North Carolina Medical Malpractice Attorneys
Are You in Need of a North Carolina Medical Malpractice Attorney?
When you trust a medical provider with your health or the health of your loved one, you expect competent, professional care. Unfortunately, that trust is sometimes broken by avoidable errors that can change your life forever. If you believe a doctor, nurse, or hospital in North Carolina made a mistake that caused serious injury or death, you may have grounds to pursue a medical malpractice claim.
Why Choose Us Over Medical Malpractice Lawyers in North Carolina?
Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. is nationally recognized for taking on the toughest cases involving catastrophic injury and medical negligence. We understand the emotional and financial toll these cases can have on your family.
- Over 40 years of experience handling medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases, with a proven record of results nationwide.
- Nationwide reputation for trial success and complex litigation, built on decades of high-stakes courtroom victories.
- Multiple attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers, based on peer reviews and independent research.
- Several attorneys named to Best Lawyers in America, an honor based on peer review and professional achievement.
- Complimentary initial consultations for injury victims and families, with no obligation to move forward.
- We take a limited number of serious cases and focus our full resources on each one, ensuring every client receives personalized attention.
You Deserve Answers After Medical Negligence
Our trial lawyers are ready to help. Contact Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. at (877) 433-3906 to review your case today.
Do You Have a Legitimate Medical Malpractice Case?
To file a successful medical malpractice lawsuit in North Carolina, you must be able to show the following:
- There was a provider-patient relationship where the provider owed you a duty of care.
- The provider breached the accepted standard of care by acting negligently or failing to act.
- That breach directly caused your injury, harm, or worsened condition.
- You suffered measurable damages as a result, such as medical expenses, loss of income, or long-term disability.
If you believe you were harmed by medical negligence, our legal team will evaluate your situation in detail. We work closely with board-certified experts to determine whether your case meets North Carolina's legal requirements.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional fails to meet the accepted standards of medical care, and a patient is harmed as a result. These errors are not simply unfortunate outcomes; they are avoidable mistakes that could have been prevented with proper care and attention.
Common examples include:
- Misdiagnosing or failing to diagnose a serious condition
- Surgical errors or operating on the wrong site
- Administering the wrong medication or dosage
- Birth injuries due to negligence during labor or delivery
- Delays in treatment during emergencies
- Anesthesia errors that result in brain injury or death
Types of Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle
Our firm represents clients in a wide range of medical malpractice claims, including:
Treatment Errors
Mistakes in the course of treatment, such as using the wrong technique or failing to follow up on complications, can lead to devastating outcomes.
Medication Errors
We handle cases involving incorrect dosages, wrong prescriptions, drug interactions, and administration errors by both doctors and nurses.
Emergency Room Negligence
Delays in diagnosis, refusal to admit, or failure to recognize serious conditions in ERs can have fatal consequences.
Surgical Errors
Operating on the wrong body part, leaving tools inside the body, or causing internal injury are all preventable surgical mistakes.
Robotic Surgery Errors
While robotic procedures are designed for precision, operator error or lack of training can lead to serious harm.
Anesthesia Errors
Too much or too little anesthesia, as well as failure to monitor the patient, can cause permanent brain damage or death.
Pharmacy Errors
Pharmacists can be held accountable for dispensing the wrong medication or incorrect instructions, especially when it leads to harm.
Birth Injuries
Negligence during labor and delivery can result in conditions such as cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, or brain damage.
Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis
Failure to identify cancer, stroke, or infection in a timely manner can prevent a patient from receiving life-saving treatment.
LASIK Injuries
Surgical errors during corrective eye procedures can result in permanent vision impairment or blindness.
You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
Call (877) 433-3906 for a risk-free case evaluation from a firm known for results.
Who Can Be Liable for Medical Malpractice in North Carolina
Anyone licensed to provide medical services in North Carolina may be held liable for medical malpractice. Hospitals and other medical facilities may be held liable when they fail to provide the necessary training, guidelines, and oversight to prevent medical malpractice.
A lawsuit seeking damages for injuries may be filed against any of the following parties:
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Surgeons
- Anesthesiologist
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Medical offices
- Emergency rooms
- Nursing homes
- Administrators
- Midwives
- Physician’s assistants
- Dentists
- Chiropractors
- Pharmaceutical companies
- Manufacturers and distributors of medical equipment
What’s the Legal Process for a Medical Malpractice Case?
Medical malpractice claims are among the most complex types of personal injury litigation. Here is what you can expect if you pursue a case with Leventhal Puga Braley P.C.:
Case Review
We begin with a no-charge consultation and a thorough review of your medical records and case facts.
Expert Evaluation
We consult with qualified medical experts to determine whether there was a breach of the standard of care.
Filing the Complaint
If the case meets the legal threshold, we prepare and file a formal complaint in North Carolina court.
Discovery Process
Both sides exchange documents, take depositions, and gather evidence. This phase is critical to building a strong case.
Settlement Negotiation
Many cases are resolved before trial. However, we are always prepared to go to court if the settlement does not reflect the true value of your damages.
Trial (if necessary)
Our attorneys are experienced trial lawyers who are ready to present your case to a jury if needed.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice claim is generally three years from the date of the negligent act. But if the injury is not immediately discovered, the law allows you up to four years from the date of the act to file.
There is a further exception known as the foreign object rule, which gives patients one year from the date of discovery if a surgical instrument or object is left inside the body. There are also special rules for minors and incapacitated individuals, which may extend the timeline.
How a North Carolina Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
Medical malpractice cases require a high level of legal knowledge, access to medical experts, and trial experience. At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we provide:
- Detailed case evaluation and legal guidance
- Connections to leading independent medical experts
- Full handling of all paperwork, filings, and deadlines
- Strategic negotiation with hospitals, insurance companies, and defense teams
- Aggressive trial representation when a fair settlement is not offered
We take the burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your recovery or caring for a loved one.
What Types of Damages Are Available?
If you were injured due to medical malpractice, Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. will file a claim or lawsuit against anyone whose negligence makes them liable for your injuries.
In North Carolina, there is no limit on economic damages such as medical expenses. There is a cap on non-economic damages, but it may be waived if the defendant acted fraudulently, intentionally, recklessly, with malice, or with gross incompetence.
A North Carolina medical malpractice claim or lawsuit filed by Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. will include the following types of damages:
- Medical expenses
- In-home nursing care
- Reduced earning potential
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Medications
- Lost wages
- Wheelchairs and other medical devices
- Home alterations to increase mobility
- Wrongful death
Other Locations We Serve
What Clients Are Saying About Us
They really care - Nicole James (5-Star Google Review)
They really care about their clients and will take the extra time to make sure they do their absolute best on every case.
Wonderful and thorough with all that they do - Jonathan Heller (5-Star Google Review)
Jim Leventhal and his team are wonderful and thorough with all that they do. They leave no stone unturned while taking the time to be considerate, compassionate, and thoughtful. They wield the sword within their field with excellence and with a demeanor that you not only appreciate but that you can rely on. Special thanks again to Jim, Julia, and the entire team.
Case Results
Brain Injury Victim Awarded $8.2 Million
A 35-year-old Kentucky woman received an $8.2 million verdict after Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. attorneys successfully argued her medical malpractice case. Misdiagnosed with a migraine at St. Elizabeth Hospital despite evidence of a brain bleed, she later suffered paralysis due to an undetected aneurysm. The lawsuit against the ER doctor and radiologist concluded after seven years, ensuring compensation for her severe injuries and impact on her life.
Birth Injury/Birth Trauma Victim Awarded $8 Million
Attorneys Jim Puga and Molly Greenblatt secured a verdict of $8,030,003 against Catholic Health Initiatives Colorado, doing business as Centura Health-Penrose-St. Francis Health Service, from a jury in El Paso County, Colorado.
Speak With a Trusted Medical Malpractice Lawyer in North Carolina
Medical malpractice cases are not just about financial compensation; they're about accountability. When hospitals and healthcare providers fail in their duty to protect patients, they must be held responsible.
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we have the experience, resources, and commitment to take on even the most complex malpractice cases in North Carolina. If you or someone you love has suffered due to medical negligence, call (877) 433-3906 for a risk-free case evaluation from a firm known for results.
Medical Malpractice FAQs
What qualifies as medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standard of care and causes serious injury or death as a result. This may include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication mistakes, birth injuries, or delayed treatment.
How do I know if I have a medical malpractice case?
To have a valid claim, you must prove that a provider violated the standard of care, that violation caused injury, and that the injury led to significant damages. Our team works with medical experts to evaluate whether these elements are present in your case.
Is a bad medical outcome always considered malpractice?
No, but when a preventable mistake causes harm, you may have a legal claim. We can help you determine if you have a case.
Who can be held liable in a malpractice case?
Any licensed healthcare provider may be held accountable, including doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, surgeons, pharmacists, and the hospitals or clinics that employ them.
What types of damages can I recover?
Victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, long-term care costs, and more. In rare cases, punitive damages may also be available if gross negligence is involved.
Do I need expert witnesses to prove my case?
Yes. Medical malpractice cases almost always require testimony from qualified experts who can explain how the standard of care was violated and how that violation caused your injuries.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront, and we only collect a fee if we win your case.
Will my case go to trial?
Maybe. While many cases settle out of court, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial. If the defense won’t offer fair compensation, we are fully prepared to present your case to a jury.
Meet Our Attorneys
Jim Leventhal
Jim Leventhal is the founding partner of Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. and one of the most respected medical malpractice attorneys in the United States. With over four decades of experience representing clients in catastrophic injury and complex medical negligence cases, Jim has built a national reputation as a relentless advocate for patients and families harmed by substandard medical care.
Jim’s work has helped shape medical malpractice law and brought justice to families facing devastating loss. His commitment to trial excellence, ethical advocacy, and client-centered representation is the foundation of Leventhal Puga Braley P.C.’s national reputation.
Jim Puga
Jim Puga is a nationally recognized trial attorney and partner at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., where he represents individuals and families in high-stakes medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases. For more than 30 years, Jim has fought for clients who have suffered life-altering harm due to medical negligence, earning a reputation for strategic thinking, powerful courtroom advocacy, and results that change lives.
Jim is widely respected for his work in complex cases involving birth injuries, brain damage, surgical errors, and delayed diagnosis. He obtained one of the largest medical malpractice verdicts in Colorado history, a $17.8 million jury award on behalf of a child with permanent brain damage.
Bruce Braley
Bruce Braley is a trial attorney and partner at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., bringing decades of experience in complex litigation, government service, and advocacy for individuals harmed by medical negligence and corporate wrongdoing. He focuses his practice on catastrophic injury and medical malpractice cases, including those involving birth trauma, surgical errors, and delayed diagnosis.
Before joining the firm, Bruce served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Iowa’s 1st Congressional District. During his time in Congress, he became a leading voice on civil justice issues and patient safety, earning national recognition for his work on behalf of injured consumers and working families.
Alex Wilschke
Alex Wilschke is a seasoned trial attorney and partner at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., where he focuses his practice on medical malpractice, birth injury, and catastrophic personal-injury cases. Alex began his legal career in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Judge Advocate, serving as a prosecutor, defense counsel, and supervisory defense attorney. He then transitioned into plaintiff and defense civil litigation.
Since joining Leventhal Puga Braley, Alex has embraced life-changing cases on behalf of injured individuals and families, taking on hospitals, physicians, and medical practices. He’s handled all phases of complex litigation, from intake and trial to appeals and legislative advocacy.
