Western Pennsylvania Medical Misdiagnosis Attorneys

When a medical misdiagnosis disrupts your health, finances, and peace of mind, the legal path forward can feel daunting. At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C., we stand with those whose lives have been affected by preventable medical mistakes. We recognize the pain and uncertainty that follow a misdiagnosis and are committed to providing steady, compassionate support backed by decades of experience.

Since 1933, we’ve served individuals and families across Western Pennsylvania with dedication and integrity. Our deep roots in the region have allowed us to build strong relationships within the community and develop a thorough understanding of the medical and legal systems that impact our clients. We’ve spent generations helping our neighbors hold negligent providers accountable and seek the financial recovery they deserve.

Over the years, we’ve helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars for those harmed through no fault of their own. That record reflects our determination to stand up to large healthcare institutions and insurance companies that may try to deny or minimize responsibility. While many cases can be resolved through negotiation, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial if it’s in your best interest. Our attorneys approach litigation with care and focus, always guided by your goals and the real impact the misdiagnosis has had on your life.

We take time to understand what you’re going through. From the first conversation, we strive to offer not just legal guidance, but reassurance and clarity. Your case is personal, and we treat it that way – keeping you informed, listening to your concerns, and responding with thoughtful counsel every step of the way.

We believe that cost should never be a barrier to justice. That’s why we handle medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis. You will not owe any attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a medical misdiagnosis, we’re ready to talk about what comes next. At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C., you’ll find a team that’s ready to support you with experience, respect, and genuine care.

A diagnostic error by a healthcare provider can trigger a chain of events that deeply affect the patient and their loved ones. These errors often cause not only physical complications but also emotional and financial hardship. In many cases, the consequences extend beyond the individual misdiagnosed, impacting family dynamics and long-term well-being.

Physical Harm

One of the most immediate and severe outcomes of misdiagnosis is physical injury. This can include the unchecked progression of a disease, rendering it more difficult or even impossible to treat. A condition that could have been managed early may advance to a more dangerous stage, requiring more intensive and invasive treatments. Patients may undergo unnecessary surgeries or receive aggressive treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation for an illness they do not actually have. In some cases, the damage can be permanent, resulting in disability, organ failure, or death.

Emotional Trauma

Beyond the physical toll, patients often suffer emotionally. Discovering that a condition was misdiagnosed, especially after enduring unnecessary treatments or missed opportunities for recovery, can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of betrayal. Many individuals also report a lasting distrust in medical professionals and a fear of seeking future care, which may further jeopardize their health.

Financial Devastation

The financial consequences of a diagnostic error can be overwhelming. Victims may incur significant medical expenses related to incorrect treatments and ongoing care for the now-worsened condition. In addition to treatment costs, misdiagnosis can lead to loss of income due to missed work or a complete inability to return to employment. Long-term disability may also reduce earning potential, creating lasting economic strain.

Impact on Families

Families often share the burden of a diagnostic mistake. Loved ones may become caregivers, placing emotional and physical strain on relationships. The loss of companionship, stability, and support, especially if the affected person can no longer participate in daily family life, can permanently alter household dynamics and quality of life.

Wrongful Death Claims

When a misdiagnosis leads to death, the loss is profound and irreversible. In these tragic situations, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of income and support, and the emotional suffering that results from losing a loved one to preventable medical error.

The consequences of a medical provider’s failure to diagnose accurately are far-reaching, touching nearly every aspect of a patient’s and family’s life. Recognizing the scope of these effects is a vital step in understanding the gravity of misdiagnosis and the importance of holding negligent providers accountable.

When a healthcare provider’s diagnostic error results in harm, Pennsylvania law gives injured patients the right to seek compensation. However, pursuing a medical misdiagnosis claim involves a complicated legal process, with procedural requirements and deadlines that can significantly affect your ability to recover damages.

The Right to Seek Compensation

Under Pennsylvania law, a patient, or the family of a deceased loved one, may bring a medical malpractice lawsuit if a provider’s failure to meet the accepted standard of care in diagnosing a condition directly leads to injury or damages. This legal right exists to hold negligent providers accountable and to help patients recover the financial and emotional losses caused by improper or delayed medical treatment.

Certificate of Merit in Pennsylvania

A key procedural step in any Pennsylvania medical malpractice case is filing a Certificate of Merit. Required by the Medical Care Availability and Reduction of Error (MCARE) Act, this certificate must be provided by a licensed medical professional who has reviewed the case and concludes that there is a reasonable probability the care provided deviated from accepted medical standards and contributed to the harm suffered.

This certificate must be filed with the lawsuit or within 60 days of filing the initial complaint. Failure to submit this document on time may result in dismissal of the claim. Because the Certificate of Merit requires early involvement of a medical professional, it introduces an added layer of complexity and cost. A qualified medical malpractice attorney can help manage this process, ensuring that the necessary medical review is completed and that appropriate professionals are retained to support the claim.

Types of Compensation (Damages) Available

If your medical misdiagnosis claim is successful, Pennsylvania law allows for recovery of a broad range of damages. These are generally categorized into economic and non-economic damages:

Economic Damages

These are direct financial losses related to the misdiagnosis and its consequences, such as:

• Past and future medical expenses for surgeries, hospitalizations, medication, rehabilitation, and related care.
• Lost wages from missed work and diminished earning capacity due to long-term disability or illness.
• Other out-of-pocket expenses directly tied to the injury, including home modifications or transportation to medical appointments.

Non-Economic Damages

These address the emotional and personal toll of the misdiagnosis, including:

• Physical pain and suffering, both past and anticipated in the future.
• Emotional distress, such as depression, anxiety, and trauma.
• Loss of enjoyment of life due to limitations in daily activities or reduced quality of life.
• Disfigurement or embarrassment resulting from unnecessary procedures or disease progression.

Importantly, Pennsylvania does not impose a cap on compensatory damages in medical malpractice cases. This means there is no statutory limit to the amount a jury may award for either economic or non-economic losses, making it possible for seriously harmed individuals to pursue full compensation.

If you or someone you love has suffered due to a diagnostic error, contact Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C. at (724) 658-8535. Our Western Pennsylvania medical misdiagnosis attorneys are ready to help you seek the compensation you deserve.

If you believe you’ve been harmed by a medical misdiagnosis in Pennsylvania, it’s essential to act within the legal time limits to preserve your right to seek compensation. The law imposes a deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit.

In most cases, the statute of limitations in Pennsylvania is two years from the date the injury occurred or from when it was reasonably discovered. This means that if the harm caused by a misdiagnosis wasn’t immediately apparent, the two-year period may start later, depending on when you first became aware, or should have become aware of the injury and its possible link to medical negligence.

This legal principle is known as the “discovery rule.” It provides flexibility in cases where a patient could not have reasonably known about the misdiagnosis at the time it happened. For example, if a cancer diagnosis was missed and only discovered years later during a routine screening, the statute may begin at the time of discovery rather than the original misdiagnosis date.

However, determining when the statute begins can be legally complex and often depends on the specific facts of the case, including medical records, communication with providers, and the timing of symptom development or diagnosis.

Because these deadlines are strictly enforced, delays in seeking legal advice can jeopardize your ability to file a claim. If you suspect that you or a loved one suffered harm due to a misdiagnosis, consulting with an attorney as soon as possible is the best way to understand your rights and options.

A medical misdiagnosis can affect every part of your life, from your physical health to your emotional and financial stability. When those consequences are the result of a healthcare provider’s negligence, you have the right to pursue justice through a medical malpractice claim. Understanding your legal rights and the steps involved is the first move toward recovery.

At Luxenberg Garbett Kelly & George P.C., we help individuals and families across Western Pennsylvania hold negligent medical professionals accountable. Our legal team is prepared to investigate your case, consult with qualified medical professionals, and fight for the compensation you need to move forward with confidence.

If you believe a diagnostic error caused you or a loved one harm, don’t wait to explore your options.

Contact our Western Pennsylvania medical misdiagnosis attorneys today at (724) 658-8535 to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you take the next step toward justice and healing.