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Law Offices of Alvin F. de Levie
TALK TO ALVIN TODAY FOR FREE
(215) 696-3900

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LAW BLOG

PENNSYLVANIA PERSONAL INJURY LAW BLOG

By Alvin de Levie 13 Oct, 2022

When medical malpractice occurs, it is often the actions and inactions of doctor(s), physician assistant(s), nurse(s), and other medical personnel that become the focus of a medical malpractice case. But what about the hospitals, nursing homes, health care systems, and other institutions that may be involved?

In this article, we will discuss the ways in which hospitals, nursing homes, urgent care centers, and health care systems can be held liable in a medical malpractice case, both for the negligence and recklessness of the medical personnel practicing within their walls and for their own negligence and recklessness. Investigating and pursuing malpractice claims against the medical institution at which the malpractice occurred often provides an additional route of recovery for injuries and losses sustained as a result of the malpractice.

At the Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq. , we have represented individuals and families in medical malpractice cases for decades throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including, for example, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Centre County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lehigh County, Clearfield County, and Fayette County, to name a few. Our team of lawyers has the expertise, the resources, and the experience in handling complex medical malpractice cases and reviewing medical records to determine whether hospitals, health care systems, nursing homes, urgent care centers, and other such institutions may be held liable for the malpractice of a medical provider.

Vicarious Liability

In Pennsylvania, vicarious liability is a doctrine which holds an employer responsible for the negligence and recklessness of its employees and servants. The theory is that an employer acts by and through its agents, servants, representatives and employees. Therefore, any harm caused by the negligence or recklessness of those agents, servants, representatives and employees is directly attributable to the employer as if the employer itself caused the harm.

In order for the doctrine of vicarious liability to apply, the medical provider who committed the medical malpractice must be:

  1. Employed by the hospital, nursing home, urgent care, health care system, or other such entity; and
  2. Be operating within the course and scope of his/her employment at the time the medical malpractice was committed.  In other words, the medical malpractice must have been committed while the medical provider was “on the clock” and performing his or her job duties in furtherance of the employer’s business.

Ostensible Agency

In modern medical practice, the relationships between hospitals, health care systems, and the various medical personnel that staff them is often extremely complex. For example, the doctor you see at a hospital may not actually be an employee of the hospital but may only see patients at the hospital by means of an agreement while he or she is employed by an outside group of physicians. Similarly, you may get an MRI or other diagnostic test performed at the hospital, which is then sent to an outside radiologist to be read, with the results being disclosed to you by actual hospital personnel. In these situations, the doctrine of vicarious liability would not apply, as the medical provider who may have committed malpractice is not actually an employee of the hospital, health care system or other institution where you received care.

However, there may have been no indication to you as the patient that the doctor or other medical provider was not an employee. In fact, it may be that the hospital or other institution, by means of signs, advertisements, identification badges and other information, held the medical provider out to you and the public as an employee or otherwise made it so that the medical provider would at least appear to be its employee.

In these situations, Pennsylvania Courts apply the doctrine of ostensible agency. Under the doctrine of ostensible agency, a hospital, physician or other such healthcare provider may be held liable for the acts of an independent healthcare provider if he or she appears to be the agent of the hospital, physician or other such healthcare provider.

In determining whether ostensible agency applies, the Courts look to whether a reasonably prudent person in the patient’s position would be justified in the belief that the care in question was being rendered by the hospital, physician, or other such healthcare provider or its agents; or whether the care in question was advertised or otherwise represented to the patient as care being rendered by the hospital, physician or other such healthcare provider or its agents.

If ostensible agency applies, the hospital or other health care institution can be held liable for the actions and inactions of the medical providers who committed medical practice as if they were the institution’s own employees, just like they were vicariously liable.

Corporate Negligence (i.e., direct negligence and “Thompson claims”)

In Pennsylvania, in addition to potentially being vicariously and/or ostensibly liable for the actions of medical providers, hospitals, health care systems and other such institutions can be held liable for their own negligence in performing their corporate functions as a hospital or other such institution. The doctrine of “corporate negligence” was first enunciated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in the case of Thompson v. Nason , 527 Pa. 330, 591 A.2d 703 (1991).

In Pennsylvania, hospitals, health care systems, and other such medical institutions have certain non-delegable duties, namely:

  • A duty to use reasonable care in the maintenance of safe and adequate facilities and equipment;
  • A duty to select and retain only competent physicians;
  • A duty to oversee all persons who practice medicine in the hospital or other such institution; and
  • A duty to formulate, adopt and enforce adequate and appropriate rules, policies, and procedures to ensure quality care of the patients.

If the victim’s medical malpractice was in any way related to the hospital or other such institution’s failure to fulfil any or all of these duties, it will be held liable for the victim’s injuries losses directly , independent of any vicarious liability or ostensible agency liability that may apply.

What Should YOU Do If You, A Loved One or a Friend Suffers Injuries or Death Caused by Medical Malpractice at a Hospital, Health Care System, Nursing Home, Urgent Care, or other such Institution?

YOU SHOULD CONTACT MY OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.

Medical malpractice cases, especially those involving agency and corporate negligence issues, are incredibly complex and require an extraordinary amount of investigation. Your attorney may need to obtain and review thousands of pages of medical records, which will then need to be reviewed by an expert. This is an expensive and time-consuming process that must begin as soon as possible to determine whether you have a claim. You also need an attorney with a thorough knowledge of the practice of medicine and the resources and experts necessary to take the case to trial, if necessary.

At the Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq., our team of attorneys has decades of experience representing individuals and families injured due to medical malpractice. We have handled medical malpractice cases throughout Pennsylvania: From Philadelphia and the surrounding counties to Centre County, from Central Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh, and from the New York border to the borders of West Virginia and Maryland. If you have suffered an injury or someone died as a result of decubitus ulcers, please call our firm – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – at (215) 696-3900 for a consultation. One of our team members will be in immediate contact with you. We maintain offices throughout Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, State College and Bellefonte. We are willing to meet any clients throughout the Commonwealth.    

By Alvin de Levie 05 Oct, 2022

One of the most pressing questions in any medical malpractice case is often why the medical malpractice occurred in the first place.

Through investigation and expert consultation, we can come to a solid understanding of just what mistakes were made by medical personnel, when they were made, and how the mistakes contributed to or caused the harm suffered by a victim of malpractice. However, understanding why medical malpractice occurs often requires us to look beyond the medical records and testimony to the psychology behind the medical decision-making process itself.  

In this article, we will discuss several biases and systemic errors discussed in peer-reviewed literature which routinely and adversely affect the medical decision-making process, and which often explain why medical malpractice occurs, whether the malpractice consists of a delayed diagnosis, the prescription of a contraindicated medication, or the failure to appreciate a patient’s symptoms and complaints.

At the  Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq., we have represented individuals and families in cases in medical malpractice cases for decades throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including, for example, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Centre County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lehigh County, Clearfield County, and Fayette County, to name a few. Our team of lawyers has the expertise, the resources, the experience in handling complex medical malpractice cases and reviewing medical records to determine how and why medical providers, including doctors, physician assistances, registered nurse practitioners, and nurses, make errors and how those errors are sometimes compounded by other medical providers.

Biases and Systemic Errors which Adversely Affect the Medical Decision-Making Process and which Often Lead to Medical Malpractice

  • Anchoring Bias : Anchoring bias is the tendency to look too strongly to the patient’s initial presentation too early in the diagnostic process, thereby failing to adjust the initial impression in light of later information. In other words, the medical providers become “anchored” to their original interpretation and diagnosis based on the patient’s initial presentation, blinding themselves to the significance of new symptoms inconsistent with the original interpretation and diagnosis.
  • Diagnosis Momentum : Once a diagnostic label is attached to a patient, the label tends to become more “adhesive” with time. In other words, what might have started as a possibility at the initial visit, through the confirmation of intermediaries such as nurses and physicians, gathers momentum until it becomes the definitive diagnosis, and all other evidence and possibilities are excluded. The certainty of the diagnosis does not come by way of confirming evidence, but rather by simply not being questioned by subsequent providers.
  • Omission Bias: Omission bias is essentially a tendency towards inaction rooted in the belief that the best option is normally to do less. Re-evaluating the medical situation and considering more intervention, particularly when subsequent providers of the same healthcare system become involved, is seen as “rocking the boat” and changing/challenging the decisions of prior care providers within the system.
  • Overconfidence Bias: This is the tendency of medical providers to believe they know more about a patient’s situation than they actually know based on evidence, placing too much emphasis on “hunches” and opinion, thereby making a decision with incomplete information.
  • Premature Closure: This is a powerful medical decision-making bias accounting in the literature for a high proportion of missed diagnoses. It is the tendency to apply premature closure to the decision-making process, accepting a diagnosis before it has been fully verified. In other words, once a diagnosis is made, the thinking stops, and all future facts are squeezed into that diagnosis, rather than the diagnosis changing based on future facts.
  •   Vertical Line Failure: This is the tendency to think in vertical “silos.” That is, to use predictable, orthodox, vertical thinking that emphasizes economy, utility and stacking one fact on top of another rather than thinking laterally and “outside the box.” According to the literature, due to its economy and utility, vertical thinking is usually rewarded by healthcare systems to the detriment of lateral thinking, which would cause the providers to ask themselves questions such as “what else might this be” when dealing with a patient.

All of these biases and decision-making failures help to explain how medical malpractice occurs when simple malice or intentional conduct is missing. After all, in many cases, the situation is not the result of an evil individual intentionally seeking to do harm (though those cases do exist), but rather the negligent or even reckless conduct of one or more individuals whose continued mistakes have catastrophic results.

These biases and decision-making failures also represent well-known and researched routines, patterns, and system-wide failures that must be addressed by individual providers, hospitals, and larger healthcare networks in order to provide standard of care treatment to patients and to avoid medical malpractice. Failure to adopt proper policies, procedures, guidelines and training to counter these well-known biases and decision-making failures may expose the providers and their employers to even greater liability.

What Should YOU Do If You, A Loved One Or A Friend Suffers Injuries or Death Caused by Medical Malpractice?

YOU SHOULD CONTACT MY OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.

Medical malpractice cases are incredibly complex and require an extraordinary amount of investigation. Your attorney may need to obtain and review thousands of pages of medical records, which will then need to be reviewed by an expert. This is an expensive and time-consuming process that must begin as soon as possible to determine whether you have a claim. You also need an attorney with a thorough knowledge of the practice of medicine and the resources and experts necessary to take the case to trial, if necessary.

At the Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq., our team of attorneys has decades of experience representing individuals and families injured due to medical malpractice. We have handled medical malpractice cases throughout Pennsylvania: From Philadelphia and the surrounding counties to Centre County, from Central Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh, and from the New York border to the borders of West Virginia and Maryland. If you have suffered an injury or someone died as a result of medical malpractice, please call our firm – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – at (215) 696-3900 for a consultation. One of our team members will be in immediate contact with you. We maintain offices throughout Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, State College and Bellefonte. We are willing to meet any clients throughout the Commonwealth.    

 

By Alvin de Levie 29 Sep, 2022

Sepsis (also known as “blood poisoning”) is one of the most dangerous and devastating conditions we encounter in medical malpractice cases. The Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authorityhas designated September as “Sepsis Awareness Month” to warn the public about this deadly condition.

In this article, we will discuss sepsis and why it is important for medical providers to pay attention to early signs and symptoms so intervention and treatment can be made as soon as possible.

At the Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq., we have represented individuals and families in medical malpractice cases involving sepsis for many, many years throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including, for example, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Centre County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lehigh County, Clearfield County, and Fayette County, to name a few. Our team of lawyers has the expertise, the resources, the experience in handling complex medical malpractice cases and reviewing medical records to determine if, how and why medical providers missed signs of developing sepsis or failed to adequately treat sepsis.

What is Sepsis?

The  Centers for Disease Control defines sepsis as “the body’s extreme response to an infection.” Essentially, in response to being overwhelmed by infection, whether bacterial or viral, the immune system gets out of control, releasing large amounts of chemicals into the blood and triggering inflammation in the affected area that can destroy tissue and cause organ failure. This is why sepsis is sometimes referred to as “blood poisoning.” Without proper diagnosis and treatment, sepsis can cause catastrophic injuries such as multiple amputations and, in some cases, death.

The CDC estimates approximately 1.7 million people develop sepsis each year, that approximately 270,000 people die as a result, and that a massive 1 in 3 patients who die in hospitals have sepsis.

What are the Symptoms of Sepsis and How can it be Treated?

Whenever a patient is suffering from a viral or bacterial infection or facing a situation which could lead to such an infection, medical providers must carefully monitor patients early and continuously for signs and symptoms of developing sepsis, which may initially appear to be mild. Early detection is often the key to treating the condition before sepsis sets in and spirals out of control.

At first, a patient developing sepsis may suffer a general sense of not feeling well, have a slightly increased temperature, shivers or an increased heart rate. As sepsis progresses, however, the symptoms become more severe. According to the  Mayo Clinic, symptoms of advancing sepsis include:

  • Difficulty breathing and respiratory rates higher than or equal to 22 breaths a minute;
  • Abnormal heart function;
  • Low blood pressure that requires medication to increase and maintain;
  • A sudden change in mental status/alertness; and 
  • High levels of lactic acid in your blood, which indicates your cells are not using oxygen properly.

If sepsis is identified early, the infection the body is responding to can typically be treated with anti-virals, antibiotics and other such treatments. These treatments help to combat the infection and tame both the immune system’s reaction to the infection and the inflammatory response it causes, thereby lessening the likelihood of developing advanced sepsis.

Unfortunately, medical providers sometimes ignore or fail to appreciate how an infection is getting out of control, leading to sepsis. In some cases, medical personnel fail to take proper readings, monitor their patients, and perform simple tests, such as checking blood oxygen levels.  In other cases, medical providers may prescribe medications that are contraindicated, increasing the risk that a viral or other infection will be worsened, leading to the development of sepsis. Medical providers need to be especially careful to closely monitor patients with pre-existing conditions which make it difficult for their bodies to handle infection, such as those with diabetes and immune disorders.

What Kind of Injuries Can Sepsis Cause?

Sepsis can cause a number of serious and catastrophic injuries, including:

 

  •   Cognitive issues: Advanced sepsis can cause low blood pressure and inflammation in the brain. This can lead to damage to the brain tissue, ultimately causing severe cognitive dysfunction, such as memory loss and other mental impairment.

  •   Gangrene: The decreased blood flow and destruction of tissue caused by advanced sepsis can cause tissues, particularly in extremities like the hands and feet, to die and become gangrenous.

  •   Amputation: When extremities become gangrenous as a result of sepsis, they often must be amputated in order to prevent the spread of infection to other parts and systems of the body.

  • Organ Failure: The decreased blood flow and tissue damages caused by advanced sepsis can cause organs and organ systems to incur heavy damage, sometimes shutting down entirely. Damage to the kidneys and lungs is most common in advanced sepsis cases, and it is not uncommon for victims of sepsis with otherwise normal kidney function to end up on dialysis for the rest of their lives.

  • Death: Advanced sepsis can cause blood flow and organ system failure that eventually leads to cardiac arrest (i.e., heart attack) and death.

What Should YOU Do If You, A Loved One Or A Friend Suffers Injuries or Death Caused by Sepsis?

YOU SHOULD CONTACT MY OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.

Like all medical malpractice cases, cases involving sepsis are incredibly complex and require an extraordinary amount of investigation. Your attorney may need to obtain and review thousands of pages of medical records, which will then need to be reviewed by an expert. This is an expensive and time-consuming process that must begin as soon as possible to determine whether you have a claim. You also need an attorney with a thorough knowledge of the practice of medicine and the resources and experts necessary to take the case to trial, if necessary.

At the Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq., our team of attorneys has decades of experience representing individuals and families injured due to medical malpractice and sepsis. We have handled medical malpractice cases throughout Pennsylvania: From Philadelphia and the surrounding counties to Centre County, from Central Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh, and from the New York border to the borders of West Virginia and Maryland. If you have suffered an injury or someone died as a result of sepsis, please call our firm – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – at (215) 696-3900 for a consultation. One of our team members will be in immediate contact with you. We maintain offices throughout Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, State College and Bellefonte. We are willing to meet any clients throughout the Commonwealth.    

By Alvin de Levie 16 Sep, 2022

Of the many injuries caused by patient neglect, decubitus ulcers (commonly known as pressure sores and bedsores) are one of most unnecessary.  While decubitus ulcers can cause devastating, life-altering injuries, they can often be prevented by caretakers with relatively minor effort.

In this article, we will discuss the role of medical malpracticein causing decubitus ulcers and the significant risks they pose to victims.

At the Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq., we have represented individuals and families in cases involving decubitus ulcers for decades throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including, for example, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, Centre County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Lehigh County, Clearfield County, and Fayette County, to name a few. In fact, we are presently handling cases involving decubitus ulcers in a long-term care facility and a hospital. Our team of lawyers has the expertise, the resources, and the experts necessary to take these cases to trial.

What are Decubitus Ulcers?

As described by the Mayo Clinicdecubitus ulcers are caused by external pressure on the skin. This pressure often comes from lying or sitting in the same position for too long because hospital or nursing home staff does not properly observe and move the patient from one position to another.   The pressure compresses the blood vessels in the skin, depriving the skin of oxygen and nutrients. Over time, this leads to the swelling and eventual death of the underlying tissue.

Initially, the ulcer may present as a large, red, warm, painful bump on the skin (a Stage I decubitus ulcer). If left untreated, the victim will begin to lose skin in and around the sore as the underlying tissue begins to die (A Stage II decubitus ulcer). Advanced decubitus ulcers (Stages III and IV) can spread far into the underlying tissue, destroying muscle and bone, and posing a risk of serious infection. Victims of advanced decubitus ulcers are at risk of suffering permanent damage to their nerves and bones, which may result in paralysis or even death.

Those most at risk of developing decubitus ulcers are confined to hospital beds, nursing homes, wheelchairs and others who require assistance to move around. According to a CDC Data Brieffrom 2009, 11% of nursing home residents suffered from decubitus ulcers. Decubitus ulcers can develop in any confined setting, however, whether a hospital, nursing home, hospice, or even at home.

How Can Pressure Sores Be Prevented?

The simplest way to prevent decubitus ulcers is to simply redistribute the pressure by regularly moving the individual to a different position. This may involve moving a patient from their back to their side or having a patient who has been sitting too long lie down. In a hospital, nursing home, and other such settings, policies, including proper “turn schedules,” should be in place to require immobilized patients to be moved at regular intervals. The medical records kept by the nursing home or hospital should reflect how faithfully the medical providers adhered to the “turn schedule,” showing how often the patient was rotated or otherwise moved.

Caregivers and family members of patients at risk for decubitus ulcers should routinely check from head to toe for signs of new decubitus ulcers. Catching a decubitus ulcer early can mean the difference between an easy recovery and a lifetime of pain and disability. Family members visiting loved ones confined to nursing homes or hospitals should ask medical personnel about when and how frequently their loved ones are being rotated and otherwise moved to prevent decubitus ulcers. Loved ones should also ask what kind of monitoring and treatment is provided to ensure that decubitus ulcers are addressed when and if they do appear.

Decubitus ulcers often occur when medical personnel and staff fail to properly monitor patients who cannot move around on their own. Failing to notice a decubitus ulcer in its early stages, when simple treatments can address the ulcer, can lead to the development of a more invasive and more deadly ulcer.  Medical records kept by nursing homes and hospitals should reflect when a decubitus ulcer is discovered and should record regular observations of the nature and extent of the ulcer, as well as it’s growth and progression.

At the Law Offices of Alvin F. de Levie, our team of attorneys has decades of experience in reviewing medical records, and we know what to look for to determine whether your loved one’s medical providers were negligent in causing or treating a decubitus ulcer.

What Should YOU Do If You, A Loved One Or A Friend Suffers Injuries Caused by Decubitus Ulcers?

YOU SHOULD CONTACT MY OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.

Like all medical malpractice cases, cases involving decubitus ulcers are incredibly complex and require an extraordinary amount of investigation. Your attorney may need to obtain and review thousands of pages of medical records, which will then need to be reviewed by an expert. This is an expensive and time-consuming process that must begin as soon as possible to determine whether you have a claim. You also need an attorney with a thorough knowledge of the practice of medicine and the resources necessary to take the case to trial, if necessary.

At the Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq., our team of attorneys has decades of experience representing individuals and families injured due decubitus ulcers. We have handled medical malpractice cases throughout Pennsylvania: From Philadelphia and the surrounding counties to Centre County, from Central Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh, and from the New York border to the borders of West Virginia and Maryland. If you have suffered an injury or someone died as a result of decubitus ulcers, please call our firm – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – at (215) 696-3900 for a consultation. One of our team members will be in immediate contact with you. We maintain offices throughout Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, State College and Bellefonte. We are willing to meet any clients throughout the Commonwealth.
By Alvin de Levie 06 Jan, 2022

Studies conducted over the last decade have found that shocking numbers of Americans are being misdiagnosed by their medical providers. CBS News reported on a study performed by  BMJ Quality and Safety  showing approximately 12 Million adults who seek outpatient medical care are misdiagnosed each year in the United States. While misdiagnosis of any illness is a problem, the consequences of misdiagnosing cancer can be catastrophic.

In this article, we will discuss the ways medical providers misdiagnose cancer, the significant problems faced by patients who are misdiagnosed with cancer (or misdiagnosed as not having cancer when they do, in fact, have cancer), and what you can do if you have been a victim of a cancer misdiagnosis.

At the  Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq. , we have represented individuals and families in cases involving cancer misdiagnoses throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including, for example, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County, and Centre County, to name a few.

How Does A Medical Provider Misdiagnose Cancer and When Does It Create Legal Liability?

There are several ways medical providers misdiagnose cancer, and it happens more often than you would think. A recent Washington Post article found that 20 percent of patients diagnosed with serious conditions, including cancer, at top-tier medical institutions were at first misdiagnosed by their medical provider.

Medical providers may simply misinterpret your cancer symptoms as being caused by a different illness, or they may ignore your symptoms altogether, failing to suspect cancer as a cause of your symptoms. Cancer misdiagnosis can also occur when medical providers make errors in evaluating and interpreting radiological studies and other medical tests. In other cases, your medical provider may fail to perform necessary tests, fail to refer you to a specialist for proper evaluation, or simply fail to properly communicate test results and other important information to your treatment team.

These failures can result in a delayed cancer diagnosis, a failure to diagnose cancer (that is, a diagnosis of another medical condition when your symptoms are in fact caused by cancer), or diagnosis of cancer when you do not, in fact, have cancer.

What Are the Consequences of a Cancer Misdiagnosis?

A cancer misdiagnosis can result in catastrophic injury or death.

Many cancers can be treated successfully if caught early. In the case of a delayed cancer diagnosis or a failure to diagnose cancer, victims can lose valuable time during which they could be receiving treatment. By the time the proper diagnosis of cancer is made, it may be too late to avoid life-saving treatment.

In cases where a victim is incorrectly diagnosed with cancer, invasive and life-changing medical procedures and treatment may be provided when they are not necessary. For example, in one case of which we are aware, a 39-year-old male was diagnosed with kidney cancer by his urologist who misread an imaging study. Further, rather than recommending a biopsy to study the matter further, the urologist ordered the removal of the kidney. After the kidney was removed, it was discovered the victim did not have cancer, but rather a benign tumor. Not only could the victim have avoided removing the kidney, but after its removal, his other kidney began to fail, causing severe and permanent injury. This all could have been avoided if the urologist followed the standard of care and performed the biopsy to confirm or disprove his suspicion of cancer.

 

What Should YOU Do If a Loved One or Friend Is Injured or Dies as A Result of a Cancer Misdiagnosis?

YOU SHOULD CONTACT MY OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.

Like all medical malpractice cases, cases involving misdiagnosis are incredibly complex. And require an extraordinary amount of investigation Your attorney may need to obtain and review thousands of pages of medical records which will then need to be reviewed by an expert. This is an expensive and time-consuming process that must begin as soon as possible to determine whether you have a claim. You also need an attorney with a thorough knowledge of the practice of medicine and the resources necessary to take the case to trial, if necessary.

At the Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq., our attorneys have decades of experience representing individuals and families injured due to the misdiagnosis  of a medical condition, including cancer. We have handled misdiagnosis and malpractice cases throughout Pennsylvania: From Philadelphia and the surrounding counties to Centre County, from Central Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh, and from the New York border to the borders of West Virginia and Maryland. If you have suffered an injury or someone died as a result of a cancer misdiagnosis, please call our firm – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – at 844-777-2529 (Toll Free) or (215) 696-3900 for a consultation. One of our team members will be in immediate contact with you. We maintain offices throughout Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, State College and Bellefonte. We are willing to meet any clients throughout the Commonwealth.
By Alvin de Levie 18 Oct, 2021

In the near future, we will be posting additional blog posts about the dangers of benzene exposure, particularly in the workplace.

At the  Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq., our affiliate attorneys with whom we work specialize in litigation involving serious injury and death caused by benzene exposure. Our affiliates have decades of experience handling benzene cases throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and throughout the United States. They have fought zealously time and time again to see these cases through to significant verdicts and settlements.

According to an announcement published by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) on September 30, 2021, popular sunscreen manufacturer, Coppertone, has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of several of its aerosol sunscreen sprays. The recall was announced after Coppertone identified benzene contamination in the following products (if you have any of these products in your home, stop using them and discard them right away ):


  • Pure & Simple SPF 50 Spray;
  • Sport Mineral SPF 50; and
  • Travel-Size Coppertone® Sport Spray SPF 50;

Please check the FDA announcement above for specific UPC codes, lot numbers and manufacturing dates of the specific products involved .

This is not the first time this year a company has recalled aerosol sunscreens due to benzene contamination. In July of 2021, we wrote on this blog about how  Johnson & Johnson recalled several of its’ own aerosol spray sunscreens after internal testing revealed benzene in the products.

In this article, we will discuss why benzene is appearing in sunscreen products, as well as the dangers and hazards associated with this volatile chemical.

What Is Benzene and How is it Getting into Sunscreen Products?

As we previously explained in  our article on the Johnson & Johnson recall, benzene is a dangerous, highly toxic, sweet smelling, colorless and extremely flammable liquid used in the production of gasoline, industrial solvents, plastics, detergents, pesticides, dyes, rubber, lubricants and other such products.

While Benzene is a commonly used chemical, it is not an ingredient in sunscreen products. It is likely, therefore, that the benzene found in the Coppertone and Johson & Johnson sunscreens is a product of contamination during the manufacturing process While we do not know for sure how the products became contaminated,  Dr. Laura Cohen, President and CEO of CoLabs International, has opined the benzene found in the sunscreens occurs either as a byproduct of manufacturing or in the production of materials actually used in sunscreen, such as alcohol or aloe vera. The benzene byproducts would have then developed as a result of manufacturing the sunscreen ingredients, contaminating those ingredients and then contaminating the entire product.

Why is Benzene so Dangerous?

Benzene exposure can cause serious damage to the brain, liver, heart, kidney, lungs and other organs. It can also cause damage to bone marrow and has been shown to cause damage to your DNA.

Long-term exposure to Benzene has been linked to several serious and fatal conditions, such as:

  • Several types of leukemia, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia
  • Aplastic anemia
  • Bone marrow abnormalities and failure
  • Reproductive problems, especially in women
  • Immune system damage
  • Myleodysplastic Syndrome 

Even short-term exposure can cause a variety of serious health problems, such as:

  • Fatigue
  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Unconsciousness
  • Irregular or increased heart rate.

Due to the dangers posed by benzene, there are several laws and regulations which aim to protect those who face a high risk of benzene exposure in their daily occupations. For example, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)  has limited the amount of benzene which can be in the air to 1 part of benzene per 1 million parts of air (1ppm). However, even continued exposure to low doses of benzene can cause serious health problems. In a 1948 report, the  American Petroleum Institute declared "it is generally considered that the only absolutely safe concentration for benzene is zero.”

What Should YOU do if a Loved One or Friend Suffered Health Problems or Died as a Result of Benzene Exposure?

YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY.

These cases often require extensive, urgent and experienced investigation to ensure critical evidence is preserved and properly tested and analyzed by experts familiar with many scientific concepts ranging from chemical structures to DNA. You need an attorney who has the experience and resources to investigate your case so key data is preserved, and to bring in competent experts to prove your case.

At the Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq., our affiliate attorneys have decades of experience representing individuals and families devastated by exposure to benzene. Our affiliate attorneys have handled benzene cases throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and throughout the United States that have resulted in significant verdicts and settlements. If you or someone you know have been harmed or died as a result of benzene exposure, please call our firm – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – at 844-777-2529 (Toll Free) or (215) 696-3900 for a consultation. One of our team members will be in immediate contact with you. We maintain offices throughout Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, State College and Bellefonte. We are willing to meet our clients anywhere.
By Alvin de Levie 20 Sep, 2021

After a motor vehicle accident in Pennsylvania, many people assume they will be able to sue the driver who caused the accident to recover all their losses, including medical bills, wage loss and pain and suffering. Unfortunately, many victims of motor vehicle accidents who call our office are surprised to learn their ability to recover from the other driver is severely limited by their own decisions when purchasing their car insurance.

In this article, we will discuss the law behind the two “tort options” available to you when you purchase car insurance in Pennsylvania: “full tort” and “limited tort.” The choice between limited tort and full tort coverage is one of the most critical decisions you will make when purchasing car insurance. It will determine your rights in any lawsuit you may file after a car accident.

We will be providing future articles on other ways you can use your car insurance coverage, such as by purchasing a full range of first-party benefits, to protect yourself and your family .

At the  Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq. , we have represented hundreds of families in cases involving car accidents, whether the victims were covered by limited tort or full tort insurance, throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including, for example, Centre, Mifflin, Lycoming, Clearfield, Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Dauphin, Philadelphia, Lehigh, York, and Chester Counties, to name a few.

What is the Difference between Full Tort and Limited Tort Coverage?

Under Pennsylvania’s Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law, you must be offered the option of purchasing either “full tort” coverage or “limited tort” coverage.

Full tort coverage provides the most protection if you are involved in a lawsuit after a car accident . If you are insured under a full tort policy, Pennsylvania law allows you to sue the driver who caused the accident for all your damages: Medical bills that could not be covered by insurance, wage loss that could not be covered by insurance, and most importantly, your pain and suffering. No matter what your injuries may be, whether you suffered a short period of neck pain or a broken leg, you can recover for the maximum amount of pain and suffering a jury, Judge or arbitrator will award to you.

Limited tort coverage provides the least protection if you are involved in a lawsuit after a car accident . If you are insured under a limited tort policy, you can still collect your medical bills and wage loss to the extent they could not be covered by insurance. However, Pennsylvania law places significant limits on your ability to recover for pain and suffering . Limited tort plaintiffs are not allowed to sue for any pain and suffering unless they can prove they suffered a “serious injury” as a result of a car accident . A “serious injury” is defined as “[a] personal injury resulting in death, serious impairment of body function or permanent serious disfigurement.”  While the question of whether an accident victim suffered a “serious injury” is often reserved for the Jury, many car accident victims are not able to meet the burden of proving a serious injury. In such cases, the victim simply cannot recover for their pain and suffering. Insurance adjusters are aware of this fact and often unwilling to make reasonable settlement offers, if they make any offer at all, on limited tort cases.

How do I Purchase Full Tort Coverage Instead of Limited Tort Coverage?

While Pennsylvania insurance companies are required by law to provide you with the option to purchase full tort coverage or limited tort coverage, many insurance agents and insurance companies do not explain the importance of you purchasing full tort coverage to protect yourself and your family in the event of an accident. Do not just sign the forms your insurance agent or insurance company give you based on what they tell you, because likely they are not looking out for your and your family’s best interests . Make sure you read the forms carefully and select the full tort option. While limited tort insurance is typically cheaper than full tort insurance, as we explained above, electing the limited tort option severely limits your ability to recover damages if you are injured in a car accident. Depending on your circumstances, your election of the limited tort option may even bind blood relatives living in your household who do not have their own car insurance! It is important to make sure you and your loved ones are offered full protection under the law.

Should I Purchase Full Tort Insurance Coverage?

SIMPLY, YES ! Pain and suffering are often the most significant portions of damages awarded in an injury lawsuit, no matter how serious the injury may or may not be. It is CRITICAL to maintain full tort coverage to make sure you can recover all damages to which you are entitled after a motor vehicle accident.

You do not want to leave yourself and your loved ones with an uncompensated or undercompensated loss just to save a few dollars on your car insurance. Even if your insurance agent recommends that you not purchase full tort coverage, ignore that advice and purchase the coverage .

What Should YOU do if a Loved One or Friend is Injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident?

YOU SHOULD CONTACT MY OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.

At the Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq. , we have decades of experience representing individuals and families involved in motor vehicle accidents. We have handled cases throughout Pennsylvania: From Philadelphia and the surrounding counties to Centre County, from Central Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh, and from the New York border to the borders of West Virginia and Maryland. If you have suffered an injury or someone died as a result of being involved in a motor vehicle accident, please call our firm – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – at 844-777-2529 (Toll Free) or (215) 696-3900 for a consultation. One of our team members will be in immediate contact with you. We maintain offices throughout Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, State College and Bellefonte. We are willing to meet any clients throughout the Commonwealth.

By Alvin de Levie 17 Aug, 2021

After a motor vehicle accident, the victim typically sues the driver who caused the accident to recover their medical bills and other damages, such as pain and suffering. The defendant driver’s automobile insurance company then pays any award, verdict or settlement reached during litigation.

Unfortunately, many Pennsylvania drivers carry the minimum insurance policy allowed by law - $15,000.00 – while some others do not carry any insurance at all. In either situation, the innocent victim of a collision and their family are left either severely undercompensated or, worse, with no source of compensation at all. These situations are particularly devastating when an accident results in the death of a loved one, or someone suffers catastrophic or serious injuries.

Underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage provide a layer of protection in situations where insurance coverage for the person who causes the accident is inadequate or completely lacking, allowing you to pursue a claim for damages against your own insurance policy, without your policy being terminated or your premiums being increased .

In this article, we will discuss the law behind underinsured and uninsured motorist coverages and how you can best use these coverages to protect you and your family. We will be providing future articles on other ways you can use your car insurance coverage, such as first-party benefits and full and limited tort options, to protect yourself and your family .

At the Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq., we have represented hundreds of families in cases involving underinsured and uninsured motorists throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including, for example, Centre, Mifflin, Lycoming, Clearfield, Montgomery, Delaware, Bucks, Dauphin, Philadelphia, Lehigh, York, and Chester Counties, to name a few.

What is Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Underinsured motorist coverage provides coverage when the person who causes your accident does not have enough insurance to cover the full value of your injuries . Pennsylvania law only requires drivers to carry a minimum of $15,000 in liability insurance for injuries caused by car accidents. Many drivers choose only the minimum amount of liability insurance. For example, if you are in an accident and suffer $100,000.00 worth of damages and the maximum amount of the defendant’s insurance is $15,000.00, you will likely never be fully compensated for your injuries, unless you purchase underinsured motorist coverage.

If you have underinsured motorist coverage, you can file a claim with your own insurance company to recover the additional $85,000.00 in damages (provided, of course, you have sufficient coverage to do so). If the insurance company disagrees with you, you can file suit against them just as you would the driver to fight for full compensation. Filing an underinsured motorist claim will not affect your premiums or your insurability. It is your right to enforce the contract between you and the insurance company.

Uninsured motorist coverage works similarly to underinsured motorist coverage, except that in these cases the driver that causes the accident does not have insurance at all . This can occur when the driver simply does not have coverage, when his or her coverage has lapsed, or when the driver simply flees the scene before he or she can be identified.   In these situations, you could seek compensation from your own insurance company, as if you were making a claim against the driver who caused the accident. Again, filing an uninsured motorist claim will not affect your premiums or your insurability.

How do I Purchase Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Many insurance agents and insurance companies do not explain the importance of you purchasing underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage to protect you and your family. Do not just sign the forms your insurance agent or insurance company give you, because likely they are not looking out for your and your family’s best interests. Make sure you purchase the most underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage you can afford.

Read the forms the insurance company gives you and DO NOT waive the purchase of such coverage. Please make sure you purchase them. You will not get uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage automatically. Please read everything carefully .

Unlike coverage for injury and property damage liability, Pennsylvania does not require drivers to purchase either underinsured or uninsured motorist coverage. As explained by the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance, both underinsured motorist and uninsured motorist coverage are optional. However, Pennsylvania requires insurance companies to offer these coverages to applicants and to make sure the insurance company informs the driver he or she may reject these coverages. The rejections must be signed. Again, we recommend that you DO NOT sign the rejections and make sure to purchase as much underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage as you can afford.

When you do purchase underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, the law requires that coverage to be equal to the amount of liability coverage you purchase, unless you request lower limits in writing . We highly recommend you DO NOT request lower limits and purchase underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage equal to your liability coverage.

Should I Purchase Underinsured and Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

SIMPLY, YES ! While you are not required to purchase underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage under Pennsylvania law, we highly recommend that you do. We have seen countless cases where a family’s recovery is either severely limited or completely denied because the other driver either did not have enough insurance or did not have insurance at all. You do not want to leave yourself and your loved ones with an uncompensated or undercompensated loss just to save a few dollars on your car insurance. Even if your insurance agent recommends that you not purchase underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, ignore that advice and purchase the coverages .

What Should YOU do if a Loved One or Friend is Injured by an Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist?

YOU SHOULD CONTACT MY OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.

At the Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq., our attorneys have decades of experience representing individuals and families involved in underinsured and uninsured motorist claims. We have handled cases throughout Pennsylvania: From Philadelphia and the surrounding counties to Centre County, from Central Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh, and from the New York border to the borders of West Virginia and Maryland. If you have suffered an injury or someone died as a result of being involved in an accident with an underinsured or uninsured motorist, please call our firm – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – at 844-777-2529 (Toll Free) or (215) 696-3900 for a consultation. One of our team members will be in immediate contact with you. We maintain offices throughout Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, State College and Bellefonte. We are willing to meet any clients throughout the Commonwealth.
By Alvin de Levie 02 Aug, 2021

According to an announcement published by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) on July 14, 2021, Johnson & Johnson has just issued a recall of Neutrogena and Aveeno Aerosolized Sunscreen Products. The recall was triggered by internal testing which identified benzene contamination in the following products (if you have any of these products in your home, stop using them and discard them right away ):

  • Neutrogena Beach Defense aerosol sunscreen;
  • Neutrogena Cool Dry Sport aerosol sunscreen;
  • Neutrogena Invisible Daily defense aerosol sunscreen;
  • Neutrogena Ultra Sheer aerosol sunscreen; and
  • Aveeno Protect + Refresh aerosol sunscreen.

In this article, we will explain the dangers and hazards associated with Benzene, which certainly should not be found in sunscreen products.

At the  Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq., our affiliate attorneys with whom we work specialize in litigation involving serious injury and death caused by benzene exposure. Our affiliates have decades of experience handling benzene cases throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and throughout the United States. They have fought zealously time and time again to see these cases through to significant verdicts and settlements.

What Exactly Is Benzene and Why is it so Dangerous?

Benzene is a dangerous, highly toxic, sweet smelling, colorless and extremely flammable liquid used in the production of gasoline, industrial solvents, plastics, detergents, pesticides, dyes, rubber, lubricants and other such products.

Long-term exposure to Benzene can cause serious damage to the brain, liver, heart, kidney, lungs and other organs. It is notorious for damaging bone marrow and can even cause damage to your DNA. Long-term exposure to Benzene has been linked to several serious and fatal conditions, such as:

  • Several types of leukemia, including acute lymphoblastic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia;
  • Aplastic anemia;
  • Bone marrow abnormalities and failure;
  • Reproductive problems, especially in women;
  • Immune system damage; and
  • Myleodysplastic Syndrome.

Benzene is extremely toxic to humans. There are numerous regulations and laws which aim to protect those working in occupations which pose a high risk of benzene exposure. For example, the  O ccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has limited the amount of benzene which can be in the air to 1 part of benzene per 1 million parts of air (1ppm). However, even continued exposure to low doses of benzene can cause serious health problems. In a 1948 report, the  American Petroleum Institute  declared "it is generally considered that the only absolutely safe concentration for benzene is zero.”

So, while Johnson & Johnson claims daily exposure to the levels of benzene found in its sunscreen products is likely too little to cause a problem, it is well known that even short-term exposure can cause a variety of serious health problems, such as:

  • Fatigue;
  • Concussion;
  • Drowsiness;
  • Dizziness;
  • Headaches;
  • Unconsciousness; and
  • Irregular or increased heart rate.

What Should YOU do if a Loved One or Friend Suffered Health Problems or Died as a Result of Benzene Exposure?

YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY.

These cases often require extensive, urgent and experienced investigation to ensure critical evidence is preserved and properly tested and analyzed by experts familiar with many scientific concepts ranging from chemical structures to the DNA. You need an attorney who has the experience and resources to investigate your case so key data is preserved, and to bring in competent experts to prove your case.

At the Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq., our affiliate attorneys have decades of experience representing individuals and families devastated by exposure to benzene. Our affiliate attorneys have handled benzene cases throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and throughout the United States that have resulted in significant verdicts and settlements. If you or someone you know have been harmed or died as a result of benzene exposure, please call our firm – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – at 844-777-2529 (Toll Free) or (215) 696-3900 for a consultation. One of our team members will be in immediate contact with you. We maintain offices throughout Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, State College and Bellefonte. We are willing to meet our clients anywhere.

By Alvin de Levie 19 Jul, 2021

We are proud the Philadelphia Trial Lawyer’s Association (“PTLA”) chose to feature our recent $2.95 Million Wrongful Death settlement in Centre County for the “Case Note of Interest” section in its most recent edition of Verdict .

This most recent settlement is only one of the many   wrongful death cases we have handled here at the  Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq. We have represented families in wrongful death cases involving auto cases, motorcycle cases, medical malpractice cases, and civil rights cases throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, including, for example, Centre County, Philadelphia County, Lehigh County, York County, Chester County, and in the Western and Middle Federal District Courts of Pennsylvania, in cases arising in Fayette County and York County

As noted by the Philadelphia Trial Lawyer’s Association in the Verdict newsletter, in this most recent case, we represented the family of a young woman who was driving home from work with a pizza for her husband and two children. As she drove along State Route 45 in Potter Township, a defendant was operating a tractor in the opposite direction, half on the roadway and half on the berm, on his way to his employer’s farm with a 600lb bale of hay on the front of the tractor. As that defendant drove the tractor, it was struck from behind by a Toyota Tacoma operated by another defendant. After striking the rear of the tractor, the Tacoma, which was fitted with a snowplow, crossed the center line and struck our client’s Nissan Altima head-on, eventually causing her death.

We filed Wrongful Death and Survival Actions against the operators of the tractor and Tacoma, as well as the owner of the farm, seeking punitive damages. We alleged negligence and recklessness on the part of the tractor operator and his employer, as the tractor operated on the roadway after sunset without proper lighting and safety equipment as required under Pennsylvania Law. Specifically, we alleged the tractor had only one functional white light facing the rear of the tractor and a faded triangle that provided no illumination.  We alleged the tractor operator and his employer were aware for an extended period that the tractor violated various motor vehicle code sections regarding the operation of a farm tractor on a public roadway after sunset.

We also alleged negligence on the part of Tacoma operator, who claimed he saw the white light on the rear of the tractor but failed to take evasive action until it was much too late.

Extensive testing was performed on the vehicle operated by our client who was killed, the tractor and the Toyota Tacoma.  The computers on the Tacoma and our client’s car were downloaded and the data was carefully reviewed and studied. The tractor was weighed both and without the bale of hay. The Tacoma and our client’s vehicle were weighed. The lighting systems on all three vehicles were also tested.  

Using all the data obtained from the downloaded “black boxes” and the various inspections of all vehicles involved in the accident, our expert, a retired Crash Reconstruction Specialist for the Pennsylvania State Police, conducted an exhaustive crash reconstruction analysis.

Using the data, our expert determined the operator of the Tacoma responded to the tractor in front of him only 2 seconds before impact, braking aggressively and steering sharply to the left in a failed attempt to avoid a collision with the tractor. The Tacoma struck the left rear tire of the tractor, crossed into our client’s lane of travel and struck her vehicle head on. Our expert was also able to determine our client responded to the Tacoma 2.1 seconds before impact by braking aggressively and steering sharply to the right, but there was nothing she could do to avoid the crash.

The fact our client jammed on her brake and cut her steeling wheel sharply to the right 2.1 seconds before the collision was critical to our argument that our client experienced fear of injury and death before impact and did everything possible to avoid the collision.

We also hired a medical expert. Based on an autopsy and examination of the evidence we gathered from the scene of the collisions, he was able to determine our client was conscious and in pain for 12 minutes before she died. This information was critical to showing conscious pain and suffering after the accident, as the defense argued our client was killed instantly and that her family was not therefore entitled to seek recovery for conscious pain and suffering after the collision.  

We spent hundreds of hours investigating the case, reviewing documents and data, discussing the case with experts, preparing submissions to the Court, preparing for and arguing motions, and mediating the case.

After several days of Mediation and several weeks of continuing settlement negotiations, the parties reached a settlement of $2.95 Million.

What Should YOU do if a Loved One or Friend Was Killed as a Result of Medical Malpractice, a Traumatic Accident, a Civil Rights Violation, or Another Incident Involving the Negligence or Recklessness of Another?

YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY SO EVIDENCE IS NOT DESTROYED. While certainly a family may not want to deal with the realities of litigation after losing a loved one, it is important that either the family or someone on their behalf contact an attorney so the important work of investigating the case can begin as soon as possible.

As demonstrated by our most recent wrongful death settlement, these cases often require extensive, urgent and experienced investigation to ensure critical evidence is preserved and properly tested and analyzed. You need an attorney who has the experience and resources to investigate your case so key data is preserved, and to bring in competent experts to prove your case.

At the Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie, Esq., we have decades of experience handling wrongful death cases caused by medical malpractice, traumatic accidents, civil rights violations, and other incidents involving negligence and recklessness.

We handle cases throughout Pennsylvania: From Philadelphia and the surrounding counties to Centre County, from Central Pennsylvania to Pittsburgh, and from the New York border to the borders of West Virginia and Maryland. If someone you know died as a result of medical malpractice, an auto accident, a motorcycle accident, a traumatic accident, a civil rights violation, or another incident involving negligence or recklessness, please call our firm – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – at 844-777-2529 (Toll Free) or (215) 696-3900 for a consultation. One of our team members will be in immediate contact with you. We maintain offices throughout Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, State College and Bellefonte. We are willing to meet any clients throughout the Commonwealth.
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