If you are going through the pain and confusion of dealing with a medical error, you are not alone. As an experienced Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer, Frank Spector is here to provide the support, guidance, and legal expertise you need.
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional or institution fails to provide the standard of care expected in the medical community, resulting in harm to the patient.
This can involve:
- Errors in diagnosis
- Surgical mistakes
- Medication errors
- Birth injuries
- Failure to obtain informed consent
With a proven track record of success, including securing significant settlements for our clients, Frank and his team are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable:
- $5 million settlement for injury during surgery in Baltimore.
- Awarded a $4 million settlement for hospital error in Baltimore.
- $3 million: For a surgical error in Baltimore.
Our specialized team brings both legal and medical expertise to every case, allowing us to thoroughly investigate the circumstances and present a compelling case on your behalf.
These cases are often complex, requiring detailed investigation and a deep understanding of medical and legal standards.
We offer free consultations to discuss your case, answer your questions, and provide you with a clear path forward.
Contact us today to take the first step toward justice and fair compensation. You deserve a legal advocate who will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you rebuild after a difficult experience.
Do You Have a Medical Malpractice Case?
Determining whether you have a valid medical malpractice case requires understanding the key elements that must be present. These elements establish the foundation of your claim and demonstrate that medical negligence occurred.
- Duty of Care: Healthcare providers have a legal obligation to provide care that meets accepted medical standards. This duty of care exists when a professional relationship is established between the patient and the provider, such as during a diagnosis, treatment, or procedure.
- Breach of Duty: To prove medical malpractice, it must be shown that the healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care expected of a reasonably competent professional in similar circumstances. Examples of a breach include misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, surgical errors or mistakes during procedures and medication errors.
- Causation: It is not enough to demonstrate that a healthcare provider breached their duty; you must also prove that this breach directly caused your injuries. Expert testimony is often required to establish this connection, as it involves linking the provider’s actions to the harm suffered.
- Damages: Finally, you must show that the breach of duty resulted in measurable harm. These damages can include economic damages such as Medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing healthcare expenses and non-economic damages like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.
| Question | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|
| Was there a doctor–patient relationship? | ✅ | ❌ |
| Did the provider deviate from the standard of care? | ✅ | ❌ |
| Did that deviation cause injury? | ✅ | ❌ |
| Were the damages significant? | ✅ | ❌ |
If you answered “Yes” to most of these, contact us now to discuss your options.
What can medical malpractice look like?
Consider this example:
A Baltimore resident visits a local emergency room complaining of severe abdominal pain. Despite clear signs of appendicitis, the attending physician discharges the patient without conducting imaging studies or bloodwork. Two days later, the patient’s condition deteriorates, and they are rushed into surgery for a ruptured appendix. Complications from the delay result in sepsis, extended hospitalization, and long-term digestive issues.
Later investigation reveals that the initial doctor failed to follow standard diagnostic protocols. Records also show that a nurse’s warning about abnormal vital signs wasn’t documented or communicated.
In cases like this, the legal process may involve reviewing hospital policies, obtaining expert opinions, and determining whether the breach of care directly caused harm.
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What You Need to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Baltimore
When filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in Baltimore County, it’s vital to be prepared and organized. Here’s a breakdown of what you need:
Statute of Limitations
In Maryland, including Baltimore County, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is generally five years from the date of the injury or three years from the date the injury was discovered, whichever is earlier.
Adhering to these deadlines is crucial to ensure your case is heard. Missing these deadlines can result in losing the right to file a claim. Certain exceptions may apply, such as for minors or cases involving fraudulent concealment by the healthcare provider.
Evidence
To build a strong case, you will need to gather and present the following evidence:
Medical Records
Comprehensive medical records are the foundation of any medical malpractice case. These records provide a detailed account of the treatment received, including:
- Doctor’s notes and diagnoses
- Test results, such as lab work or imaging reports
- Surgical records and post-operative instructions
By thoroughly reviewing these documents, our Baltimore malpractice attorney and medical experts can identify deviations from the standard of care.
Expert Testimonies
Expert testimony is a critical component of proving your case. In Maryland, you are required to file a Certificate of a Qualified Expert, such as the professionals at The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, within 90 days of filing your claim. This expert must:
- Be a licensed professional in the same field as the defendant
- Testify that the healthcare provider, as regulated by the Maryland Board of Physicians, failed to meet the accepted standard of care
- Establish how this breach directly caused your injuries
These experts provide the technical knowledge needed to validate your claims and strengthen your case in the Maryland Courts.
To obtain a Certificate of Qualified Expert in Maryland, our firm works with board-certified specialists who review medical records and provide a written opinion. For example, retaining a practicing trauma surgeon who can detail how the physician deviated from the accepted protocol during an appendectomy. This certification becomes a core piece of evidence as the case moves forward.
Documentation of Damages
Accurately documenting the harm caused by malpractice is essential. This includes:
- Economic damages: Medical bills for additional treatments, rehabilitation, or surgeries; lost wages due to time off work; and any other financial costs.
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life all fall under non-economic damages.
Organize all receipts, invoices, and proof of income loss, as well as any personal statements or records that detail the emotional and physical impact of the malpractice.
Adherence to Pre-Litigation Requirements
In Maryland, all medical malpractice cases must go through the Health Care Alternative Dispute Resolution Office (HCADRO) for arbitration before proceeding to court. Filing the required Certificate of a Qualified Expert and Report at this stage is mandatory.
Who Can You Hold Liable in a Medical Malpractice Case?
When pursuing a medical malpractice claim, it’s important to understand who may be held accountable for the harm caused. Liability isn’t limited to a single individual; various parties involved in your care may share responsibility. Here are the key parties that can be held liable:
- Doctors and Surgeons: Healthcare professionals, including general practitioners, specialists, and surgeons, can be held liable if their actions—or lack thereof—deviate from the accepted standard of care. Examples include misdiagnoses, surgical errors, or failure to provide appropriate treatment.
- Nurses and Other Medical Staff: Nurses, technicians, and other support staff play a crucial role in patient care. Errors such as administering the wrong medication, failing to monitor a patient properly, or neglecting critical duties can result in serious harm and establish liability.
- Hospitals and Medical Facilities: Hospitals and clinics may bear responsibility for malpractice if the negligence stems from inadequate staffing, unsanitary conditions, or poor management practices. Additionally, they can be held liable for the actions of their employees under certain circumstances.
- Pharmacists and Pharmacies: Errors in filling prescriptions, such as providing the wrong medication or dosage, can lead to significant harm. Pharmacists and the pharmacies they work for may be held liable for such mistakes.
- Anesthesiologists: Anesthesiologists have a critical role in patient safety during procedures. Errors such as incorrect dosages, failure to monitor vital signs, or improper administration can lead to severe or life-threatening complications.
- Medical Device Manufacturers: If a defective medical device, such as a faulty implant or surgical tool, contributes to the injury, the manufacturer of that device can be held liable. These cases often involve product liability claims in addition to malpractice claims.
Do I Need a Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyer?
Pursuing a medical malpractice claim is a complex process requiring legal expertise, medical knowledge, and dedicated advocacy. Here’s why our firm is the best choice to guide you:
- Navigating Complex Laws: Medical malpractice cases involve intricate legal and medical standards. Proving a breach of duty, establishing causation, and securing expert testimony requires experience and precision.
- Proven Track Record: With decades of experience in Baltimore, our firm has a reputation for securing substantial settlements and verdicts, even in challenging cases.
- Access to Experts: We work with trusted medical professionals to provide the expert testimony essential for a successful claim.
- Fighting for You: Insurance companies and defense lawyers aim to minimize claims. We know their tactics and will fight to secure fair compensation.
- Focus on Recovery: Letting us handle your case allows you to focus on healing while we handle the complexities of your claim.
If you’ve been harmed by medical malpractice, our experienced Baltimore medical malpractice attorney is here to help. Contact us today for expert support!
Consult our Experienced Baltimore Medical Malpractice Attorney
Experience and Qualifications
With over 33 years of legal experience, Frank Spector has built a distinguished career in handling complex medical malpractice cases and holds the following accreditations:
- “Superb” rating on Avvo
- Selected to Super Lawyers: 2008 – present
- Verified Justia profile
- Verified D.C. Bar member: 1993 – current
He is a graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law and has been recognized for his meticulous approach and deep understanding of medical and legal intricacies.
He has successfully represented numerous clients, securing significant verdicts and settlements.
His dedication to justice and his clients’ well-being has earned him a reputation as a trusted and reliable attorney in the field of medical malpractice.
Involved in notable cases, he has a history of obtaining multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for his clients. Committed to providing personalized legal services, he ensures that his clients receive the compensation they deserve.
How Our Baltimore Malpractice Attorney Can Help
Our medical malpractice law firm is dedicated to providing comprehensive legal support for clients facing the devastating consequences of medical negligence.
Here’s how we can assist you:
- Birth Injuries: We represent families dealing with injuries caused during labor and delivery, including conditions such as brain damage, cerebral palsy, and Erb’s palsy. Our team works to uncover the medical errors that occurred and secure compensation for your child’s ongoing care.
- Medication Errors: If you or a loved one suffered due to improper prescriptions, incorrect dosages, or harmful drug interactions, we can help hold negligent healthcare providers accountable and seek damages for the harm caused.
- Surgical Error: Mistakes during surgery, such as operating on the wrong site or leaving surgical instruments inside the body, can have life-altering consequences. Our attorneys investigate these errors to ensure you receive justice and fair compensation.
- Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis: A missed or delayed diagnosis can mean the difference between recovery and severe complications. We fight to hold medical professionals accountable for diagnostic failures that lead to worsening conditions or delayed treatments.
- Anesthesia Errors: Errors in administering anesthesia, such as incorrect dosages or inadequate monitoring, can result in severe complications, including brain damage or even death. We work diligently to uncover the cause of these errors and ensure that responsible parties are held accountable.
- Hospital-Acquired Infections: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) often result from unsanitary practices or procedural lapses, leading to serious conditions like bloodstream infections or antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Our team fights for justice on behalf of patients harmed by preventable infections.
- Radiology Errors: Errors in interpreting imaging results can lead to misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, or unnecessary procedures. We collaborate with medical experts to identify mistakes and pursue compensation for the harm caused by these oversights.
| Malpractice Type | Example | Potential Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Misdiagnosis | Failing to detect appendicitis | Ruptured appendix, sepsis |
| Birth injury | Improper use of forceps | Brachial plexus damage |
| Surgical error | Retained surgical sponge | Infection, reoperation |
| Medication error | Wrong dosage given | Organ failure, overdose |
| Failure to monitor | Ignored abnormal vitals | Cardiac arrest |
We’re seeing an increase in malpractice claims tied to algorithm-based diagnostics, especially in radiology. While technology can assist doctors, overreliance on AI-generated scan reviews has contributed to missed diagnoses in some of our recent cases. As this field evolves, tracking how digital tools impact the standard of care in Maryland hospitals is sorely needed.
Once we take on your case, we begin building a timeline of events, secure full medical records, interview treating physicians, and consult with outside experts. We also use life care planners and vocational economists to estimate long-term costs when injuries are permanent. This proactive approach helps us secure settlements without unnecessary delays—or, if needed, present a strong case in court.
Complexities of Baltimore medical malpractice laws require consulting with us to ensure your rights are protected and to guide you through the legal process.
Medical Malpractice Laws in Baltimore
Medical malpractice laws in Maryland have specific regulations and requirements that must be followed. Key aspects include:
Caps on Damages
Maryland imposes a cap on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases. Non-economic damages include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. As of 2025, the cap is $905,000, with an annual increase of $15,000.
Pre-Litigation Requirements
Maryland requires plaintiffs to file a certificate of a qualified expert at the start of the lawsuit. This certificate must attest that the defendant failed to meet the standard of care, which directly caused the plaintiff’s injuries.
Contributory Negligence
Maryland follows a contributory negligence rule, which means that if the plaintiff is found to be even 1% at fault for their injuries, they may be barred from recovering any damages. This strict rule emphasizes the importance of demonstrating clear fault on the part of the healthcare provider.
| Legal Requirement | Maryland Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Statute of Limitations | 3 years from discovery or 5 years from injury | See §5-109 |
| Pre-litigation requirement | Certificate of Qualified Expert | Must be filed within 90 days of complaint |
| Cap on Non-Economic Damages | $950,000 (2025) | Cap increases each year |
| Comparative Negligence Rule | Pure contributory negligence | 1% fault bars recovery |
Is Medical Malpractice And Medical Negligence The Same?
This question comes up a lot and with good reason. Check out the video below for the answer.
Medical malpractice vs. general negligence
| Element | Medical Malpractice | General Negligence |
|---|---|---|
| Who commits it | Healthcare providers | Anyone |
| Standard breached | Professional medical standard | Reasonable person standard |
| Common settings | Hospitals, clinics | Public spaces, homes |
| Example | Botched surgery | Slip and fall |
Advice for Patients Who Suspect Malpractice But Aren’t Sure
Not sure if what happened to you counts as malpractice? Many of our clients weren’t either.
If something felt wrong during your treatment, like being rushed into surgery without a proper diagnosis or never informed of key risks, we’ll review your records and give you an honest assessment at no charge.
Contact our Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
At Frank Spector Law, LLC, our Baltimore medical malpractice knows the law and has the tools and experience to bring a medical malpractice lawsuit. Fill out our online form or call us at 443-331-2686 today to schedule a Free Case Review and get answers to your specific questions.
Why Choose Me Over Another Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Baltimore?
When considering legal representation, it’s important to understand what sets me apart from other medical malpractice lawyers in Baltimore, MD.
Experience
Over 33 Years of Experience in Handling Medical Malpractice Cases
I bring over three decades of dedicated experience in representing clients in complex Baltimore medical malpractice cases, ensuring each case is handled with the utmost expertise.
Tens of Millions in Verdicts and Settlements:
Throughout my career, I have secured tens of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for my clients, demonstrating my ability to achieve significant results.
Client-Focused Approach
Personalized Attention and Regular Communication
At Frank Spector Law, every client receives personalized attention. I oversee each case and maintain regular communication to ensure clients are informed and supported.
Testimonials from Satisfied Clients
Our clients’ testimonials highlight my dedication, compassion, and effectiveness, reflecting the thoroughness and care I put into handling cases and achieving successful outcomes.
What Clients Think of Me
“Super Awesome team and staff! Worked with them for a case they handled for my grandchild about 10yrs ago! Would definitely use them again! I recommend them to everyone I know. Could never thank them enough! Very thorough and knowledgeable! Always kept us in the loop throughout the entire process!!!!”
“Frank was very attentive and caring during our initial conversation and most importantly he listened and provided honest feedback. I would truly recommend him to anyone searching for an attorney.”
Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Medical Malpractice Attorney in Baltimore Today
Need legal assistance? I offer a free consultation and will gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience.
If you’ve been affected by any other medical negligence cases, I’m here to help.
Contact me today to schedule an appointment. Let’s work together to ensure you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Don’t wait—reach out now to start the process and secure your peace of mind.
