When Medical Care Causes Harm

Most people seek medical care expecting answers, safety, and relief. When a provider’s mistake causes serious injury, the consequences can be devastating. Patients may face additional procedures, permanent complications, long-term disability, or the loss of a loved one. Families are often left sorting through medical records, unanswered questions, and a system that feels designed to protect itself rather than the patient.

Medical malpractice cases require more than frustration or suspicion. They demand careful investigation, expert review, and a strategy grounded in evidence. A medical malpractice attorney in Columbus can help you understand what happened, explain your options clearly, and pursue accountability in a way that aligns with your goals and long-term needs. When someone is injured, families often feel overwhelmed by everything happening at once. Legal representation can remove the burden of dealing with insurers, paperwork, and legal deadlines. 

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and a patient is harmed as a result. These cases may involve doctors, nurses, hospitals, emergency departments, pharmacists, or other healthcare professionals. The focus is on what a reasonably careful provider should have done in the same situation and how the failure caused injury.

In Ohio, medical malpractice claims are governed by specific civil statutes and procedural rules. The Ohio Revised Code provides the legal framework for malpractice claims, including important requirements and timing considerations. For additional context on how civil cases move through Ohio courts, the Supreme Court of Ohio Law Library offers accessible public information about court procedures and legal terminology.

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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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The Benefits of Working With a Medical Malpractice Attorney

  • A Thorough Investigation of What Went Wrong - Medical malpractice cases depend on detailed record review, timelines, and expert analysis. Legal representation helps determine whether negligence occurred and whether the harm was preventable.
  • A Claim Built Around Long-Term Consequences - Medical mistakes often cause permanent complications or lifelong care needs. Counsel helps ensure the claim reflects future treatment, ongoing limitations, and the full impact on quality of life.
  • Protection From Hospital and Insurance Defense Tactics - Healthcare providers are often supported by powerful insurers and legal teams. A lawyer helps level the playing field and protects your claim from being dismissed or undervalued early.
  • Clear Guidance Through a Complex Process - Malpractice cases involve strict deadlines and technical requirements. We explain each step clearly so you can make informed decisions throughout the process.

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Available 24/7 (614) 349-1975

Does My Situation Require a Medical Malpractice Lawyer?

You may benefit from speaking with a medical malpractice lawyer if a medical error caused serious injury, unexpected complications, permanent disability, or death. Legal guidance is also important if your diagnosis was delayed, your symptoms were dismissed, or you were discharged without proper evaluation and later suffered a major medical event. Many patients hesitate because they assume mistakes are unavoidable or worry they will not be believed. If something feels wrong, a confidential consultation can help clarify whether malpractice may be involved and what evidence would matter most.

The Medical Malpractice Case Process What to Expect

Step One: Reviewing the Story and the Records

We begin by listening to what happened and reviewing key medical records and timelines. We focus on where the care deviated and how the injury occurred.

Step Two: Expert Review and Case Development

Most malpractice cases require medical expert input. We work with qualified professionals who evaluate whether the standard of care was violated and how that failure caused harm.

Step Three: Building the Claim

If the evidence supports a case, we develop a claim that reflects medical expenses, future care needs, lost income, and the full impact on your life. These cases are built carefully and supported thoroughly.

Step Four: Negotiation or Litigation

Some claims resolve through negotiation, while others require litigation. We prepare every case with the expectation that it must withstand close scrutiny and work with you to choose the path that best supports your goals.

We prepare every case as if it could go to court, because strong preparation leads to stronger results. Still, filing a lawsuit does not always mean trial; it often leads to settlement negotiations on fairer terms.

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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
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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
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Of Counsel

Christian R. Patno

  • Of Counsel
  • President, American Board of Trial Advocates
  • Fellow, Litigation Counsel of America
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“Medical malpractice was difficult to prove, but we were one hundred percent confident that Nate and The Stuckey Firm went above and beyond for our family…”

—T.W.

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Why Choose The Stuckey Firm?

A Client-Focused Firm That Works With You

Medical malpractice cases can feel intimidating, especially when providers deny responsibility. We work with you, not just for you, taking time to listen and explain your options so you feel supported and informed.

Trial-Ready Preparation for High-Stakes Claims

These cases require deep investigation and strong expert support. We prepare thoroughly, document carefully, and build each claim to withstand serious defense scrutiny.

Credibility That Strengthens the Case

Our attorneys are respected statewide and known for bringing well-prepared, meritorious claims. That credibility matters when insurers attempt to dismiss 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 claim usually requires proof that a provider failed to meet the standard of care and caused preventable harm. A lawyer can review records and consult experts to assess your situation.

What kinds of injuries are common in malpractice cases?

Malpractice may result in permanent disability, worsening of a condition, surgical complications, birth injuries, delayed treatment outcomes, or death.

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

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

Do medical malpractice cases require expert testimony?

Yes. Most cases 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 deadlines and special rules for malpractice claims. Because timing can be complex, speaking with counsel early is important.

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Get Answers About a Possible Medical Malpractice Claim

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

Talk With a Local Attorney Get a Free Case Review

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

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