The Top Medical Malpractice Claims: What Every Patient Should Know
Experiencing harm at the hands of a trusted medical professional is devastating—physically, emotionally, and financially. In the aftermath, many individuals and families are left searching for answers: How did this happen? Could it have been prevented? And what are your options now?
For more than 80 years, Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson has stood by New Yorkers facing the unimaginable: harm caused by medical negligence. With decades of experience and a deep commitment to justice, our firm has helped countless victims and their families understand their options and pursue justice after medical malpractice.
Here are some of the most frequent types of medical malpractice cases that patients and families encounter, and how our team of personal injury lawyers can help you get the justice you deserve.
1. Birth Injuries
Welcoming a new baby should be a time of joy, but when medical professionals fail to uphold the standard of care during labor and delivery, the consequences can be heartbreaking and lifelong. We’ve seen cases where improper use of forceps or vacuum extraction, failure to monitor fetal distress, or delayed C-sections have led to conditions like Erb’s palsy, cerebral palsy, or even permanent brain damage. Our attorneys have stood with families as they faced the emotional and financial challenges of raising a child with special needs, fighting to secure resources for therapies, adaptive equipment, and long-term care. Learn more about birth injury cases.
2. Hospital Negligence
Hospitals are complex environments, and even a single breakdown in communication or protocol can have devastating results. We’ve represented patients who developed severe infections due to unsanitary conditions, suffered falls because of inadequate supervision, or experienced life-threatening complications when test results were overlooked. In one case, a client’s routine surgery turned tragic when a medication allergy was missed in their chart. Our firm works to uncover exactly where the system failed and to hold hospitals accountable for lapses that turn places of healing into sources of harm. Read more about hospital negligence.
3. Failure to Diagnose
A missed or delayed diagnosis can mean the difference between a treatable condition and a life-altering outcome. We’ve helped clients whose cancer went undetected until it was too late for effective treatment, or whose heart attacks were mistaken for minor ailments in the ER. In one notable case, our advocacy led to a significant settlement for a family whose loved one died after sepsis was overlooked. We dig deep into medical records and consult with leading experts to prove when a doctor’s inattention or misjudgment cost a patient precious time and health. Explore failure to diagnose cases.
4. Medication Errors
Medication mistakes can happen at any stage—from prescribing to dispensing to administration. We’ve seen patients harmed by being given the wrong drug, receiving a dangerously high dose, or suffering allergic reactions because a provider failed to check their history. In some cases, pharmacy mislabeling or hospital mix-ups have led to catastrophic injuries or even death. Our team works to trace exactly how and where the error occurred, ensuring that those responsible are held to account and that our clients receive the compensation they need for ongoing care. Find out more about medication error claims.
5. Anesthesia Mistakes
Anesthesia errors are among the most frightening forms of medical malpractice, as patients place their trust—and their lives—in the hands of anesthesiologists. We have represented individuals who woke up during surgery, suffered brain injuries from lack of oxygen, or experienced fatal complications because vital signs weren’t properly monitored. In one case, a simple outpatient procedure turned tragic due to an anesthesia overdose. Our attorneys work with medical experts to uncover what went wrong and to fight for justice for those whose lives have been forever changed. Learn about anesthesia mistake cases.
6. Surgical Negligence
Surgical errors can range from operating on the wrong body part to leaving surgical instruments inside a patient. We’ve advocated for clients who endured unnecessary pain, infection, or additional surgeries because a surgeon failed to follow established protocols. In some cases, poor post-operative care led to preventable complications and extended hospital stays. Our firm is relentless in investigating every detail, ensuring that surgeons and surgical teams are held accountable for mistakes that never should have happened. See more about surgical negligence.
7. Plastic Surgery Malpractice
Plastic and cosmetic surgery should be about enhancing confidence, but when procedures go wrong, the results can be physically and emotionally devastating. We’ve helped clients who suffered disfigurement, nerve damage, or severe infections due to negligent technique or lack of proper follow-up care. In these sensitive cases, we understand the importance of not only seeking compensation but also restoring dignity and peace of mind. Read about plastic surgery malpractice.
8. Unprofessional Medical Conduct
Medical malpractice isn’t always about technical errors—sometimes, it’s about a breach of trust. We’ve stood by patients who were subjected to unethical behavior, such as falsified records, inappropriate relationships, or violations of consent. These cases can be especially traumatic, leaving lasting emotional scars. Our firm is committed to holding healthcare providers to the highest standards of professionalism and ensuring that every patient is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.
Your Recovery Matters. Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation.
No one expects to become the victim of medical malpractice. The journey to recovery can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. For more than 80 years, our attorneys have dedicated themselves to standing up for individuals and families harmed by medical negligence—fighting for answers, accountability, and the compensation our clients deserve.
Our commitment goes beyond legal expertise. We believe in treating every client with compassion, respect, and personalized attention. We take the time to listen to your story, understand your unique needs, and guide you through every stage of the legal process. By handling a limited number of cases, we ensure that you receive the focus and dedication your case deserves.
If you believe you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free consultation. Let our team help you get the compensation you’re entitled to—and the peace of mind you need to move forward.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice regarding your specific situation, please contact our office directly.

