Washington Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Are You in Need of a Washington Medical Malpractice Attorney?
When you enter a hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office, you trust that you’ll receive competent, professional care. But when that trust is broken and medical mistakes lead to serious harm, the results can be life-altering. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a healthcare provider’s negligence in Washington, you may be entitled to pursue a medical malpractice claim.
Why Choose Us Over Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Washington?
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we represent individuals and families in Washington and across the country in complex medical malpractice cases. Our nationally recognized team has decades of experience taking on hospitals, insurance companies, and healthcare corporations to fight for justice and accountability.
We focus exclusively on high-value, catastrophic injury cases, and we are committed to getting our clients the compensation they need and deserve. Here’s why so many people choose our firm:
- Over 40 years of experience handling high-stakes medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases
- Nationally respected for trial success, including record-setting verdicts
- Multiple attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research
- Several firm members named Best Lawyers in America for outstanding medical negligence litigation
- No charge for initial consultations, so you can get answers with no upfront cost
- We take only a limited number of serious cases, ensuring every client receives personal attention and full firm resources
- Prepared to go to trial, not just settle—we build every case with the jury in mind from day one
You Deserve Answers After a Medical Mistake
Our Washington medical malpractice attorneys are here to investigate what went wrong. Call (877) 433-3906 to speak with our team.
Do You Have a Legitimate Medical Malpractice Case?
To bring a successful medical malpractice claim in Washington, three legal elements must be established:
- A healthcare provider-patient relationship existed, establishing a duty of care.
- The provider breached the accepted standard of care, meaning they acted or failed to act in a way a reasonably competent provider would have under the same circumstances.
- That breach caused injury, and the injury resulted in measurable damages such as medical costs, lost wages, or long-term disability.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical Malpractice occurs when a patient is harmed by the negligent actions of a doctor, nurse, or anyone who works for a hospital or medical services provider. A negligent action may include any type of behavior that deviates from the standard of care.
When a medical professional commits a negligent act that is a cause of injury, that is medical malpractice. To win a Washington malpractice case, the plaintiff’s attorney must prove the following:
- A professional relationship existed.
- The other party was negligent.
- The negligent action is a cause of injury or harm.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle in Washington
If you or a loved one was harmed by the substandard performance of a medical practitioner, a medical group or facility, a pharmaceutical company, or the manufacturer of a medical device, Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. has the talent and resources to handle your case.
We’ve won impressive settlements and verdicts for our clients in the following types of cases:
- Surgical Error – Mistakes made during surgery, such as operating on the wrong site, leaving instruments inside the body, or damaging surrounding organs or tissues.
- Diagnosis Error – Failing to identify a medical condition correctly or in time, often leading to delayed or inappropriate treatment and worsening of the patient’s condition.
- Chiropractic Malpractice and Strokes – Injury caused by negligent spinal manipulation, particularly involving the neck, which can lead to torn arteries and stroke.
- Birth Injuries – Harm to a newborn caused by medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, including oxygen deprivation, nerve damage, or fractures.
- Delayed Stroke Diagnosis – Failure to promptly recognize and treat a stroke, which can result in permanent brain damage or death due to loss of oxygen to the brain.
- Cerebral Palsy – A lifelong condition often caused by brain damage before, during, or shortly after birth—sometimes due to lack of oxygen or trauma during delivery.
- Prescription Error – Mistakes involving the prescribing or dispensing of medication, such as giving the wrong drug, wrong dosage, or missing harmful interactions.
- Anesthesia Error – Negligence involving the administration of anesthesia, including overdosing, underdosing, or failing to monitor the patient properly during a procedure.
- LASIK Surgery Error – Complications from laser eye surgery due to surgical mistakes or poor candidate screening, which can result in permanent vision problems or blindness.
- Blood Pressure Medication Error – Prescribing or administering the wrong hypertension medication or dose, potentially leading to heart failure, stroke, or organ damage.
- Federal Tort Claims (FTCA) – Legal claims brought against federally funded healthcare providers, such as VA hospitals or community health centers, for medical negligence.
- Shoulder Dystocia and Brachial Plexus Injury – Birth-related complications in which a baby's shoulder gets stuck during delivery, potentially causing nerve damage and loss of arm function.
- Defective Medical Devices – Malfunctioning or unsafe implants, surgical tools, or monitoring equipment that cause harm due to poor design, manufacturing defects, or failure to warn.
- Doctor Error – Any negligent action or omission by a physician that causes harm, including misdiagnosis, procedural mistakes, or poor judgment during treatment.
- Nursing Error – Negligent actions by nurses, such as failing to monitor a patient, incorrect charting, or administering the wrong medication or dose.
- Hospital Error – Systemic failures within a hospital setting, including poor staffing, lack of oversight, or breakdowns in communication that lead to patient injury.
- Failure to Diagnose Cancer – Missing or delaying a cancer diagnosis, which often results in the disease progressing to a more advanced, less treatable stage.
- Lock-In Syndrome – A rare and catastrophic neurological condition, often resulting from brainstem stroke or medical mismanagement, where the patient is conscious but unable to move or communicate.
- Meningitis – A severe infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord; delayed diagnosis or mismanagement can lead to permanent disability or death.
Compensation in Washington Medical Malpractice Cases
Medical malpractice cases may result in death, loss of limb, reduced quality of life, and a lifetime of suffering. In such cases, no monetary reward could ever replace what a patient and their family has lost. But our lawyers can win you a settlement that will cover the cost of your medical treatment and compensate you for the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Medications
- Home care and personal assistance
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Wheelchair ramps and vehicle lifts
- Wrongful death
What’s the Legal Process for a Medical Malpractice Case?
Bringing a medical malpractice claim in Washington involves several legal steps. Here is what you can expect when working with our firm:
Free Consultation
We start by listening to your story, reviewing medical records, and identifying whether the case meets the legal threshold.
Expert Review
We consult with qualified, independent medical experts who review the care you received and determine whether the standard of care was violated.
Filing the Lawsuit
Once the case is ready, we file a formal complaint in the appropriate Washington state court.
Discovery Phase
Both sides exchange evidence, take depositions, and build their arguments. This phase can be lengthy, but it’s critical to preparing a solid case.
Settlement Negotiations
Many cases resolve through settlement. We negotiate from a position of strength, backed by trial-ready preparation.
Trial
If a fair resolution cannot be reached, we take the case to trial. Our attorneys are known for their effectiveness in the courtroom and commitment to achieving full justice for our clients.
Get the Support You Deserve
Contact us today at (877) 433-3906. There’s no cost to speak with our experienced Washington medical malpractice legal team.
What Is the Statute of Limitations in Washington?
In Washington, you generally have three years from the date of the malpractice or one year from the date the injury was discovered (or should have been discovered) to file a claim.
There are some exceptions for minors, individuals with mental disabilities, or fraudulent concealment of the error. But missing these deadlines can prevent you from ever filing a claim, so it is critical to contact an attorney as early as possible.
How a Washington Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
Medical malpractice cases are among the most complex and aggressively defended types of litigation. Hospitals and insurance companies often have vast legal teams and resources working to protect their own interests.At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we help level the playing field by:
- Thoroughly investigating your case
- Consulting top medical experts in the appropriate specialties
- Managing all legal filings, deadlines, and court requirements
- Building a compelling case for settlement or trial
- Taking your case before a jury if needed to achieve justice
We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. This approach puts us in a stronger position during negotiations and has resulted in numerous record-setting verdicts for our clients.
Other Locations We Serve
Case Studies
LPB Attorneys Win Over $8 Million for Birth Injury Victim
A team of attorneys at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., including James E. Puga, Molly L. Greenblatt, Alex Wilschke, and Nathaniel E. Deakins, secured a verdict for their client, Aron Roudybush, represented by his conservators, Nora and Randall Roudybush. Aron suffered neurological injuries during delivery due to the improper use of a vacuum device, which was applied without adequate training for the nurses. Expert testimony highlighted the hospital's responsibility to educate staff on such devices, and the jury found Penrose negligent for failing to provide proper training on operative vaginal delivery, awarding $8,030,003 to the plaintiffs.
Olympic Snowboarding Coach Receives $6.5 Million Verdict After Being Disabled by Colorado Medical Center
In March 2013, Jody Blatchley, a New Zealand Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle coach, suffered serious injuries while training in Colorado, leading to emergency surgery at St. Anthony Summit Medical Center. Due to negligent aftercare, he developed compartment syndrome, which went undiagnosed for three days, resulting in severe complications and permanent disability. The attorneys from Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. represented Mr. Blatchley in a medical malpractice lawsuit, and in April 2018, the jury awarded him a $6.5 million verdict against the medical center to cover his lifelong care needs.
What Clients Are Saying About Us
Excellent firm! - Kimberly Merriman (5-Star Google Review)
My experience with this firm and my attorneys, Tim Luetkemeyer & Brian Alienikoff, was an amazing one. The communication from the very start was prompt, informative, and knowledgeable. I was incredibly satisfied with the outcome of my case and felt I was on the same page as Tim & Brian the entire time. Excellent firm!
Considerate, compassionate, and thoughtful - 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.
Speak With a Trusted Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Washington
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we take on a limited number of cases involving clients who have been severely harmed. We provide a substantial level of attention to all our clients.
We hold negligent people responsible for the damage they inflict on others. Call our Washington medical malpractice lawyers at (877) 433-3906 to learn more today.
Medical Malpractice FAQs
What is medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and causes serious harm to a patient. This can include errors in diagnosis, treatment, surgery, medication, or aftercare.
How do I know if I have a medical malpractice case?
You may have a case if a provider’s negligence caused you significant harm. Our firm reviews medical records and consults with independent experts to determine whether the standard of care was breached.
Who can be held responsible for medical malpractice?
Any licensed healthcare provider may be liable, including doctors, nurses, surgeons, anesthesiologists, radiologists, pharmacists, or hospitals and clinics where the care occurred.
What damages can I recover in a medical malpractice lawsuit?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, long-term care, and other related losses. In rare cases, punitive damages may also be awarded.
What is the 'standard of care' in a malpractice case?
The standard of care is the level of medical skill and attention that a reasonably competent provider would offer under similar circumstances. Proving a deviation from this standard is key to your case.
What’s the difference between a bad outcome and malpractice?
Not every poor medical result is malpractice. However, if harm occurred due to a preventable mistake, such as a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or failure to monitor a patient, you may have a legal claim.
Do I need a medical expert to file a case?
Yes. Most medical malpractice claims require expert testimony to confirm that the standard of care was breached and that the breach caused the injury.
Will my case go to trial?
While many cases settle before trial, we prepare every case as if it will be presented to a jury. If a fair resolution is not offered, we are ready to take your case to court.
How much does it cost to hire Leventhal Puga Braley P.C.?
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and owe no legal fees unless we win your case. Your consultation is free, and we only take cases we believe in.
Meet Our Attorneys
Jim Leventhal
Jim Leventhal is one of the most respected medical malpractice attorneys in the country and the founding partner of Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. With more than 40 years of experience handling catastrophic injury and complex medical negligence cases, Jim has earned a national reputation for his skill in the courtroom and his relentless pursuit of justice on behalf of injured patients and their families.
Jim is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, an invitation-only group of the top 100 plaintiff trial lawyers in the United States. He has tried and won numerous high-stakes malpractice cases across the country. Jim’s work includes landmark verdicts in cases involving surgical errors, birth injuries, anesthesia mistakes, and delayed diagnoses, many resulting in multi-million-dollar recoveries for his clients.
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 complex medical malpractice and catastrophic injury cases. With over 30 years of litigation experience, Jim is known for his ability to take on high-stakes cases involving permanent injury, brain damage, birth trauma, and wrongful death.
Jim has secured numerous multimillion-dollar outcomes for his clients, including a $17.8 million jury verdict. His trial results have helped shape the legal landscape of medical negligence law in the state and beyond. Whether negotiating a complex settlement or presenting a case to a jury, Jim Puga brings experience, precision, and compassion to every stage of the litigation process.
Bruce Braley
Bruce Braley is a seasoned trial lawyer and partner at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., where he focuses on high-stakes medical malpractice and catastrophic injury litigation. With decades of experience in both the courtroom and the legislative arena, Bruce brings a unique combination of legal skill, public service, and strategic insight to every case he handles.
Before joining the firm, Bruce served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives representing Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, where he became a national leader on civil justice, consumer protection, and veterans' healthcare issues. At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., Bruce applies his deep understanding of the law and persuasive communication skills to advocate for individuals and families who have suffered life-altering harm due to medical errors.
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.
Adrian Johnson
Adrian Johnson is driven by a deep commitment to public good and accountability in healthcare. As an attorney at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., he focuses his practice on medical malpractice litigation, representing patients and families whose lives have been devastated by preventable medical errors.
Adrian has played a key role in securing multimillion-dollar jury verdicts for his clients. He believes that doctors, nurses, hospital administrators, and other healthcare professionals must be held to the highest standards, because of their extensive training and high level of responsibility. When those standards are breached, the results can be catastrophic, and Adrian has zero tolerance for carelessness that leads to fatal or life-altering injuries.
