contingency, meaning you owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. 

Call The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl if You Suspect Medical Malpractice in Baltimore 

 If you or a loved one suffered serious or fatal harm due to a medical mistake or medical negligence, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your damages.

At The Law Offices of Peter T. Nicholl, we take every case very seriously. You are never just a number at our firm. We know it can feel intimidating to call a lawyer, but if you think you need one, we hope you call us anyway. Your initial compensation is free and there is no obligation to file a lawsuit, even if we think you have a strong case.

Worried about the cost of hiring a lawyer? Don’t be. We take medical malpractices on contingency to make hiring a lawyer affordable for almost everyone. For you, it means there are no upfront costs or fees to pay. We only get paid if you do.

Call: 410-244-7005 to get started today.