Brain injuries are usually caused by a traumatic accident, such as a traffic collision, a fall, or a direct blow to the skull. But they may also occur in healthcare settings, due to medical errors or negligence. When a person suffers a brain injury due to medical malpractice, their family members may be unsure of what to do. The first step is to contact an attorney who has experience with medical malpractice cases. A brain injury medical malpractice attorney can fight for an injured person’s rights and hold the negligent providers accountable for the harm they caused.
Wapner Newman’s malpractice attorneys have handled numerous brain injury cases and medical malpractice cases, working diligently to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients. If you believe you or your immediate family member might have a brain injury caused by a medical error, contact us to request your free, no-obligation case consultation.
Why Choose Us?
How Wapner Newman Stands Up for Injured Clients
Wapner Newman has a proven track record of success in safeguarding the rights and futures of injured victims throughout Pennsylvania. Our experienced attorneys can build a strong case for compensation on your behalf, and we are accustomed to going toe-to-toe with both healthcare providers and the nation’s largest insurance companies.
How Brain Injuries Occur in Healthcare Facilities
The Catastrophic Aftermath of Medical Errors and Provider Negligence
The brain can be injured in a number of ways; in hospitals, the mechanism of injury may not be immediately obvious. For example, if doctors fail to detect a patient’s blood clot, that clot might block a blood vessel to the brain, resulting in a stroke that causes brain damage. Personal injury attorneys who are familiar with brain injury cases can help determine all of the factors that contributed to a brain injury, such as:
- Misdiagnosis or a missed diagnosis
- Surgical errors
- Infection
- Anoxia (a lack of oxygen)
- Abuse (a common cause of injury in nursing homes)
- Birth trauma (causing injury to newborn babies)
- Medication errors (incorrect dosage or incorrect medications).
If you or a loved one experienced a brain injury due to these or other contributing factors, Wapner Newman may be able to help. Call (215) 569-0900 to schedule a free consultation today.
Blood Infection and Brain Damage
Septicemia, a bacterial infection of the bloodstream, can cause a condition called sepsis, in which the body experiences a rapid inflammatory response. Without immediate intervention, organ failure is imminent, and the brain is among the first organs to fail. Even when doctors are able to halt the progression of sepsis, patients who survive often suffer brain damage.
People who have compromised immune systems, a chronic illness, or severe wounds or burns are more susceptible to sepsis. Poor sanitary procedures in healthcare settings can raise the risk of sepsis. Common mechanisms of hospital-acquired septicemia are:
- Central line infections (bacteria entering the body through an intravenous catheter)
- Urinary catheter infections (more prevalent in nursing homes)
- Surgical-site infections.
In nursing homes, sepsis may occur when residents develop bedsores, due to inattention or neglect. The sores can become severe, penetrating deep tissue and creating a pathway for bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
The Effects of Brain Injury
Brain injuries can have a wide range of consequences, some of which cause lifelong disability. Some of the effects of brain injury include:
- Sensory loss
- Memory loss
- Speech difficulties
- Cognitive impairment
- Loss of bodily function (such as paralysis or organ failure)
- Emotional issues/mood disturbances
- Depression and anxiety.
People who have suffered a brain injury while in a hospital or long-term care facility may be unaware of what happened to them, due to cognitive impairment, memory loss, or a persistent vegetative state. Family members are often in the position of investigating what happened to their relative, while trying to provide them with the care and support they need.
The Long-Term Outlook
Families whose loved one has suffered a severe brain injury may not realize the true cost of caring for their family member. People with severe injuries may need lifelong care, medical devices such as respirators, and extensive physical therapy. Brain injury survivors may be completely dependent on others for care, in which case they may need to live in a long-term care facility. A severe brain injury raises the risk of other illnesses and infections that require treatment.
Personal injury attorneys with experience handling brain injury cases know that the long-term costs of care can be prohibitive for families. Attorneys look for every possible source of compensation for their clients, to help them manage their expenses and live their lives as comfortably as possible.
Wapner Newman has handled numerous brain injury cases, so our attorneys understand how to hold medical providers accountable when their mistakes injure patients. Our goal is to reach a quick resolution for our clients, to minimize stress for the entire family. If you need help with a brain injury case, contact us to request your no-cost consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may have many questions after suffering a brain injury medical malpractice incident. Here are some common questions that our attorneys receive when handling malpractice head injury claims:
How much does it cost to hire a brain injury medical malpractice attorney?
The malpractice head injury claims attorneys at Wapner Newman use a contingency billing model, so our fees are contingent upon our winning your case. This means if we don’t recover compensation, you don’t owe us anything. If we win a settlement or jury verdict in your favor, we will bill a percentage fee.
Does a brain injury medical malpractice lawyer offer free consultations?
The Wapner Newman team provides free consultations to all personal injury victims. During this consultation, one of our attorneys will review the facts of your case and help decide the best course of action. Make sure to bring any relevant documents to your consultation, such as medical bills and records.
Do malpractice head injury claims always go to court?
No. Many personal injury cases, including malpractice head injury claims, are settled outside of court. An attorney from Wapner Newman can negotiate with the at-fault party and their insurance company to achieve a fair settlement on your behalf. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, our team is prepared to argue your case in court.
How much are brain injury malpractice claims worth?
The potential value of your claim will vary based on the severity of your injuries and the degree of negligence exhibited by the provider. Pursuing any amount of compensation can be intimidating, but partnering with an experienced and results-driven team like Wapner Newman can give you the confidence to take on healthcare organizations and their insurance companies as you fight for fair compensation.
What does a medical malpractice attorney do?
A medical malpractice attorney gathers important evidence about your case and negotiates with the at-fault parties on your behalf. The Wapner Newman team often uses the services of subject-matter experts in complex medical malpractice cases. These experts can help demonstrate the other party’s negligence and support your claim for compensation.
Do you have a question specific to your brain injury malpractice claim? Contact Wapner Newman for answers and guidance on what to do next.
Book a Free Consultation With Wapner Newman Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury due to a medical malpractice claim, it’s important to act fast. Gathering evidence and determining liability in these types of cases can be incredibly complicated, which is why you need experienced representation.
Wapner Newman can fight for your best interests every step of the way. Our compassionate attorneys know what it takes to secure the resources you need to move forward after your injuries.
Contact Wapner Newman at (215) 569-0900 to schedule a free consultation today.