No. A bad outcome doesn’t automatically mean negligence in medical malpractice cases. Medicine isn’t an exact science. Even the most careful physician can face complications or results that no one could’ve predicted. What matters in a medical malpractice case is whether the provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care, not simply that treatment didn’t go as planned.
At Marzella & Associates, we have seen both sides: families devastated by a poor outcome and doctors unfairly blamed for something they couldn’t control. One of the primary roles of our medical malpractice attorneys is to determine the truth, as negligence should never be ignored when it exists.
When a Bad Result is Not Negligence
A malpractice claim turns on whether the healthcare provider acted as another competent professional would under the same circumstances. That’s what’s called the standard of care. Expert witnesses define it in every case.
Let’s say you experience nerve damage after a spinal procedure. If the surgeon used proper technique and explained the known risks beforehand, that’s likely a recognized complication, not negligence. However, if the surgeon cuts in the wrong area, ignores vital signs, or skips a crucial safety step, that crosses the line.
Put simply, poor results don’t equal malpractice. The patient must demonstrate that both the provider’s deviation from professional standards and the mistake’s direct causation of the injury occurred. Without both, there’s no case.
The Fine Line Between Risk and Negligence
Imagine a patient who develops heart damage after chemotherapy. The oncologist warned that this was a known risk, monitored the patient closely, and adjusted the doses as needed. The outcome is tragic, but it is likely not negligent. Now imagine the same doctor ignoring signs of toxicity and continuing treatment anyway. That’s no longer just bad luck but a failure to act responsibly. The difference lies in how the doctor responded to danger, not just that harm occurred.
Negligence can appear in subtle ways that you may never suspect. Common problem areas include:
- Missed or delayed diagnoses, where a doctor overlooks symptoms or test results that another professional would’ve caught.
- Surgical mistakes, such as operating on the wrong site or leaving instruments behind.
- Medication mix-ups, involving incorrect dosages or harmful drug interactions.
- Lack of informed consent occurs when a provider performs a procedure without fully explaining the risks and alternatives.
Each case demands evidence, not assumptions. Pennsylvania law even requires a certificate of merit from a qualified expert before a malpractice lawsuit can proceed, ensuring the claim is based on a solid professional review.
How a Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Help
If something went wrong during your care and you’re still searching for answers, you don’t have to navigate that alone. A seasoned Harrisburg medical malpractice lawyer can break down your medical records and pinpoint where things went off course. They can consult independent experts to confirm whether the standard of care was breached. Likewise, they can quantify your medical costs, lost income, and long-term impact. Our attorneys will take on the insurer and the hospital so you can focus on your health and family.
Consult With Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers
A poor outcome doesn’t always mean negligence. However, you deserve to know which side of the line your case falls on. If you believe something wasn’t right about your care, schedule a no-cost consultation with our Harrisburg medical malpractice attorneys at Marzella & Associates online or at 717-876-8681.