Best Medical Malpractice Lawyers
When patients entrust their health and well-being to doctors and hospitals, they have every right to expect competent and attentive care. Unfortunately, not all providers meet the standard of care required by law, and when a preventable mistake occurs, the consequences can be catastrophic. Patients and their families often turn to legal professionals for help, but the complexity of these claims demands legal counsel with a deep understanding of both medicine and the law. The best medical malpractice lawyers possess the knowledge, experience, and resources necessary to take on powerful healthcare institutions and insurance companies while effectively advocating for patients who have been harmed. The skilled Syracuse medical malpractice lawyers of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano, LLP Personal Injury Lawyers understand what it takes to prevail in claims against negligent providers, and if you are the victim of medical errors, we have the resources and knowledge needed to help you seek a just outcome. We help individuals throughout Syracuse, Rochester, and Upstate New York pursue justice when medical care falls below acceptable standards.
The Serious Consequences of Medical NegligenceMedical malpractice can occur in a wide range of circumstances, including surgical errors, misdiagnoses, birth injuries, medication mistakes, and failures to monitor or treat conditions appropriately. The common thread in these cases is that a healthcare provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care, causing avoidable harm to the patient. The injuries that result from medical negligence are often severe, including permanent disability, neurological damage, chronic pain, or death. Some patients lose their ability to work or care for themselves, while others endure long hospitalizations, repeat surgeries, and irreparable emotional trauma.
The best medical malpractice lawyers understand that these are not just legal claims; they are life-changing events. They know how to work with medical experts to identify what went wrong and how to translate complex medical records into compelling evidence. Whether a case involves a missed cancer diagnosis or a preventable surgical complication, skilled attorneys focus on achieving outcomes that reflect the true scope of the patient’s suffering and loss.
Proving Medical Malpractice Under New York LawTo prevail in a medical malpractice lawsuit under New York law, a plaintiff generally must prove the same core elements required in all negligence claims: duty, breach, causation, and damages. Duty refers to the legal obligation a healthcare provider owes to their patient. This duty arises from the provider-patient relationship and requires that the care delivered meet the standard expected of reasonably competent professionals practicing in the same specialty. When that standard is not met, for example, when a doctor fails to order appropriate tests, misinterprets lab results, or delays essential treatment, it may constitute a breach.
However, proving a breach is not enough. The plaintiff must also demonstrate causation, which means that they must show that the breach directly caused the plaintiff to suffer measurable damages. In many cases, causation is the most contested issue in a malpractice claim. For example, the defense may argue that the harm would have occurred regardless of the provider’s actions. Establishing causation and the full extent of harm nearly always requires expert testimony. As such, a plaintiff will usually need to present a medical expert who can explain how the standard of care was violated and how that violation resulted in the patient’s injury.
Damages in medical malpractice cases can be extensive. They may include medical bills, lost wages, diminished future earnings, and the cost of future care. Non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and disfigurement are also available. The best medical malpractice lawyers take a comprehensive approach to calculating damages, often working with life care planners, economists, and vocational experts to build a robust case for full compensation. They also understand the nuances of New York law, including procedural requirements such as the certificate of merit, which must be filed at the beginning of a malpractice lawsuit to confirm that the claim has a legitimate basis in medical opinion.
Speak to a Dedicated Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Syracuse, Rochester, or Upstate New YorkMedical negligence cases are among the most complex and vigorously defended types of personal injury claims. If you or a loved one has been harmed by substandard care, the best medical malpractice lawyers can help you pursue your case to the fullest extent. At DeFrancisco & Falgiatano, LLP Personal Injury Lawyers, our dedicated Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys can evaluate your case and gather the evidence needed to provide you with a strong chance of a favorable result. Our primary office is located in Syracuse, and we serve clients in Syracuse, Rochester, and throughout Upstate New York. To learn more about your rights or to discuss a potential claim, call us at 833-200-2000 or contact us online to arrange a free and confidential consultation.