Pittsburgh Pediatrician Negligence Lawyers

When parents take their child to a pediatrician or hospital, they expect a high standard of medical care. Unfortunately, pediatric malpractice occurs when a doctor’s negligence leads to a misdiagnosis, incorrect treatment, surgical error, or failure to act—causing harm to a child. Medical malpractice in pediatric care can have severe and long-lasting consequences, including delayed treatment, permanent disabilities, or even wrongful death. That’s where our experienced Pittsburgh pediatrician negligence lawyers step in.

If you believe your child has suffered due to medical negligence, it is essential to understand what qualifies as pediatric malpractice, how to prove negligence, and what legal steps to take. This guide will help parents navigate the legal process and protect their child’s rights.

What Is Pediatric Malpractice?

Pediatric malpractice occurs when a pediatrician, hospital, or medical provider fails to meet the standard of care, resulting in harm to a child. This negligence can take various forms, such as:

• Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis – Failing to recognize a serious illness or condition in time for effective treatment.
• Medication Errors – Prescribing or administering the wrong dosage or medication to a child.
• Surgical Mistakes – Errors made during pediatric surgeries, leading to complications or lifelong disabilities.
• Birth Injuries – Medical negligence during labor and delivery that causes harm to an infant.
• Failure to Treat – Ignoring symptoms, failing to order necessary tests, or discharging a patient too soon.

If any of these medical errors have harmed your child, you may be eligible to pursue legal action for pediatric medical malpractice.

 

Common Types of Pediatric Medical Errors

Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis
Pediatricians may misinterpret symptoms or fail to order the right diagnostic tests, leading to a wrong diagnosis or a delay in treatment. Common conditions that are often misdiagnosed include:

• Meningitis – A life-threatening infection that requires immediate treatment.
• Appendicitis – A misdiagnosis can lead to a ruptured appendix and severe complications.
• Pneumonia – Delayed diagnosis can result in serious lung infections and respiratory distress.
• Sepsis – A rapidly progressing infection that can cause organ failure in children.

 What to Do: If your child’s condition worsens after a pediatrician’s diagnosis, seek a second opinion immediately.

Medication Errors in Pediatric Care
Children’s bodies react differently to medications than adults, making dosage errors and incorrect prescriptions especially dangerous.

Common Pediatric Medication Mistakes:

• Overdosing or underdosing medications (such as antibiotics or pain relievers).
• Prescribing medication that causes severe allergic reactions.
• Failure to consider pre-existing medical conditions.

Fact: According to studies, medication errors account for a large percentage of pediatric malpractice cases, as incorrect dosages can have severe developmental and neurological effects on children.

Birth Injuries & Neonatal Malpractice
Medical mistakes during pregnancy, labor, and delivery can lead to serious, lifelong complications for an infant. Some of the most common birth-related malpractice cases include:

• Cerebral Palsy: Caused by oxygen deprivation or trauma during delivery.
• Brachial Plexus Injuries (Erb’s Palsy): Nerve damage due to improper handling during birth.
• Fractures & Trauma: Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors.
• Failure to Perform a C-Section in Time: Leading to fetal distress and brain injuries.

What to Do: If your child suffered a birth injury, request copies of all medical records and consult a medical malpractice attorney.

Pediatric Surgical Errors
Surgery in children requires extreme precision and care, but errors can still occur.

Common Surgical Mistakes:

• Operating on the wrong body part or performing the wrong procedure.
• Anesthesia errors, leading to oxygen deprivation.
• Infection due to unsanitary surgical conditions.
• Leaving surgical instruments inside the body, requiring additional surgery.

Next Steps: If your child experienced a surgical mistake, seek an independent medical review to determine if malpractice occurred.

 

How to Prove Pediatric Malpractice

To file a pediatric malpractice lawsuit, parents must prove the following legal elements:

• Doctor-Patient Relationship – The pediatrician or hospital had a duty of care to your child.
• Medical Negligence – The healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care expected in similar circumstances.
• Injury or Harm – Your child suffered physical, emotional, or developmental damage due to the medical mistake.
• Causation – The negligence directly caused the injury or worsened the condition.

Evidence Needed for a Malpractice Case:

• Medical Records (doctor’s notes, test results, prescriptions).
• Expert Testimony (from other pediatric specialists).
• Photographic Evidence (visible injuries or effects).
• Witness Statements (from nurses, hospital staff, or caregivers).

 

Legal Options for Parents: What You Can Do Next

If your child suffered from pediatric malpractice, you have several legal options:

• Filing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit – Parents can seek compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.
• Negotiating a Settlement – Some hospitals and doctors offer out-of-court settlements to compensate families for malpractice claims.
• Reporting to Medical Boards – You can file a complaint with the state medical board to hold the pediatrician accountable.

Time-Sensitive Tip: Most states have a statute of limitations for filing pediatric malpractice claims (typically 2-3 years), but some states allow extended deadlines if the malpractice was not immediately discovered.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatric Malpractice

Can I sue a pediatrician for misdiagnosing my child?
Yes, if the misdiagnosis caused harm, a lawsuit can be filed to recover medical costs, emotional distress, and future care expenses.

How much compensation can I receive for pediatric malpractice?
Compensation depends on medical costs, long-term effects on the child, and pain & suffering. Some cases result in millions of dollars in settlements.

What if my child passed away due to malpractice?
Families may file a wrongful death lawsuit to hold the medical provider accountable and receive compensation.

 

Protecting Your Child’s Future

Pediatric malpractice can have devastating effects on a child’s health and a family’s well-being. If you suspect a doctor’s negligence has harmed your child, don’t wait—seeking legal guidance as soon as possible is crucial.

 

Contact Matzus Law, LLC Today!

If your child has suffered due to a medical error, our Pittsburgh pediatrician negligence lawyers can help you fight for justice and compensation. Contact Matzus Law, LLC today for a free consultation and learn more about your legal rights.

⚖ Your child deserves justice—take action today. 🚀