Massachusetts Medical Malpractice Lawyers Medical malpractice cases have unfortunately become all too common. A Harvard medical school study found that over 5% of all hospital patients were injured as of a result of medical negligence. Medical negligence, more commonly called medical malpractice occurs when a doctor or health care provider deviates from accepted standards of medical procedure. Most people do not want to pursue legal action against their physician, but if the patient is seriously harmed it may be necessary to hire a lawyer. Medical malpractice cases are often expensive and difficult. In Massachusetts, the claim must first be reviewed by the Malpractice Tribunal, a panel of three members, one of which is a physician. At the tribunal there must be a doctor, usually a treating doctor, who is willing to state two crucial things: (1) The Defendant doctor or health care provider "deviated from acceptable medical practice"; (2) This "deviation" caused the injuries. Without presenting this evidence to the tribunal, your claim cannot proceed. Types of Medical Malpractice: Birth Injury Matters & Cerebral Palsy Cerebral Palsy is sometimes caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain during birth. And Injuries to a birth mother and infant can result from a obstetrican's negligence. Misdiagnosis of Cancer Cases: Delay In Breast Cancer Diagnosis, if a lump or cyst is not identified or treated soon after is is noted it is possible that the provider was negligent. Failure to Diagnose Heart Attack. One of the more common medical errors is to mistake the symptoms of a heart attack for an upset stomach or other minor discomfort. The patient is sent home untreated and suffers heart failure and sometimes death. Delay in Treatment of Lung Cancer Medication Errors Wrong prescriptions, incorrect dosgaes leading to death and serious injury. Additional Resources: Contact a lawyer at Massachusetts-Lawyers.com here.