When Medical Care Causes Harm Instead of Healing

Most people seek medical treatment expecting answers, relief, or stability. When a provider’s error leads to injury, the consequences can be overwhelming. Patients may face additional surgeries, permanent complications, long-term disability, or a dramatically altered quality of life. Families are often left sorting through medical records, conflicting explanations, and unanswered questions while trying to protect a loved one’s future.

Medical malpractice cases are not based on hindsight or dissatisfaction alone. They require careful investigation, expert review, and proof that a provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care. 

Working with a medical malpractice attorney in Cleveland, OH allows you to better understand what happened, whether the harm was preventable, and what legal options may exist. When you are injured, the last thing you should have to manage is paperwork, phone calls, and insurance pressure. Hiring a lawyer also allows you and your family to focus on healing while we handle the legal burden. 

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide care that meets the accepted medical standard, and a patient is injured as a result. These cases may involve physicians, surgeons, nurses, hospitals, emergency departments, pharmacists, or other healthcare professionals.

Malpractice claims often focus on what a reasonably careful provider should have done under similar circumstances and how a failure caused harm. In Ohio, medical malpractice cases are governed by specific statutes and procedural rules.

The Ohio Revised Code provides the legal framework for malpractice claims, including important filing requirements and time limitations. For a broader understanding of how civil cases proceed in Ohio courts, the Supreme Court of Ohio Law Library offers public resources explaining legal procedures and terminology.

Cases Won Real Outcomes for Real People

$3.6 Million

Retained by a family who were in disbelief of the news reports...

Retained by a family who were in disbelief of the news reports that characterized their elderly father as a reckless motorcyclist. After a complex accident reconstruction identified the negligence of multiple parties, the case was settled during a second private mediation.

Motorcycle Accident | Marysville, Ohio

$1.6 Million

The primary harm in this case was residual scarring and deformity as...

The primary harm in this case was residual scarring and deformity as a result of the injury. Unfortunately, Ohio has a cap of $250,000 for non-economic damages, with no exceptions, for cases against political subdivisions. Through a comprehensive case work up and well versed arguments presenting a real threat to challenging the constitutionality of caps on damages, we were able to negotiate a higher settlement than what was provided under the law.

Pedestrian Accident | Columbus, Ohio

$1.3 Million

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to...

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left, causing a serious collision with three young adult siblings.  TSF was engaged to serve as local counsel to assist with the litigation, mediation, and resolution of the case.

Truck Accident | Columbus, Ohio

$600,000

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to...

A box truck driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left and turned in front of a motorcyclist, causing serious injury. An accident reconstructionist was retained to disprove inflammatory witness accounts of speed, as motorcyclists are commonly accused of speeding due to the sound of their bike. 

Motorcycle Accident | Columbus, Ohio

$500,000

Inexperienced driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic...

Inexperienced driver failed to yield the right of way to oncoming traffic when turning left, causing a serious collision with an oncoming motorist. Client sustained serious injuries requring extensive hospitalization and rehab.  He and his wife heavily relied upon counsel to guide them through the maze of medical bills and insurance claims so they could focus on healing and recovery.  Settlement was further maximized through negotiations with multiple lienholders.

Car Accident | Galion, Ohio

$135,000

Dog bit nose of adult visitor to home.  Retained plastic surgery expert...

Dog bit nose of adult visitor to home.  Retained plastic surgery expert to demonstrate permanency of scarring to enhance case value

Dog Bite | Marysville, Ohio

$100,000

At-fault driver failed to yield on a left hand turn, causing crash...

At-fault driver failed to yield on a left hand turn, causing crash and injury to college aged passenger. Policy limits settlement offer obtained despite minimal medical treatment options and $5,000 in medical bills. Client was unsure how to protect her concern for permanent injury and retained counsel to help her obtain expert testimony to document permanent injury to justify the policy limits settlement.

Car Accident | Mentor, Ohio
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How a Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Help

  • A Thorough Investigation Into What Went Wrong: Medical malpractice cases depend on detailed medical records, timelines, and expert analysis. Legal representation helps determine whether negligence occurred and whether the injury could have been avoided.
  • A Claim Built Around Long-Term Consequences: Medical errors often lead to permanent complications or lifelong care needs. A medical malpractice lawyer helps ensure the claim reflects future treatment, lasting impairment, and the full impact on quality of life.
  • Protection From Hospital and Insurance Defense Tactics: Hospitals and providers are typically backed by experienced legal teams and insurers. An attorney helps level the playing field and prevents your claim from being minimized or dismissed prematurely.
  • Clear Guidance Through a Complex Process: Malpractice cases involve strict deadlines, expert requirements, and procedural hurdles. We explain each step clearly so you can make informed decisions without unnecessary pressure.
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Do I Need a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

You should consider legal guidance if a medical mistake caused serious injury, unexpected complications, permanent disability, or death. Many clients seek help after delayed diagnoses, surgical errors, medication mistakes, or being discharged without proper evaluation and later suffering a major medical event. Patients often hesitate because they assume complications are unavoidable or worry they will not be believed. If something about your care feels wrong, a confidential conversation with a medical malpractice attorney can help clarify whether negligence may be involved and what evidence would matter most.

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Medical Malpractice Case What to Expect

Step One: Reviewing the Story and Medical Records

We begin by listening carefully to what happened and reviewing key medical records and timelines. We focus on where care may have deviated from accepted standards and how the injury occurred.

Step Two: Expert Review and Case Development

Most malpractice cases require review by qualified medical experts. These professionals evaluate whether the provider’s actions fell below the standard of care and whether that failure caused harm.

Step Three: Building the Claim

If the evidence supports malpractice, we develop a claim reflecting medical costs, future care needs, lost income, and the full impact on your life. These cases are built deliberately and supported with strong documentation.

Step Four: Negotiation or Litigation

Some medical malpractice cases resolve through negotiation, while others require litigation to pursue fair accountability. We prepare every case to withstand close scrutiny and work with you to choose the path that aligns with your goals.

We prepare every case as if it may go to trial, but many lawsuits still resolve through settlement. Filing is often a strategy, not a guarantee of a courtroom.

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Available 24/7 (216) 425-0336

Meet Your Ohio Personal Injury Attorneys

Proven Leaders in Ohio Personal Injury Law

Our team of local attorneys were hand-selected for their experience and leadership in client service, top legal organizations, and our communities.

Founder

Nathan J. Stuckey

  • Immediate Past President of Ohio Association for Justice
  • The National Trial Lawyers, Top 100
  • Ohio Super Lawyers
Read Nathan's Bio

Partner

Sydney S. McLafferty

  • Past President, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Active Member, American Association of Justice
  • National Women’s Trial Lawyers, Top 25
Read Sydney's Bio

Partner

J. Michael Vervoort

  • Board Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, American Association for Justice
  • Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys
Read Michael's Bio

Attorney

Paul (PJ) Jacob Ratcliffe

  • Member, West Virginia Association for Justice
  • Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, American Association for Justice
Read Paul's Bio

Attorney

Christian W. Sorg

  • Member, Ohio Association for Justice
  • Member, Clark County Bar Association
  • Founding Board Member, Recon & Sniper Foundation
Read Christian's Bio

Attorney

James E. Heath

  • Past President, Clark County Bar Association
  • Board Member, Clark County Sportsman’s Club
  • Former Captian, U.S. Army JAG Corps
Read James's Bio

Of Counsel

Christian R. Patno

  • Of Counsel
  • President, American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
Read Christian's Bio

“Medical malpractice was difficult to prove, but we were completely confident that The Stuckey Firm went above and beyond for our family. They were an ally during one of the hardest times of our lives.”

—T.W.

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Why Choose The Stuckey Firm?

A Client-First Firm That Works With You

Medical malpractice cases can feel intimidating, especially when large healthcare systems deny responsibility. We work with you, not just for you, taking time to listen, explain options clearly, and ensure you feel informed and supported.

Trial-Ready Preparation for High-Stakes Claims

Malpractice cases demand detailed investigation and strong expert support. We prepare each claim with care and precision, building cases that are ready for serious evaluation.

Credibility That Strengthens Accountability

Our attorneys are respected statewide for bringing well-prepared, meritorious claims. That credibility matters when insurers and defense counsel attempt to frame serious harm as unavoidable or unrelated to negligence.

Medical Malpractice Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a medical malpractice case?

A malpractice case typically requires proof that a provider failed to meet the standard of care and caused preventable harm. An attorney can review records and consult experts to evaluate whether negligence likely occurred.

What types of injuries result from medical malpractice?

Malpractice can cause permanent disability, delayed treatment outcomes, surgical complications, birth injuries, worsening conditions, or death.

Can I file a claim against a hospital as well as a doctor?

In some cases, yes. Hospitals may be responsible for their own negligence, staffing issues, or the actions of employees. A full review can clarify who may be legally liable.

Do medical malpractice cases require expert testimony?

Yes. Most claims rely on medical experts to explain what should have been done and how the mistake caused injury.

How long do I have to file a medical malpractice claim in Ohio?

Ohio has strict time limits and procedural rules for malpractice cases. Because deadlines can be complex, it is important to speak with counsel as early as possible.

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Get Answers From Top Medical Malpractice Attorneys

If you believe a medical mistake caused serious harm, you deserve clarity and honest answers. Contact The Stuckey Firm to schedule a confidential consultation with medical malpractice lawyers in Cleveland and get guidance on whether malpractice may be involved and what the next steps could look like.

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If you’re unsure what to do next, we’re here to listen and help you understand your options

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