When Medical Care Causes Harm

Most people seek medical care expecting answers, relief, and protection. When a provider’s mistake causes serious injury, the consequences can be devastating. Patients may face additional procedures, long-term complications, permanent 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 require careful investigation, expert medical support, and a legal strategy built on evidence. You should not have to choose between recovering and protecting your legal rights. When you hire a lawyer, you can focus on medical care while we handle the claim, the evidence, and the insurance companies. 

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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 can involve doctors, nurses, hospitals, emergency departments, pharmacists, or other healthcare professionals. Malpractice claims often focus on what a reasonably careful provider should have done in the same situation and how the failure caused injury. In West Virginia, medical malpractice claims are governed by specific civil statutes and procedural rules, including requirements related to pre-suit notices, expert certification, and strict deadlines. These legal standards shape how claims are evaluated and pursued. Understanding these requirements early is critical to protecting your ability to seek compensation and accountability.

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 medical records, timelines, and expert review. Legal representation helps determine whether negligence occurred, how the standard of care was violated, and whether the injury was preventable.
  • A Claim Built Around Long-Term Consequences - Medical mistakes often cause permanent complications or lifelong care needs. A medical malpractice attorney in Wheeling, WV helps ensure the claim reflects ongoing treatment, future limitations, lost income, and the full impact on quality of life.
  • Protection From Hospital and Insurance Defense Tactics - Healthcare providers are often backed by experienced defense teams and insurers. Legal representation helps level the playing field and prevents your claim from being dismissed, minimized, or pressured into an unfair resolution.
  • Clear Guidance Through a Complex Process - Medical malpractice cases involve strict deadlines, technical requirements, and expert involvement. We explain each step clearly so you can make informed decisions while your case moves forward.
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Does My Situation Require a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Wheeling, WV?

You may benefit from legal guidance if a medical mistake caused serious injury, unexpected complications, permanent disability, or death. You should also consider representation 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 to reach out because they assume mistakes are unavoidable or fear they will not be believed. If something about your care feels wrong, a confidential conversation with a medical malpractice lawyer in Wheeling, WV can help clarify whether malpractice may be involved and what evidence would be needed to pursue accountability.

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 the moment where the care changed course and the harm occurred.

Step Two: Expert Review and Case Development

Most malpractice cases require medical expert review to evaluate the standard of care. We work with qualified professionals who can assess whether the provider’s actions fell below accepted standards and how that failure caused injury.

Step Three: Building the Claim

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

Step Four: Negotiation or Litigation

Some cases resolve through negotiation. Others require litigation to pursue fair accountability. We prepare every case with the expectation that it must withstand close scrutiny, and we work with you to decide which path best supports your goals.

We are trial-ready from the start, but most cases do not end in a courtroom. Filing is often a way to protect the case and push it toward a fair settlement.

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.

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

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

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

“My family chose the Stuckey Firm following the loss of my mother due to cancer. It was a dark time for our family. One thing that gave us peace of mind was Nate and his firm being an ally for us. 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-First Firm That Works With You

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

Trial-Ready Preparation for High-Stakes Claims

These cases require detailed investigation and strong expert support. We approach malpractice claims with thorough preparation and careful documentation, building each case 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 in malpractice cases where 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 case generally requires proof that a provider failed to meet the standard of care and caused preventable harm. A lawyer can review your records, consult experts, and help determine whether negligence likely occurred.

What kinds of injuries are common in malpractice cases?

Medical malpractice can cause permanent disability, worsening of a condition, delayed treatment outcomes, surgical complications, birth injuries, or death. Injury severity often affects how the case is evaluated and pursued.

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

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

Do medical malpractice cases require expert testimony?

Yes. Most malpractice claims rely on medical experts to explain what the provider should have done and how the mistake caused injury. Expert support is essential to establishing credibility and causation.

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

West Virginia has strict time limits and procedural requirements for malpractice cases, including pre-suit notice rules. Because deadlines can be complex, it is best to speak with counsel as early as possible.

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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 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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