Have you or a loved one suffered due to a healthcare provider’s mistake? The pain and confusion that follow medical negligence can be overwhelming. You trusted medical professionals with your health, but now you’re left with unexpected injuries, mounting medical bills, and unanswered questions.
At Frank Spector Law, I understand the devastation that medical errors cause. As a dedicated Maryland medical malpractice lawyer with 30 years of experience, I’ve helped countless victims of medical malpractice secure the compensation they deserve while navigating this difficult time.
At our firm, we work tirelessly to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable. We understand Maryland law and how these cases are evaluated in venues like the Circuit Court for Baltimore City and other courts across the state. Our experience with Maryland’s legal procedures, expert certification requirements, and damage caps allows us to build strong, courtroom-ready cases from the start.
If you believe a medical mistake or act of negligence has harmed you or someone you love, don’t wait. Contact Frank Spector personally for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Do You Have a Medical Malpractice Case?
To establish a valid medical malpractice claim in Maryland, several critical elements must be proven by our team:
- Duty of care: The healthcare provider had a professional obligation to provide care according to accepted medical standards.
- Breach of duty: The provider failed to meet these standards through action or inaction.
- Causation: This breach directly caused your injuries or worsened your condition.
- Damages: You suffered measurable harm, including physical injuries, emotional distress, additional medical expenses, or lost wages.
⚖️ Maryland medical malpractice law requires these elements to be established by a qualified medical expert. Their testimony must demonstrate how the care you received deviated from what a reasonable healthcare provider would have done under similar circumstances.
Do I Need a Maryland Medical Malpractice Lawyer?
Attempting to handle a medical malpractice case without legal representation is extremely risky. Healthcare institutions and their insurance companies have powerful legal teams dedicated to minimizing payouts or denying claims entirely.
When you work with Frank Spector Law, you gain an advocate who:
- Understands the complex medical and legal issues involved
- Can locate and work with qualified expert witnesses, vital for your case
- Knows how to interpret and present medical records effectively
- Has experience handling medical malpractice cases in Baltimore and throughout the state of Maryland
- Can accurately value your claim, including future medical needs
- Will fight tirelessly against well-funded opposition
📌 Medical malpractice claims involve strict procedural requirements, including filing a certificate of merit from a qualified expert. Missing deadlines or failing to follow proper procedures can permanently bar your right to compensation.
Damages You Might Be Able to Recover
A successful medical malpractice claim may allow you to recover various types of compensation:
- Economic damages: These include past and future medical bills, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, and other quantifiable financial losses.
- Non-economic damages: Compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and similar intangible harms.
- Punitive damages: In rare cases involving extreme negligence, additional compensation may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer.
If you’re wondering how much is the average medical malpractice settlement in Maryland, it’s important to understand that compensation varies based on factors like injury severity, long-term impact, and available evidence.
Our firm has secured significant verdicts and settlements for clients harmed by medical negligence:
- $3,000,000: Awarded for a catastrophic injury caused by surgical error in Baltimore.
- $2,500,000: Secured for a baby who suffered birth injuries resulting in cerebral palsy in Washington, DC.
- $2,100,000: Obtained for a family after a fatal hospital medication error in Anne Arundel County.
Don’t wait for the bills to pile up or for answers that may never come. Reach out through our contact form for a free, confidential consultation with our legal team.
Who Can You Hold Liable in a Medical Malpractice Case?
Medical malpractice claims can involve various responsible parties:
- Doctors and surgeons: When they fail to diagnose conditions properly or make surgical errors.
- Nurses and medical staff: If they administer incorrect medications or fail to monitor patients adequately.
- Hospitals and clinics: When institutional policies contribute to patient harm or when they fail to properly vet or supervise staff.
- Pharmaceutical companies: In cases where medication errors or undisclosed side effects lead to harm.
- Medical device manufacturers: When defective medical devices cause injuries during procedures.
⚖️ We conduct thorough investigations to identify every party responsible for your injury. Whether your case involves a hospital system, an individual provider, or a third-party manufacturer, we build compelling claims that hold all liable parties accountable.
Additional reading: prove a medical malpractice case
How to Get in Touch With Our Maryland Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Taking the first step toward justice is simple:
- Telephone: Call us directly at 443-845-1456.
- Contact Form: Fill out our online form.
- Email Address: Reach us at frank@frankspectorlaw.com.
We offer a free consultation to discuss your medical malpractice case and help determine your legal options.
How Our Maryland Medical Malpractice Law Firm Can Help
At Frank Spector Law, we provide comprehensive legal support for victims of medical negligence:
- We handle all types of medical malpractice cases, including surgical errors, misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, birth injuries, medication errors, and failure to diagnose serious conditions like cancer.
- Our team helps you recover lost wages and compensation for diminished future earning capacity.
- We work with medical experts to document all current and future medical expenses related to the malpractice.
- We understand how to prove and quantify non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- We provide compassionate guidance through the emotional recovery process while fighting for your legal rights.
At our firm, every medical malpractice case receives direct attorney attention. When you call, you’ll speak directly with Frank Spector—not an assistant or case manager.
Your First Actions After Suspecting Malpractice
If you believe you’ve been harmed by medical negligence, taking these steps can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Seek appropriate medical care immediately to address any complications and document the injury.
- Request and secure all relevant medical records before they might be altered or become difficult to obtain.
- Document everything, including symptoms, conversations with medical providers, and how the injury affects your daily life.
- Avoid discussing your case on social media, as insurance companies may use these posts against you.
- Do not sign anything from the healthcare provider or their insurance company without legal review.
- Contact our experienced medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
- Keep a detailed journal of pain levels, limitations, and emotional impacts of your injury.
How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?
The Maryland medical malpractice statute of limitations is generally five years from the date the malpractice occurred or three years from when the injury was discovered, whichever comes first.
However, this timeline can be affected by several factors:
- Cases involving children may have extended deadlines
- The “discovery rule” may apply if the injury wasn’t immediately apparent
- Certain institutions may have special notice requirements
⚠️ Waiting too long to take action can permanently bar your right to compensation. Even if you’re uncertain whether malpractice occurred, consulting with our medical malpractice attorney in Maryland promptly ensures your rights remain protected.
Essential Evidence to Support Your Case
Building a strong medical malpractice case requires substantial evidence:
- Complete medical records from all relevant providers
- Testimony from qualified medical experts about the standard of care
- Documentation of all expenses related to the injury
- Employment records showing lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Personal documentation of pain, suffering, and lifestyle limitations
- Witness statements about how the injury has affected you
Gathering and organizing this evidence while dealing with health issues can be overwhelming. Our law firm takes on this burden, allowing you to focus on recovery while we build your case for maximum compensation.
If a medical provider’s mistake changed your life, you deserve answers and accountability. Use our contact form to get started—we’re here to help.
How Much Are the Fees?
At Frank Spector Law, we handle medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- No upfront costs or hourly fees
- We only get paid if we secure compensation for you
- Our fee is a percentage of the recovery, agreed upon in advance
- We advance all case expenses, including expert witness fees
This arrangement ensures everyone can access quality legal representation regardless of financial situation. It also aligns our interests with yours—we only succeed when you do.
Our Legal Process For Your Medical Mal Claim
Our thorough approach to medical malpractice cases follows these steps:
- Initial consultation and case evaluation: We’ll review the basic facts of your situation and determine if you have a potential claim.
- Comprehensive investigation: We collect all medical records, interview witnesses, and consult with medical experts to build your case.
- Filing a certificate of merit: Maryland law requires this document from a qualified medical expert before a medical malpractice lawsuit can proceed.
- Settlement negotiations: We present your case to the insurance company and attempt to secure a fair settlement without lengthy litigation.
- Filing a lawsuit if necessary: If settlement offers are inadequate, we prepare and file a formal medical malpractice lawsuit.
- Discovery process: Both sides exchange information, take depositions, and prepare for trial.
- Mediation or alternative dispute resolution: Many cases settle at this stage through structured negotiation.
- Trial preparation: We prepare all aspects of your case for presentation to a jury, including expert testimony and exhibits.
- Trial advocacy: If settlement isn’t possible, we present your case to a jury, fighting for maximum compensation.
- Appeal or collection: After a verdict, we handle any appeals and ensure you receive the compensation awarded.
Why Choose Frank Spector?
When selecting legal representation for your medical malpractice claim, experience and results matter. Frank Spector Law stands apart:
- Proven track record of substantial verdicts and settlements
- Direct access to your attorney, not just paralegals or assistants
- Resources to take cases to trial when necessary, unlike firms that settle quickly
- Deep understanding of both medicine and law
- Respected reputation among judges, opposing counsel, and insurance companies
- Compassionate client service during a difficult time
Frank Spector: Your Maryland Medical Malpractice Attorney
When you’ve been harmed by trusted medical professionals, you need an advocate who truly understands the complexities of these cases. I’m Frank Spector, and I’ve dedicated my career to helping victims of medical negligence throughout Maryland.
My approach combines thorough legal knowledge with genuine compassion for what you’re going through. I handle each case, ensuring you never feel like just another file on the desk. With 30 years of experience, I’ve developed the expertise to take on powerful healthcare institutions and insurance companies.
I’m committed to providing answers to those who have questions about medical malpractice and personal injury. My goal is not just to win your case, but to help you rebuild your life after a medical error has derailed it.
General Information on Medical Malpractice in Maryland
Understanding medical malpractice law is vital for protecting your rights after a medical error.
What Constitutes Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s treatment falls below the accepted standard of care in the medical community, resulting in patient harm. This can happen through action (doing something incorrectly) or inaction (failing to do something necessary).
⚖️ The key element is that the care provided must deviate from what a similarly trained and reasonable practitioner would have done in the same situation. Not every negative medical outcome constitutes malpractice—the provider must have been negligent in their care.
According to the Maryland Department of Health, all healthcare providers must maintain certain standards of practice. When these standards are breached and patients are harmed, the legal system provides recourse through medical malpractice claims.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice Errors
Medical negligence can take many forms, with some types occurring more frequently than others:
- Diagnostic errors: Diagnostic errors are a leading cause of medical malpractice claims in the United States. A study analyzing 350,706 paid claims found that diagnostic errors accounted for 28.6% of claims and 35.2% of total payments. Notably, diagnostic errors more often resulted in death compared to other allegation groups (40.9% vs. 23.9%)
- Medication mistakes: The Maryland Board of Pharmacy works to prevent medication errors that can occur at various stages, from prescribing to administration, which remain a significant safety concern throughout healthcare facilities.
- Surgical negligence: According to the AHRQ’s Patient Safety Network (PSNet), surgical errors such as wrong-site surgery and retained instruments are considered “never events” because they should never occur when proper protocols are followed.
- Birth injuries: The Maryland Department of Health monitors birth outcomes, as birth-related medical errors can lead to conditions like cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and other developmental issues requiring lifelong care.
- Anesthesia errors: Even minor mistakes in anesthesia administration can result in serious complications, including brain injuries, permanent disability, or death.
Many medical malpractice cases involve multiple forms of negligence. For example, a diagnostic error might lead to improper treatment, which then causes additional harm requiring surgical intervention.
| Type of Error | Common Injuries | Potential Compensation Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Misdiagnosis/Delayed Diagnosis | Disease progression, unnecessary treatment, delayed treatment | Severity of missed condition, preventable harm, additional treatments needed |
| Medication Errors | Adverse reactions, overdose, drug interactions | Type of medication, severity of reaction, hospital stay duration |
| Surgical Errors | Wrong-site surgery, nerve damage, infection | Type of surgery, permanence of injury, additional procedures required |
| Birth Injuries | Cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, brain damage | Lifetime care needs, developmental impacts, life expectancy |
| Anesthesia Errors | Brain damage, respiratory issues, death | Severity of complication, permanent effects, preventability |
| Hospital Infections | Sepsis, organ damage, extended illness | Length of additional treatment, preventability, institutional negligence |
Speak to a Maryland Med Mal Attorney Today!
If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a medical mistake, now is the time to take action. These cases are complex, emotional, and time-sensitive, and you shouldn’t have to handle them alone.
We bring over 30 years of experience helping families in Maryland hold negligent healthcare providers accountable.
We’ll review your case, explain your legal options clearly, and help you understand what to expect moving forward. Our goal is simple: to fight for the full compensation you deserve and help you find answers and justice during this difficult time.
Call me directly at 443-845-1456 or use our contact form to schedule your free consultation. There’s no obligation, and you won’t pay a fee unless we win your case.
FAQs
How much does it cost to hire a medical malpractice lawyer in Maryland?
At Frank Spector Law, we handle medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. We only collect fees if we successfully recover compensation for you. This arrangement ensures everyone has access to quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation.
All case expenses, including expert witness fees, are advanced by our firm and only reimbursed from your settlement or verdict.
What is the average settlement for a medical malpractice claim in Maryland?
The average medical malpractice settlement in Maryland is approximately $329,565. However, this number doesn’t reflect the full range of possible outcomes. Some claims settle for far less, while others, particularly those involving permanent disability or death, can result in multi-million dollar awards.
There is no one-size-fits-all figure because each case is unique. Factors that influence your potential compensation include the severity of the injury, its impact on your daily life, medical expenses, lost income, and the strength of the evidence.
How long will my medical malpractice case take to resolve?
The timeline for resolving medical malpractice cases varies significantly based on complexity, severity of injuries, and willingness of the opposing side to negotiate fairly. Simple cases might settle in 1-2 years, while complex cases that go to trial can take 3-4 years or longer.
The Maryland Judiciary court system handles these cases according to established procedures and current caseloads. We work diligently to resolve your case as efficiently as possible while never sacrificing the quality of representation.
Can I still file a claim if my loved one died due to medical malpractice?
Yes, Maryland law allows families to prove a medical malpractice case through a wrongful death lawsuit when medical negligence results in fatal outcomes. These claims can provide compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, lost financial support, and the family's emotional suffering.
Different statutes of limitations may apply in wrongful death cases, so it's key to consult with an attorney promptly. The personal representative of the deceased's estate typically files the claim on behalf of eligible family members.