Springfield Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Are You in Need of a Trusted Springfield Medical Malpractice Lawyer?

If you or someone you care about suffered serious injury or wrongful death due to a medical error, a Springfield medical malpractice lawyer can help you pursue justice and hold negligent providers accountable.

When medical care goes wrong, the results can be devastating. You trusted a healthcare provider to help you heal; but that trust was violated.

You don't have to face this alone. Al Goodman has been serving clients in the Greater Springfield Area since 1977. At Better Call Al, we understand how difficult these cases can be. That’s why we build every claim on rigorous preparation, in-depth legal knowledge, and compassionate advocacy.

Why Choose Us Over Other Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Springfield?

Not all medical negligence lawyers are created equal. We don’t just take your case - we prepare it for trial from day one. And we only take on claims that we believe in, so you know we’re all in.

At Better Call Al, we’re known for:

• Decades of successful medical malpractice litigation
• Millions recovered for our clients
• Personal, one-on-one attention to each case
• Deep relationships with top medical experts
• No fee unless we win your case

Call Today for a Free Consultation: (413) 736-1616
Proudly Serving ALL of Hampden and Hampshire Counties

What Is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional or hospital fails to meet the accepted standard of care, and that failure causes serious harm to a patient.

The standard of care refers to the level and type of care that a reasonably skilled healthcare professional would provide under similar circumstances. Negligence occurs when a provider breaches that standard by committing serious errors such as misdiagnosing an illness or improperly performing surgery.

Do I Have a Medical Malpractice Case?

Every case is different, but in general, you may have a viable claim if:

• A healthcare provider failed to act the way a reasonably competent provider would have under similar conditions.
• That failure led directly to a serious injury or worsened condition.
• You suffered significant damages as a result of medical malpractice.

A skilled medical malpractice lawyer like Al Goodman can review your records and consult with independent medical experts to assess whether your case meets the legal criteria.

Types of Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle

At Better Call Al, we represent clients in a wide range of complex medical malpractice cases including:

Misdiagnosis & Delayed Diagnosis

• Misdiagnosis: Diagnosing the wrong condition can delay essential treatment and cause irreversible harm.
• Cancer Misdiagnosis: Failing to catch cancer in time can reduce treatment options and survival chances.

Hospital & Emergency Room Negligence

• Triage Failures: Patients with critical conditions may be overlooked, leading to preventable injuries.
• Discharge Errors: Discharging patients too early or without proper instructions can result in complications or death.

Surgery Errors

• Wrong Site Surgery: Performing a procedure on the wrong body part or patient is inexcusable.
• Retained Surgical Objects: Leaving tools or sponges inside the body can lead to infection or further surgery.
• Anesthesia Errors: Overdose, failure to monitor, or allergic reactions during surgery can have fatal consequences.

Birth Injuries

• OB/GYN Negligence: Poor prenatal care or delivery decisions can lead to lifelong complications.
• Fetal Distress Ignored: Delayed responses to signs of distress can cause brain damage or death.
• C-Section Delays: Failure to perform a timely cesarean can result in injury to both mother and baby.

Nursing Home Malpractice/Negligence

• Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, can develop when residents are left immobile for too long, leading to painful skin and tissue damage that may cause serious infections.
• Falls in nursing homes often result from inadequate supervision or unsafe conditions, leading to broken bones, head injuries , cognitive brain trauma (CBT), and long-term disability.
• Neglect in a nursing home can cause serious harm, including malnutrition, untreated medical conditions, emotional distress, and a rapid decline in overall health.

Catastrophic Injuries

• Brain and Spinal Injuries: These can result from surgical errors, anesthesia failures, or poor post-operative care.
• Amputations and Organ Damage: Permanent disabilities caused by botched procedures or undiagnosed conditions.

Botched Bariatric Bypass Surgery

• Leaks or Embolisms: Internal leaks or blood clots can quickly become life-threatening.
• Malnutrition: Poor aftercare and monitoring can result in chronic deficiencies.

Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death

When medical negligence leads to death, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation and demand accountability.

Emerging & Complex Claims

HMO Misconduct & Coverage Denials Impacting Care

Some malpractice claims arise from improper insurance company decisions:

• Delayed Treatment: When an insurance company unreasonably delays approval for necessary medical care, a patient’s condition can worsen, leading to complications and permanent harm.
• Treatment Denial: Denying coverage for essential medical treatment may force patients to forgo care altogether, resulting in serious injury or progression of illness.

Insurers are increasingly being scrutinized for these tactics, and your case could include malpractice and bad faith insurance claims.

Medical Malpractice Claims Arising Out of the Use of Artificial Intelligence

• Diagnostic AI Misreads: Incorrect analysis of radiology or pathology scans
• Over-Reliance on AI Tools: When doctors trust faulty algorithms over clinical judgment

Damages & Compensation We Pursue

Medical malpractice can lead to significant losses. Al Goodman pursues full compensation for economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Ongoing in-home or specialized care
• Medical devices

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship or consortium
• Emotional distress
• Reduced quality of life

Wrongful Death & Punitive Damages

If the malpractice resulted in death, the family could recover damages for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of guidance and companionship
• Loss of financial support

Punitive damages may be awarded to punish extreme misconduct.

How We Prove Your Case

Proving medical negligence requires a highly detailed investigation, a solid legal strategy, and expert-backed medical knowledge. At Better Call Al, we build a powerful malpractice claim and we are always prepared to take your case to trial.

The Four Legal Elements We Must Prove

To succeed in a Massachusetts medical malpractice case, your Springfield personal injury attorney must prove all four of the following elements:

1. Duty of Care. We must show that a healthcare provider had a professional obligation to treat you.
2. Breach of the Standard of Care. Next, we must demonstrate that the provider failed to meet the standard of care. In other words, they acted (or failed to act) in a way that a reasonably competent provider in the same field would not have.
3. Causation. It’s not enough to show that the provider made a mistake. We must link that breach directly to your injury.
4. Damages. Lastly, we must prove that you suffered significant physical, emotional, or financial harm. Damages may include medical bills, lost wages, permanent disability, emotional trauma, or a combination of all of the above.

Our Investigation Playbook

Our case preparation is rigorous. Here’s what our process looks like:

• Obtaining Complete Medical Records
• Building a Detailed Timeline of Events
• Consulting Independent Medical Expert
• Reviewing the Diagnosis
• Assessing Institutional Failures.
• Gathering Witness Testimony
• Preserving and Reviewing Physical Evidence

Who Can Be Held Liable?

As soon an our investigation is complete, Better Call Al will file a claim against anyone whose negligent actions contributed to your injuries. Liable parties may include:

• Physicians – Surgeons, specialists, anesthesiologists, or any licensed MD or DO involved in your treatment.
• Nurses and Physician Assistants – Errors in charting, or patient monitoring may be grounds for liability.
• Hospitals and Clinics – Facilities may be liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or unsafe conditions.
• Corporate Healthcare Systems or HMOs – When treatment decisions are influenced by cost-cutting or denied coverage, institutional liability may come into play.

We carefully evaluate every potential defendant to maximize your chances of full recovery and to ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable.

Massachusetts Rules & Deadlines

Massachusetts law includes specific rules that impact when and how you can file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

182-Day Pre-Suit Notice—G.L. c.231 §60L

Before filing, you must serve a notice of intent to sue at least 182 days in advance. This notice must include:

• Factual basis for the claim
• Standard of care allegations
• Identity of involved providers
• Nature of the alleged injuries

Medical Malpractice Tribunal—G.L. c.231 §60B

After you file, your case will go before a tribunal consisting of a judge, a physician, and an attorney to screen for merit. You must present an offer of proof. If the tribunal finds the case lacks merit, you must post a bond to proceed.

Statute of Limitations & Repose

• You generally have 3 years from the date the malpractice occurred, or from when you reasonably should have discovered it.
• There is also a 7-year statute of repose, which caps the filing deadline regardless of discovery, with very few exceptions (such as for minors).

Damages Cap — G.L. c.231 §60H

Massachusetts imposes a $500,000 cap on non-economic damages, unless:

• The plaintiff suffered substantial disfigurement
• Loss of bodily function
• Other special circumstances that justify exceeding the cap

Some of Our Case Results

Botched Bariatric Surgery—$7,000,000

Al Goodman was brought in as a strategist and legal advisor in a high-stakes case against a hospital and surgeon whose shocking surgical mistake left a woman’s life in turmoil. During what should have been a routine banding procedure, the surgeon reattached her lower intestine upside down, resulting in bile flowing up through her body and out of her mouth.

To drive the case forward, Goodman teamed up with expert doctors and the follow-up treating surgeon to create a set of powerful visual tools. Together, they developed graphic illustrations, comparative surgical charts, and a video clearly showing the correct and incorrect ways to perform the procedure. But what truly turned the tide at mediation was a hard-hitting “Day in the Life” video that showed just how much the victim’s everyday life had been disrupted.

Birth Injury—$3,500,000

When a hospital’s labor and delivery team ignored unmistakable signs of fetal distress, Al Goodman stepped in to fight for justice. Despite alarming readings showing the baby was in trouble, the doctors failed to act. No timely C-section. No intervention. The result? Devastating brain damage caused by a lack of oxygen. Hypoxia and encephalopathy would change this child’s life forever.

Al Goodman got to work. He assembled a powerhouse team of medical experts and built a timeline that made the negligence undeniable. As the trial date loomed, the hospital knew what was coming. Faced with Goodman’s airtight case and relentless pressure, they gave in, agreeing to a multi-million-dollar settlement. Justice was served for a family forced to live with the consequences of care that failed to meet the hospital’s own standards.

Failure to Diagnose Stoke—$1,200,000

He walked into the ER with every red flag for a stroke: slurred speech, one-sided facial droop, pounding headaches, and trouble finding words. But instead of running the right tests or starting critical treatment, the doctor brushed him off. Why? The doctor assumed he was “Too young to be having a stroke.”

By the next day, his condition had worsened. A second hospital took one look and confirmed what should have been obvious all along: massive stroke. By then, the damage was done. He was left with permanent weakness and could no longer return to work.

Call a Springfield Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today

Whether your case involves doctor errors, healthcare provider error, or a wrongful death, we’re ready to investigate, advocate, and protect your rights. Find out how Better Call Al can help you hold negligent healthcare providers accountable and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Call (413) 736-1616 today for a free consultation with trusted Springfield medical malpractice lawyer Al Goodman.

Client Testimonials

Great job as an attorney and as a person

Al was recommended by a family member and it was a great choice. He didn’t treat it as a job he had to do, he shows he cares for your well being just as much as solving your case. He would check up on me making sure my mental health and physical health were well. He did a great job as an attorney and as a person.”

- Willie Lopez

He listens and cares about his clients

Having Al working on my case has been an absolute pleasure! He is always willing to educate, advise, and clarify the process, and is available via text or email through all hours of the day. His hard work earned me a settlement big enough to buy my first home! And he listens and cares about his clients. I have nothing but good things to say about my experience with Al while going through a very stressful and painful time. If you're ever injured, better call Al!”

- Kiley Perrone

I'm so thankful that I met an attorney who cares about people

Attorney Al Goodman hit the ground running when it came to helping me settle my case! From day one he let me know what to expect and he made me feel confident that he would fight for me. The communication was very consistent throughout the whole process, which made me feel at ease! He put himself in my shoes and wrote a letter to the auto insurance detailing the car accident and he said everything I wanted them to know about what I had been thru and more! Within a month and half, he was able to help me get the settlement I deserved! I would recommend Attorney Goodman to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, personable, empathetic lawyer who will fight for you and get results quickly and with a smile! The experience has been amazing and I'm so thankful that I met an attorney who cares about people and who I trust! Better call Al!!!!”

- Shayna Hosey

Medical Malpractice FAQs

How long do I have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts law gives most medical malpractice victims 3 years from the date of the injury, or from when you reasonably should have discovered it, to file a claim. This is called the statute of limitations.

The state also has a 7-year statute of repose, which means you typically cannot file a claim more than seven years after the alleged malpractice occurred, even if you didn’t discover the injury until later.

Exceptions may apply for cases involving minors or fraud, but those are narrow and fact-specific. To protect your rights, speak to a medical negligence lawyer as soon as you suspect you may have a claim.

How are medical malpractice damages calculated?

Economic damages include measurable costs like medical bills, rehabilitation, future treatment, and lost income or earning capacity. These are supported by records, expert testimony, and financial projections. Non-economic damages cover more personal, subjective harm, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.

In Massachusetts, non-economic damages are generally capped at $500,000, unless the injury involves significant disfigurement, loss of bodily function, or other exceptional circumstances.

Will my case go to trial or settle?

Many medical malpractice cases settle before trial, but this depends on several factors, which may include:

• Strength of the evidence
• Complexity of the medical issues
• Willingness of the provider or insurer to accept responsibility
• Results of the Medical Malpractice Tribunal, which must review the claim before trial

At Better Call Al, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That preparation often puts us in a strong position to negotiate a meaningful settlement. But if a fair resolution isn’t offered, we’re ready to advocate in court.

Who can be sued—doctor, hospital, or both?

You may be able to sue any person or entity whose negligence contributed to your injuries, including:

• Doctors (primary care, specialists, surgeons)
• Nurses and physician assistants
• Hospitals or clinics
• Emergency rooms
• Pharmacies
• HMOs and corporate healthcare systems

Sometimes, both a doctor and the hospital can be held liable, particularly when hospital policies, staffing decisions, or institutional failures played a role in causing your injuries.

Do I have a medical malpractice case?

While each situation is unique, you may have a claim if your case meets these high-level criteria:

• A provider-patient relationship existed (establishing a duty of care)
• The provider failed to meet the accepted medical standard of care
• That failure caused your injury or worsened condition
• You suffered significant physical, emotional, or financial harm

A qualified medical malpractice attorney like Al Goodman can review your records, consult independent experts, and determine whether your case has legal merit under Massachusetts law.

Let’s Talk About How We Can Help You Move Forward

If you suspect that a healthcare provider’s mistake harmed you or your family, don't wait to contact Better Call Al. We’re here to help you understand your options and protect your right to compensation.

Call (413) 736-1616 to learn more today.

Additional Information

• Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle