Massachusetts Medical Malpractice Lawyer

When seeking medical help, you deserve to be treated with a high standard of care. Unfortunately, some doctors and other medical professionals may make mistakes that can cause serious injuries to their patients.

At Sokolove Law, our Massachusetts medical malpractice lawyers have decades of experience fighting for those who have been injured as a result of negligent medical care.

Contact us today to find out if you may be eligible for financial compensation from a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Why Choose Sokolove Law as Your Massachusetts Medical Malpractice Law Firm?

For over 40 years, Sokolove Law has fought to help people who were injured through no fault of their own — including those affected by the negligence of a health care professional or hospital system.

Our team is made up of experienced lawyers, medical professionals, paralegals, and investigators. If you have a case, these compassionate yet knowledgeable individuals will come together to help you seek justice for the harm you’ve suffered.

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we secure compensation for you. There's no financial risk to working with our firm.

See if you have a case for free by calling (800) 995-1212. Our team is standing by 24/7 to answer any questions you may have.

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Massachusetts Medical Malpractice & Negligence

Medical malpractice occurs when a medical provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care within the medical community due to negligence or lack or skill.

In many cases, medical negligence can result in painful and permanent injuries for the victim — and possibly even death. As a result, you or your family members may be eligible to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

For a medical malpractice lawsuit, your lawyers will work to show: 

  • A patient sought care from a medical professional
  • The health care provider failed to perform their duties up to the accepted standard of care
  • The patient suffered an injury as a result of the health care provider’s negligence

Medical malpractice is far too common. According to a study conducted by Johns Hopkins University, hospital errors are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.

If you or a loved once experienced an injury that you believe was caused by malpractice, call (800) 995-1212 now to see if you may be eligible to take legal action.

Why File a Massachusetts Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?

While the idea of filing a lawsuit may be daunting, our medical malpractice attorneys in Massachusetts will work to make the process as easy as possible, so you can get the justice you deserve.

A medical malpractice lawsuit can help those impacted by medical negligence: 

  • Afford Medical Care: Depending on the injury, you or your loved one could need medical care for several years and potentially even the rest of your life. Financial compensation can help ensure that medical costs are covered.
  • Hold Responsible Parties Accountable: The medical team or hospital responsible for a medical error that results in injury should be held accountable for their negligence to prevent others from potentially suffering the same fate.
  • Pursue Compensation for Injury-Related Damages: A medical malpractice lawsuit settlement can help you secure money for injury-related damages like loss of income, pain and suffering, and loss of consortium or companionship.

If you’re unsure whether or not your injury was caused by medical malpractice, we have registered nurses on staff who can help you make sense of what may have happened.

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Our team of registered nurses can help answer any questions you may have.

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Types of Medical Malpractice Claims in Massachusetts

Medical malpractice can come in many forms, but all cause serious injuries that could have been prevented. 

Below are some of the most common types of medical malpractice claims.

Birth Injuries

Birth injuries result when critical medical mistakes made before, during, or after labor and delivery cause the child to be harmed in some way.

Sadly, some birth injuries will affect the infant for the rest of their lives and long into adulthood. Because of this, birth injury medical malpractice lawsuits often call for some of the highest settlements.

Common birth injuries include:

Diagnostic Errors

Many times, medical malpractice errors are based on something that a physician did. In the case of diagnostic error claims, errors can also be based on what a physician did not do. 

There are three types of diagnostic errors for medical malpractice lawsuits:

  • Failure to diagnose occurs when a medical professional overlooks a condition, and it continues to get worse to the point where serious problems occur.
  • Misdiagnosis occurs when a physician gives an incorrect diagnosis that results in a delay of proper treatment. Medication given for the misdiagnosed condition may also potentially be harmful.
  • Delayed diagnosis occurs when a physician eventually does notice a condition and provides a diagnosis, but at a point when it’s too late to provide adequate treatment because the patient lost precious time.

Conditions that are commonly misdiagnosed or overlooked are cancer, heart attacks, strokes, infections, blood clots, and pulmonary embolisms.

Emergency Room Errors

Things can happen fast in an emergency room, and decisions often have to be made in a split second. Emergency rooms are often very busy, and individual patients are not always given the attention they need.

Common examples of emergency room errors include:

  • Diagnostic mistakes
  • Failure to follow up or refer patient to a specialist
  • Long delays in treatment or testing
  • Medications errors
  • Mistaken actions during active emergency
  • Premature discharge
  • Unsanitary conditions that lead to infection

Hospital-Acquired Infections

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a type of infection that results from being exposed to unclean conditions during a hospital stay or visit.

These infections are somewhat common, with an estimated 1 in 10 patients admitted to hospitals developing some type of HAI.

Types of hospital-acquired infections include:

  • Clostridium difficile
  • Gastrointestinal infections
  • Infections around surgical sites and incisions
  • Respiratory infections like pneumonia or covid
  • Sepsis
  • Urinary tract infections

These types of infections are also common in nursing homes and extended care settings.

Prescription Drug Errors

A man inspects the label on a prescription pill bottle. Prescription drug error can occur when a physician prescribes the wrong drug to someone and the medication ends up causing them harm. A prescription error can happen if a physician ignores the patient’s medical history or current medication list.

This type of malpractice can also occur if a physician prescribes too high or low of a dose of the right medication, resulting in serious injury.

Surgical Errors

Surgical errors occur when surgeons are negligent or careless during surgery and make mistakes that cause serious injury to their patients.

In addition to causing severe physical injury, surgical errors can also cause a patient severe trauma and emotional distress.

Types of common surgical errors include:

  • Accidental incisions
  • Anesthesia complications
  • Causing damage to internal organs
  • Disfigurement from plastic surgery
  • Improper management of surgical complications
  • Leaving surgical tools or other foreign objects inside the body
  • Operating on the wrong part of the body (wrong-site surgery)
  • Operating on the wrong patient (wrong-patient surgery)
  • Performing the incorrect medical procedure

If you don’t see the situation that injured you or your loved one, you may still be eligible to take action. Our team can determine if you have a case at no cost to you.

See If You Have a Case

If you believe your injury was the result of medical negligence, an experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand your legal options.

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How to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Massachusetts

When you work with Sokolove Law, we strive to make filing a medical malpractice lawsuit as stress-free as possible for you and your family.

If you have a case, our medical malpractice attorneys can handle every step of the legal process for you, so you can focus on your health and recovery.

1. Contact Sokolove Law

At Sokolove Law, we offer free legal consultations to determine whether or not you have a case.

We have medical professionals on staff who can help you understand what may have happened and whether or not medical malpractice played a role in your injury.

2. We’ll Investigate and Build Your Case

To file a medical malpractice lawsuit in the state of Massachusetts, evidence will need to show that your injury was caused by negligent medical care.

If you have a case, our experienced medical negligence lawyers can collect all of the evidence and testimonies needed to prove your claim.

3. We'll File Your Massachusetts Medical Malpractice Claim

Our experienced legal team can ensure that all necessary paperwork is filed within the Massachusetts statute of limitations, a set of laws that limits the amount of time you have to file a malpractice lawsuit.

4. We'll Negotiate a Medical Malpractice Settlement on Your Behalf

Your attorney will work to negotiate a Massachusetts medical malpractice settlement with those responsible for your injury. This can include the doctor, health care provider, hospital, and more.

While the majority of cases settle outside of court, if a settlement is unable to be reached, our team is prepared to bring your case to trial and present it before a judge.

Our Past Massachusetts Medical Malpractice Settlements

To date, Sokolove Law has recovered over $9.3 Billion for our clients across all case types, including the following medical malpractice settlements and verdicts in Massachusetts:

  • $9.67 Million for a child who suffered injuries during a delayed delivery
  • $5 Million for a child who suffered brain damage from a preventable injury
  • $3.9 Million for a patient who received a delayed diagnosed for a herniated disc
  • $2.5 Million for a victim of medical malpractice in Boston
  • $2.43 Million for a failure to diagnosis case
  • $2.25 Million for a case involving an incorrect diagnosis
  • $2 Million for a woman whose daughter passed away due to medical malpractice
  • $1.75 Million for a mother whose twins suffered injuries at birth that led to cerebral palsy
  • $1.5 Million for a patient who received a delayed ovarian cancer diagnosis
  • $1.25 Million for a client who was misdiagnosed, which delayed his lung cancer diagnosis until it was stage 4 and inoperable

While there is never a guarantee of compensation in any case, our Massachusetts medical malpractice attorneys will fight hard to get you everything you’re entitled to.

Average Medical Malpractice Settlements in Massachusetts

While the average settlement for a medical malpractice case is $425,000, this amount can vary significantly as malpractice cases are each so unique and different.

Several factors can influence medical malpractice settlement amounts, including:

  • Age of the injured: Medical malpractice cases involving infants often settle for much higher amounts due to the age of the victim. Their entire life could be affected by their injury, resulting in more compensation as a result.
  • Severity of the injury: Some medical malpractice injuries may be less severe and not affect the victim permanently. Other injuries, like those that result in brain injury or paralysis, can require extensive and constant medical care.
  • Extent of medical costs: Higher settlements are often given in cases involving greater medical costs or ongoing treatments.
  • Expectations for recovery: Some victims may fully recover from their injuries, while others may need around-the-clock care for the rest of their lives.

Regardless of the final settlement amount, most medical malpractice cases settle out of court, usually without ever having to go to trial.

There’s never a guarantee of compensation in any case, but our Massachusetts medical malpractice attorneys will fight hard for everything you’re entitled to.

Let Our Massachusetts Medical Malpractice Lawyers Help You

At Sokolove Law, we understand that medical malpractice can have a devastating physical, financial, and emotional impact on those affected by it.

With over 40 years of experience, our Boston-based personal injury law firm has the skills and experience needed to challenge those who have harmed you and hold them accountable for their actions.

Let us fight for the justice and compensation your family deserves. Call (800) 995-1212 now for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Our Massachusetts Office Locations

44 School Street, Suite 400
Boston, MA 02108

1330 Boylston Street, Suite 400
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Massachusetts FAQs

What is the cap on medical malpractice damages in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, the cap on non-economic damages for medical malpractice — like pain and suffering or loss of companionship — is $500,000. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

Additionally, Massachusetts does not have a cap on economic damages for malpractice. Economic damages can include the:

  • Cost of past, current, and future medical bills
  • Any lost wages or earning potential due to the injury
  • Long-term care, equipment, or supplies

This means the total amount of financial compensation may far exceed the amount of $500,000 when combining economic and non-economic damages.

How long do I have to file a malpractice suit?

Unfortunately, you only have a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit for medical malpractice due to state laws called the statute of limitations.

These deadlines vary by state, but once they pass, you won’t be able to take legal action over your injuries again.

Contact us as soon as possible to see if you are still able to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Massachusetts. If you have a case, our attorneys can file your claim within the Massachusetts medical malpractice statute of limitations.

What is considered medical malpractice in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, medical malpractice or negligence refers to when a doctor or health care professional fails to provide an appropriate standard of medical care and the patient suffers an injury as a result.

Medical malpractice can include:

  • Birth and pregnancy injuries
  • Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosing a medical condition
  • Failure to properly treat a medical condition
  • Surgical and emergency room errors
  • And more

If you do not see the medical malpractice situation that injured you or your loved one, we can still determine if you have a case. Call (800) 995-1212 today to learn more.

What evidence do you need for a medical negligence suit in Massachusetts?

Types of evidence needed for medical negligence cases can include:

  • Hospital and medical records
  • Testimony from expert witnesses and medical experts
  • Diagnostic test results
  • A personal statement from the injury victim

Evidence is crucial in any medical malpractice case, and these types of cases can be difficult to prove. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Massachusetts can help you collect all of the evidence necessary to build your case.

Do you need a lawyer to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Massachusetts?

Medical malpractice lawsuits can be incredibly complex and technical. By working with a malpractice lawyer, you can get help holding doctors or hospitals accountable while making sure that insurance companies pay you the money you deserve.

At Sokolove Law, our Massachusetts medical malpractice attorneys can handle every step of the legal process on your behalf, so you can focus on your health and your loved ones.

Contact us today to get a free consultation by calling (800) 995-1212.

Sokolove Law Affiliations and Recognition

Our Professional Affiliations

  • American Association of Justice
  • Massachusetts State Bar Association (Located in Boston, MA)

Recognition

  • National Trial Lawyers - Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • Massachusetts Academy of Trial Attorneys
  • Top 10 Asbestos & Mesothelioma Trial Lawyers
  • U.S. News & World Report - 2022 Best Law Firms / Best Lawyers
  • Martindale-Hubbell - 2022 Peer-Reviewed for Ethical Standards and Legal Ability

Sokolove Law Local Reviews

  • Better Business Bureau® (BBB): A+ Rating since 2013
  • Average Google Rating: 4.6/5

Local Massachusetts Areas We Serve

While Sokolove Law has experience helping thousands of people across the country, our firm was proudly founded in Massachusetts.

Sokolove Law serves the following locations around Massachusetts:

  • Boston
  • Brockton
  • Brookline
  • Cambridge
  • Chicopee
  • Fall River
  • Framingham
  • Haverhill
  • Lawrence
  • Lowell
  • Lynn
  • Malden
  • Medford
  • New Bedford
  • Newton
  • Peabody
  • Plymouth
  • Quincy
  • Revere
  • Salem
  • Somerville
  • Springfield
  • Taunton
  • Taunton
  • Waltham
  • Weymouth
  • Worcester
  • And more

Massachusetts Zip Codes We Serve

As a national law firm, Sokolove Law can help victims of medical malpractice wherever they may be in the U.S., including across the state of Massachusetts.

Some of the zip codes we serve include:

  • 01040
  • 01085
  • 01201
  • 01420
  • 01453
  • 01545
  • 01604
  • 01701
  • 01702
  • 01752
  • 01760
  • 01801
  • 01810
  • 01821
  • 01826
  • 01841
  • 01844
  • 01852
  • 01876
  • 01902
  • 01915
  • 01960
  • 01970
  • 02038
  • 02124
  • 02125
  • 02127
  • 02128
  • 02130
  • 02131
  • 02135
  • 02136
  • 02138
  • 02139
  • 02148
  • 02149
  • 02150
  • 02151
  • 02155
  • 02169
  • 02184
  • 02301
  • 02302
  • 02360
  • 02368
  • 02472
  • 02703
  • 02720
  • 02740
  • 02780

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  1. Betsy Lehman Center for Patient Safety. “The Financial and Human Cost of Medical Error.” Retrieved from: https://betsylehmancenterma.gov/assets/uploads/Cost-of-Medical-Error-Report-2019.pdf. Accessed on April 4, 2023.
  2. Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Study Suggests Medical Errors Now Third Leading Cause of Death in the U.S.” Retrieved from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/study_suggests_medical_errors_now_third_leading_cause_of_death_in_the_us. Accessed on April 4, 2023.
  3. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. “Section 60H: Limitation of damages for pain and suffering.” Retrieved from: https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleII/Chapter231/Section60H. Accessed on April 4, 2023.
  4. World Medical Association. “World Medical Association Statement on Medical Malpractice.” Retrieved from: https://www.wma.net/policies-post/world-medical-association-statement-on-medical-malpractice/. Accessed on April 4, 2023.