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# Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam - Attorneys at Law

Pittsburgh Medical Malpractice Lawyer | Nursing Home Abuse

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.massalawgroup.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [Blog](https://www.massalawgroup.com/blog/) - Explore Massa Law Group’s blog for insights on medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and vaccine injuries. Empower yourself with legal knowledge!
- [Attorney Devyn Lisi Details Her Vision for the Next Year as Chair of the ACBA Young Lawyers Division](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2026/04/16/attorney-devyn-lisi-details-her-vision-for-acba-young-lawyers-division/) - Attorney Devyn Lisi highlights the importance of connection as she prepares to lead the ACBA Young Lawyers Division and strengthen support for young attorneys.
- [Celebrating Sydney Sherman as Duquesne University School of Law Advances to the STAC Finals](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2026/03/13/celebrating-sydney-sherman-as-duquesne-university-school-of-law-advances-to-the-stac-finals/) - Congratulations to law clerk Sydney Sherman, whose team has advanced to the finals of the American Association for Justice’s STAC competition.
- [Meet Our New Law Clerk: Welcome Sydney Sherman](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2025/09/14/welcome-sydney-sherman/) - Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam are proud to welcome Sydney Sherman as our newest Law Clerk. We're thrilled to have Sydney join our team this semester.
- [Vaccine Injury Claims with Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2025/08/07/vaccine-injury-claims-with-massa-butler-giglione-dirlam/) - Navigate vaccine injury claims with Pittsburgh’s trusted law firm. Learn about the VICP, and how our expert attorneys can secure compensation. Call 412-338-1800
- [Surgical Errors in Pittsburgh: Medical Malpractice Guide](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2025/07/22/surgical-errors-in-pittsburgh-medical-malpractice-guide/) - Suffering from surgical errors in Pittsburgh, PA? Our medical malpractice attorneys can help you seek justice. Call (412) 338-1800 for a free consultation.
- [How to Prove Medical Malpractice in Pittsburgh, PA](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2025/07/03/how-to-prove-medical-malpractice-in-pittsburgh-pa/) - Expert Pittsburgh, PA medical malpractice lawyers Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam guide you on how to prove negligence, and win compensation. Call 412-338-1800.
- [Congratulations to Attorney Devyn Lisi who was Elected 2025-2026 Chair-Elect of the ACBA YLD](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2025/06/11/devyn-lisi-acba-young-lawyers-chair/) - Devyn Lisi elected 2025-2026 Chair-Elect of the Allegheny County Bar Association. Young Lawyers Division, leading new attorneys with commitment to their growth.
- [Attorneys Rudy Massa and Devyn Lisi Discuss Legal Victory](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2024/12/06/medical-malpractice-insights-podcast/) - Attorneys Rudy Massa and Devyn Lisi discuss a landmark medical malpractice case on the Just Verdicts Podcast. Learn about their case and the $750,000 verdict.
- [Seneca Valley Hockey Association’s Historic Triumph](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2025/03/27/seneca-valley-hockey-associations-historic-triumph/) - At Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam, we’re proud to sponsor Seneca Valley High School and support the dedication of these talented young athletes.
- [A Triple-Overtime Epic: Seneca Valley Secures Penguins Cup Glory](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2025/03/19/a-triple-overtime-epic-seneca-valley-secures-penguins-cup-glory/) - At Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam, we’re proud to sponsor Seneca Valley High School and support the dedication of these talented young athletes.
- [Alarming Rates of Cancer Misdiagnoses You Need to Know About](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2025/02/02/alarming-rates-of-cancer-misdiagnoses-you-need-to-know-about/) - A new study shows an alarming rate of diagnostic errors related to cancers and emphasizes the need for systematic solutions to address diagnostic errors.
- [Can a doctor be held responsible for a patient’s death?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2024/12/03/can-a-doctor-be-held-responsible-for-a-patients-death/) - Medical malpractice is serious. Understanding your rights is crucial. Don't navigate this challenging time alone. Contact us today to discuss your case.
- [Co-Council and Case Referrals](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2024/09/09/co-council-and-case-referrals/) - We paid out millions of dollars in referral fees to licensed attorneys through our successful representation for medical malpractice and nursing home abuse.
- [Co-Counsel Services](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2023/02/10/co-counsel-services/) - If you’re handling a case and you believe your client would be better served by working together on a co-counsel basis, reach out to our team today
- [Congratulations Attorney Robert Fitzgerald, Pennsylvania Army National Guard!](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2023/03/31/first-lieutenant-robert-fitzgerald/) - Congratulations First Lieutenant Robert Fitzgerald! In 2023,Attorney Fitzgerald will be a Judge Advocate for the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
- [CLE - The Admissibility of Social Media and Text Messages](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2024/08/26/cle-admissibility-of-social-media/) - CLE a thorough overview of discovery, authentication, and admissibility of social media and text messages in Pennsylvania courts and federal jurisdictions.
- [Attorney Peter Giglione Named a Top 50 Pittsburgh Super Lawyer in 2024](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2024/06/14/attorney-peter-giglione-named-a-top-50-pittsburgh-super-lawyer-in-2024/) - Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam proudly announce attorney Peter Giglione’s listing in the 2024 Top 50 Pittsburgh Super Lawyers® publication.
- [WTAE Reports: Lawsuits filed against city of Pittsburgh, inspection firms over Fern Hollow Bridge collapse](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2024/05/21/wtae-reports/) - Lawsuits have been filed against the city of Pittsburgh and inspection firms following the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse, injuring two passengers and the driver.
- [Watch WTAE President plead with City Council as the clock runs out on Fern Hollow](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2023/12/14/watch-wtae-president-plead-with-city-council/) - WTAE President & General Manager Charles W. Wolfertz III speaks on behalf of the editorial board about the Fern Hollow Bridge collapse.
- [Mediation](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2023/02/22/mediation/) - Objectively evaluating cases involving medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, premises and products liability, automobile accidents, and other civil cases.
- [Case Referrals](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2023/01/27/case-referrals/) - We paid out millions of dollars in referral fees to licensed attorneys through our successful representation for medical malpractice and nursing home abuse.
- [Announcing the firm’s newest partner, Megan E. Dirlam!](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2022/12/07/announcing-the-firms-newest-partner-megan-e-dirlam/) - A graduate of Duquesne University’s School of Law, Megan joined the firm in 2016. She concentrates her practice on medical malpractice and personal injuries.
- [The Firm expresses their deepest sympathy to the Gelman family](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2022/12/07/the-firm-expresses-their-deepest-sympathy-to-the-gelman-family/) - On December 2, 2022, we lost our beloved Bruce H. Gelman. Massa Butler Giglione expresses their deepest sympathies to the Gelman family in this difficult time.
- [22 Nursing Homes Now Have Contracts](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2022/09/19/22-nursing-homes-now-have-contracts/) - Victims of nursing home abuse. contact Massa Butler Giglione, the area's leading attorneys in nursing home neglect cases. today by calling 412-338-1800
- [Nursing Home Accused of Saving Millions by Keeping Staff Levels Below Standards](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2022/07/29/nursing-home-accused/) - Report filed by the plaintiffs found that Brighton's nursing staff worked fewer hours than expected under Medicare rules based on the care levels required.
- [City of Pittsburgh Blocks Request for Fern Hollow Bridge Documents](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2022/07/29/fern-hollow-bridge/) - A bridge falls. Pittsburgh makes national headlines. Then, a swarm of government responses, lawsuits and impacts that reverberated through the community.
- [Congratulations to Our Attorney and Partner Pete Giglione!](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2022/05/27/pete-super-lawyers/) - Congratulations to our attorney and partner Pete Giglione, who was named one of the Top 50 Super Lawyers in Pittsburgh!
- [Paragard IUD Lawsuits: An Evolving Account](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2022/05/11/paragard-iud-lawsuits/) - A common form of birth control—the Paragard IUD—has come under scrutiny for its propensity to break upon removal. Across the country, lawsuits have been filed.
- [Wrongful Death & Survival Action: Pt. 1](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2022/03/23/wronful-death-survival-action-part-1/) - A chronically ill litigant may die during the litigation. The survival action allows the estate of that litigant to carry on the recovery of those damages.
- [Civil Liability Protection and COVID-19](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2022/02/10/civil-liability-protection-and-covid-19/) - Civil liability immunity was granted during COVID-19. Providers under this order could still be found liable for gross negligence or willful misconduct.
- [Legal Questions surrounding the Pandemic](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2022/01/20/legal-questions-about-covid-19-pandemic/) - What options are there for COVID-19 related cases? The federal government made a Declaration Under the PREP Act for Medical Countermeasures Against COVID-19
- [Military Medical Malpractice](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2022/01/03/military-medical-malpractice/) - In 1950, the United States Supreme Court heard and decided the case of Feres v. United States, 340 U.S. 135 (1950) after a fire in barracks.
- [Congratulations to our new associates!](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/12/04/congratulations-to-our-new-associates/) - Congratulations on Passing the Pennsylvania Bar Examination! Massa Butler Giglione's newest attorney hires have passed the Pennsylvania Bar Exam, and the firm has named both as full-time attorneys. Please join us in congratulating Devyn Lisi and Robert Fitzgerald! These law school leaders have already taken on hard work for our clients, and it is clear
- [Do criminal charges impact your wrongful death claim?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/09/16/do-criminal-charges-impact-your-wrongful-death-claim/) - In Pennsylvania, when a person or a business directly contributes to the death of your loved one, you have the right to bring a civil lawsuit against that party. A wrongful death claim based on misconduct or negligence could give your family justice and provide compensation for the financial consequences you suffer after the loss
- [How a vaccine could cause your child permanent injury](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/09/02/how-a-vaccine-could-cause-your-child-permanent-injury/) - Vaccines are one of the most incredible aspects of modern medicine. Through rigorous research, medical and biochemical professionals can identify a way to stop someone from contracting a disease without their body first having to fight it off. Usually, the human body has to directly experience a virus to learn to defend against it. Vaccines
- [4 examples of surgical errors in medical malpractice](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/08/26/4-examples-of-surgical-errors-in-medical-malpractice/) - Picture this: You have a medical condition that requires minor surgery, which the doctor says should be a walk-in/walk-out procedure. However, something goes wrong during the operation, and you find yourself in a worse position than before. You may be a victim of a botched surgery, which is considered medical malpractice. Below, we look at
- [3 forms of financial abuse that can occur in nursing homes](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/08/12/3-forms-of-financial-abuse-that-can-occur-in-nursing-homes/) - Nursing home abuse comes in many forms. Some kinds of physical abuse are obvious, and some kinds of neglect may be easier for a facility to hide from family members when they visit to check in on loved ones. Many people focus so much on the risk of physical abuse that they overlook the risks
- [Why is it so common for doctors to initially misdiagnose cancer?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/08/10/why-is-it-so-common-for-doctors-to-initially-misdiagnose-cancer/) - Cancer comes in many different forms, but all cancer can be life-threatening if not quickly diagnosed and treated. Given how prevalent cancer is, you would think that doctors would always rule it out as a possible cause of patients' symptoms before looking for other causes of symptoms. Surprisingly, a large number of doctors fail to
- [What is the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/07/27/what-is-the-national-vaccine-injury-compensation-program/) - The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) exists to compensate those injured by a vaccine. The government created the program in the 1980s to ensure that vaccine manufacturers did not try to limit the vaccines they provide for fear of being sued if something went wrong. It works on a no-fault basis, emphasizing the importance
- [What are surgical never events, and how often do they occur?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/07/14/what-are-surgical-never-events-and-how-often-do-they-occur/) - Medical mistakes come in all shapes and sizes. Some of them are far more severe than others. Mistakes made during surgery, for example, are often far more dangerous than a mistake during a basic annual physical exam. A surgical error could involve just a tremor of the hands and a nick of the blade. They
- [Falls in nursing homes can lead to broken hips](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/06/30/falls-in-nursing-homes-can-lead-to-broken-hips/) - Nursing home residents often require assistance with getting around, and many are at an increased risk of falling, which is something that must be considered when their care plan is being established. Proper precautions are imperative for these residents. An elderly person who falls is at risk of serious injuries, including a broken hip. Each
- [Can I claim for wrongful death as an unmarried partner?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/06/15/can-i-claim-for-wrongful-death-as-an-unmarried-partner/) - Marriage is a deeply personal choice. Many couples feel it is an outdated institution that is of no benefit to them. Yet, despite so many people sharing this way of thinking and being happy to live together without tying the knot, the law has not fully caught up. One area where the law still offers
- [5 real complications from a vaccine](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/06/11/5-real-complications-from-a-vaccine/) - For most people, vaccination is a safe, standard procedure that will prevent more serious illnesses from affecting them. Unfortunately, vaccines are not 100% safe for all people. Even healthy people could be negatively affected by vaccines or face complications from getting one. In fact, there are some rare complications that patients should know about before
- [Why are doctors required to perform a time-out procedure pre-surgery?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/06/07/why-are-doctors-required-to-perform-a-time-out-procedure-pre-surgery/) - Ask any professional who has to perform highly technical work-related tasks. They'll likely tell you that there's either a step-by-step procedure or game plan they must develop when carrying certain activities out. Surgeons aren't exempt from this. These doctors must understand the procedure they're going to perform, how it will hopefully benefit the patient and
- [What are the different types of vaccines on the market?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/05/21/what-are-the-different-types-of-vaccines-on-the-market/) - The benefits of vaccines are widely known, but there are still some questions about them that come up as people try to determine whether they’re going to get them or not. One thing that’s important to know if you’re going to receive a vaccine is what type of vaccine you’re receiving. There are a few
- [Overworked doctors can easily make diagnostic mistakes](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/05/05/overworked-doctors-can-easily-make-diagnostic-mistakes/) - Doctors working in hospitals and private practices often see multiple patients every hour. For each patient they interact with, they have to review medical records, talk with them (and maybe family members), reach a diagnosis and update charts. The pressure that comes from working as a medical professional in the modern health care system means
- [Is arm pain normal after a vaccine? ](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/04/22/is-arm-pain-normal-after-a-vaccine/) - The process of getting your vaccine seems pretty straightforward. Yes, the needle hurts just slightly as it enters your arm. But it’s all over very quickly and you head back home, confident that you are going to be safe and healthy moving forward. Later that day, though, your arm really starts to hurt. The next
- [Signs of emotional abuse in nursing homes](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/04/12/signs-of-emotional-abuse-in-nursing-homes/) - While many nursing homes provide competent and comprehensive care for their residents, they are many cases of understaffing and abuse. This is often because nursing homes function as a business, and in a bid to cut costs, managers hire less competent carergivers or do not hire enough employees. This can mean that residents' hygiene needs
- [Are nursing homes “gaming the system” when it comes to ratings?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/04/09/are-nursing-homes-gaming-the-system-when-it-comes-to-ratings/) - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) use a “star” rating system to indicate whether or not a nursing home is providing quality care to its patients. A single star is the worst possible rating and five stars is the best. As it turns out, however, that system is remarkably flawed. The number of
- [Missed UTIs, sepsis and medical negligence among the elderly](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/03/25/missed-utis-sepsis-and-medical-negligence-among-the-elderly/) - A urinary tract infection (UTI) is among the most common medical problem adults face. Most people just go to the doctor when they suspect they have one to get a quick round of antibiotics to cure the problem. It’s not so easy, however, for many elderly patients -- especially those in nursing homes. Recurrent UTIs
- [Was your medication error attributable to healthcare information technology?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/03/12/was-your-medication-error-attributable-to-healthcare-information-technology/) - Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority (PPSA) officials initiated an investigation into the causes of 889 reported medicinal error cases during the first half of the year in 2016. The investigators determined that many of them were attributable to healthcare information technology (HIT) system glitches. The PPSA identified several common adverse events that resulted from these program
- [Will a vaccine make you sick?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/02/26/will-a-vaccine-make-you-sick/) - You know well that vaccines are essential to preventing the spread of disease and keeping people safe. It doesn’t take much to look back at the history of deadly diseases that have been all but eradicated with the use of vaccines. They will prevent you from getting sick. That said, what you’re wondering is if
- [How do you know if you have a spinal cord injury? ](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/02/14/how-do-you-know-if-you-have-a-spinal-cord-injury/) - If you get involved in a serious car accident, you may suffer a spinal cord injury. Even with medical treatment, these can be life-changing injuries. You need to know exactly what options you have, what symptoms to look for and how your life could be altered forever in mere seconds on the road. Recognizing the
- [Dehydration can be a sign of neglectful care in a nursing home](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/02/11/dehydration-can-be-a-sign-of-neglectful-care-in-a-nursing-home/) - Older adults who need to stay in a nursing home often require a variety of supports. They may need help getting dressed, and moving around from room to room helps them avoid a fall. They might need someone else to cook and clean for them because they no longer have the energy or agility to
- [A law that takes effect this spring may improve your medical care](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/01/29/a-law-that-takes-effect-this-spring-may-improve-your-medical-care/) - Have you ever left a doctor’s office feeling like they were too distracted or rushed to really listen to what you were telling them? Did you only realize on the way home from a doctor’s visit that you forgot when they told you to come back for more lab work? Thanks to a new law
- [Understanding pecuniary damages in a wrongful death suit](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/01/19/understanding-pecuniary-damages-in-a-wrongful-death-suit/) - If you’re considering filing a wrongful death lawsuit, it’s important to understand how damages are measured when judges and juries award compensation or settlements with the at-fault parties get negotiated. The primary damages are usually financial – also referred to as “pecuniary.” Let’s take a look at what this means and see some examples. How
- [Anaphylaxis after a vaccine can be fatal](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2021/01/04/anaphylaxis-after-a-vaccine-can-be-fatal/) - On the whole, vaccines are very safe and they help to prevent the spread of disease. They have stopped epidemics and changed the course of modern medicine. Many deadly diseases are rarely found in the United States anymore because of the work of vaccines. That said, there are some potential risks whenever you get a
- [What are the qualities of a good, safe nursing home in Pittsburgh?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/12/21/what-are-the-qualities-of-a-good-safe-nursing-home-in-pittsburgh/) - Nursing home abuse remains a large problem across the country. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is home to many nursing homes offering a wide range of care for elderly and infirm residents. Although it is nice to have several homes to choose from, how can you know if the one you chose will provide care and nurturing in
- [What do doctors mistake a heart attack for?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/12/09/what-do-doctors-mistake-a-heart-attack-for/) - You go to the doctor or the hospital because you think you’re having a heart attack. The doctor makes a diagnosis, but they mistake your heart attack for something else. This delays treatment, increases the odds of death and puts you at serious risk. Even if things eventually get sorted out, you could still see
- [How bedsores can threaten the life of your loved one](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/12/03/how-bedsores-can-threaten-the-life-of-your-loved-one/) - Bedsores or pressure ulcers are injuries commonly associated with nursing home care. The way that bedsores form makes them a more significant risk for older people with limited mobility when compared with younger and more active individuals. However, just because nursing home residents have more risk for developing bedsores does it mean that such injuries
- [Could firearm manufacturers lose their immunity from wrongful death claims?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/11/19/could-firearm-manufacturers-lose-their-immunity-from-wrongful-death-claims/) - Since 2005, weapon manufacturers have enjoyed much protection against wrongful death claims and other injury lawsuits, all thanks to the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). That may soon change. In late September, a Pennsylvania court ruled that the PLCAA is unconstitutional. If the ruling stands through the inevitable appeals, it could lead
- [Are you overly anxious about your health or is your doctor wrong?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/11/04/are-you-overly-anxious-about-your-health-or-is-your-doctor-wrong/) - You start to feel sick. Fearing that it’s serious, you go to the doctor. They look at you for a few minutes, tell you that you appear to be fine, and send you home. Maybe they recommend that you get some rest or drink more fluids, but they don’t seem to think it’s anything serious.
- [Vaccine-related seizures can happen days after a shot](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/10/22/vaccine-related-seizures-can-happen-days-after-a-shot/) - Seizures are terrifying medical events both for the person experiencing them and any other individuals nearby witnessing the seizure take place. As a parent, seeing your child have an unexpected seizure maybe one of the most traumatic and horrifying experiences possible. Some children have seizures and then recover with little or no long-term impact, while
- [How triage practices can fail you at the emergency room](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/10/12/how-triage-practices-can-fail-you-at-the-emergency-room/) - Sometimes, emergency rooms can go a long time without any new admissions, only to then get slammed by multiple people needing attention immediately. When an emergency room is busy, the medical professionals handling the influx of patients engage in triage to make the best use of the space, professionals and equipment available. Unfortunately, triage often
- [Understanding wrongful death claims](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/10/12/understanding-wrongful-death-claims/) - If a person dies from natural causes, it can be hard enough to accept. Yet, when they died due to another person’s actions or negligence, it can be much more challenging. A wrongful death claim may help in this case. When can you file a wrongful death claim? You might be able to claim where
- [Watch for these warning signs of nursing home abuse](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/10/07/watch-for-these-warning-signs-of-nursing-home-abuse/) - One of the most difficult decisions you might ever make is deciding if or when to place a loved one in a nursing home. Pittsburgh is home to a large assortment of nursing homes, many of which provide high quality care. However, there is always a risk that your elderly family member is living in
- [Dirty vaccine needles can cause infections](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/09/24/dirty-vaccine-needles-can-cause-infections/) - When the disposable syringes came on the market, people thought that that was the end of the risk from dirty needles in a hospital setting. If doctors who were administering drugs and vaccines didn’t need to use the same needles repeatedly, there couldn’t be any mistakes about which ones were clean and which were not.
- [Special oversight of nursing homes by the government fails to stop abuse, neglect](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/09/11/special-oversight-of-nursing-homes-by-the-government-fails-to-stop-abuse-neglect/) - What does it take to turn a bad nursing home around and stop the abuse and neglect of the patients who live there? So far, it’s hard to say. When a nursing home “underperforms” badly enough, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid may recommend it as a candidate for federal intervention through the Special Focus
- [Commonly misdiagnosed illnesses](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/09/01/commonly-misdiagnosed-illnesses/) - We all rely on doctors to be able to help us when we are sick or injured. Sometimes, doctors are unable to provide the level of care that we need through medical malpractice. Diagnosis errors are among the most prevalent forms of medical malpractice, and some illnesses are notoriously hard to diagnose. Medical malpractice is
- [Why do medical providers fail to diagnose strokes?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/08/27/why-do-medical-providers-fail-to-diagnose-strokes/) - A stroke is a common condition that most people know at least something about. They know that it causes people to speak oddly or that one side of the face may droop. With such common symptoms and good education, the surprising thing is that many strokes are still misdiagnosed in emergency rooms. There are a
- [Qualities of a poor nursing home](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/08/18/qualities-of-a-poor-nursing-home/) - It’s easy to list out the positive qualities that you want in a nursing home when trying to find one for your parents. For instance, maybe you want a place that has great socialization opportunities so that they don’t feel lonely, and you want a place close to your own house so that you can
- [What kinds of vaccine injuries could you suffer?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/08/04/what-kinds-of-vaccine-injuries-could-you-suffer/) - Vaccines, on the whole, are safe for people to take. Unfortunately, even though they help many people, there are some who will suffer real, unavoidable injuries as a result of receiving them. Vaccines are all different, so the materials used to make up one may not be in another. As a result, a person may
- [The stress of suffering from nursing home abuse](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/07/23/the-stress-of-suffering-from-nursing-home-abuse/) - If your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse, it can lead to a lot of related factors. Perhaps foremost among these is stress. The person has to live in an environment where they feel unsafe and insecure. Even if actual abuse only happened one time, they may live in fear of a recurrence
- [Encephalitis or brain swelling is a side effect of some vaccines](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/07/09/encephalitis-or-brain-swelling-is-a-side-effect-of-some-vaccines/) - Vaccines, also sometimes called shots or immunizations, are an important part of modern preventative medicine. By injecting people with a vaccine, physicians aim to prevent that particular individual from contracting certain diseases while simultaneously reducing the likelihood of the wide-scale spread of that disease. Once a certain portion of the public has received vaccines for
- [How common is misdiagnosis?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/07/06/how-common-is-misdiagnosis/) - We rely on the expertise of doctors to help us heal. From identifying our ailments to finding the medication or procedure that helps us move toward recovery, their insights are necessary in almost every aspect of treatment. When that expertise fails, though, misdiagnosis does not only prevent us from getting the best care possible. It
- [Spinal cord injuries: Paralysis isn’t always the result](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/06/26/spinal-cord-injuries-paralysis-isnt-always-the-result/) - Living with a serious injury can be difficult, especially when it leaves you with a disability. Sadly, many people who are involved in traffic accidents are left with spinal cord injuries. Spinal cord injuries can be complete or incomplete, but both forms have the potential to have lasting consequences. Complete injuries are what they sound
- [Emotional abuse is a risk in an understaffed nursing home](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/06/18/emotional-abuse-is-a-risk-in-an-understaffed-nursing-home/) - There are many different kinds of abuse that a person can suffer, and older adults are particularly vulnerable to certain types of abuse. Families with loved ones in nursing homes are often diligent in their attempt to monitor for signs of physical or financial abuse. They may not pick up on the warning signs of
- [A wrong diagnosis can lead to 2 different types of harm](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/06/08/a-wrong-diagnosis-can-lead-to-2-different-types-of-harm/) - When a doctor makes a mistake and diagnoses a patient with a specific condition which that patient does not have, it leads to all manner of issues. Patients usually trust their doctors and do not often question them. This gives doctors a certain sort of power, as their word is often taken as the truth
- [Do medical mistakes lead to far more deaths than you think?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/05/22/do-medical-mistakes-lead-to-far-more-deaths-than-you-think/) - How many people do you believe pass away from medical mistakes and errors every year? You know it happens, but would you say that it’s fairly rare? This is the view most people have. They hardly think about medical errors until they’re about to go in for surgery themselves; then they cannot think of anything
- [Vaccine injuries: Here is what to know about SIRVA](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/05/17/vaccine-injuries-here-is-what-to-know-about-sirva/) - Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration (SIRVA) could be an issue for you if you’ve received a vaccine. Though people often worry about the contents of vaccines, the medication itself is not the only thing that can cause problems. There is a rare side effect of the flu shot, SIRVA, that can leave you with
- [Key elements of a wrongful death claim](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/05/08/key-elements-of-a-wrongful-death-claim/) - Every death is a tragedy to someone. If you have lost your loved one because of the negligence of another person, that tragedy can be particularly painful because it could have been avoided. Filing a wrongful death claim can help you to hold people accountable for the death of your loved one and get the
- [How long should it take for a nurse to respond to a call light?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/05/06/how-long-should-it-take-to-respond-to-a-call-light/) - Have you ever been at the nursing home when your loved one decides to press the call light? You know that a nurse can’t be there immediately, but you expect it to take a few minutes. After all, that light could mean someone needs emergency assistance, as in the case of a heart attack. But
- [What is the standard of care in medical malpractice cases?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/05/01/what-is-the-standard-of-care-in-medical-malpractice-cases/) - You expect that your doctor is going to treat you in an appropriate manner for the condition you have. Most patients never expect that their doctor is going to provide them with substandard care. Unfortunately, there are some individuals who find this out only after they suffer harm. If you’re one of these individuals, you
- [Items often left behind by surgeons](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/04/21/items-often-left-behind-by-surgeons/) - One surgical error that happens repeatedly, and that should theoretically never happen, is when the surgical team leaves an instrument behind after the procedure is done. Surgery can be chaotic and the entire team has to account for all of the tools and implements. One small mistake is all that it takes. The ramifications of
- [Sometimes, the death of a nursing home resident may be wrongful](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/04/10/sometimes-the-death-of-a-nursing-home-resident-may-be-wrongful/) - When you make the often-difficult decision to place an elder or infirm family member in a nursing home, you trust that he or she is getting the right care. In many, many cases, this is the absolute truth. Those who work in such facilities are usually dedicated to providing residents with excellent care and attention.
- [What vaccines do babies get when they’re born?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/04/03/what-vaccines-do-babies-get-when-theyre-born/) - If you’re about to have a new baby and you’re wondering what type of medical care it will get, your mind may drift to vaccines. What ones should your baby get? What do you need to know about this process? First and foremost, babies typically just get one vaccine right at birth: The first dose
- [Things to look for in searching for the right nursing home for your loved one](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/03/31/things-to-look-for-in-searching-for-the-right-nursing-home-for-your-loved-one/) - No one likes the idea of having to place someone you love in the care of someone else. As loved ones grow older, however, it’s a reality many of us may face. Here are a few things to consider when searching for just the right nursing home for that someone you love: Visit during meal
- [Has Pennsylvania’s tort reform helped patients?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/03/26/has-pennsylvanias-tort-reform-helped-patients/) - Back in 2003, state officials were ringing alarm bells over the idea that malpractice lawsuits were somehow driving insurance rates higher and sending doctors running from the state. Patients were going to suffer, they said, unless tort reforms designed to limit “frivolous” malpractice claims were enacted. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court subsequently changed the rules on
- [How do you prove medical malpractice?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/03/26/how-do-you-prove-medical-malpractice/) - When we see a doctor or check into a hospital in Pennsylvania, we expect all of our problems to be fixed and our illnesses to go away. However, medical professionals make mistakes on occasion. And when they do that, injury sometimes results. How do you prove that the doctor violated the required standard of care
- [](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/02/25/47005/) - The Pennsylvania Supreme Court made a highly controversial move in 2003. It stated that patients would only be able to sue their medical providers for malpractice in the same county where that malpractice occurred. Some people worried that doctors would flee because of harsh malpractice laws, so the change made it more difficult for patients
- [Coping with a loved one's sudden death is complicated](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/02/21/coping-with-a-loved-ones-sudden-death-is-complicated/) - Learning how to move forward after you suddenly lose a loved one is difficult. If the person was a member of your immediate family, you may have more to deal with than just your emotions. You also have to think about the final arrangements for your loved one and how you will handle the big
- [How to document and report nursing home abuse](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/02/20/how-to-document-and-report-nursing-home-abuse/) - There comes a time in many people's lives when they realize the rest of their life will be spent in a nursing home or assisted care facility. Sometimes we make this decision ourselves. Sometimes the loved one's hand is forced by a child or relative, and sometimes, due to debilitating health issues, a nursing home
- [7 signs of nursing home abuse](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/02/17/7-signs-of-nursing-home-abuse/) - One of the greatest dangers of nursing home abuse is that the people being abused are often targeted because they are vulnerable, and they may not be able to tell anyone else what is happening. For example, the person could have Alzheimer’s or a similar condition that means they can’t always recall what is happening
- [Are vaccines really dangerous?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/02/14/are-vaccines-really-dangerous/) - People often argue about the likelihood of vaccines harming themselves or others. While it’s true that it’s unlikely that vaccines do any harm to the major population, the reality is that some people do suffer from serious side effects and complications from receiving vaccines. While vaccines do help millions stay healthy, there are side effects
- [What are risk factors for preterm labor?](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2020/02/12/what-are-risk-factors-for-preterm-labor/) - When a mother enters preterm labor, the odds that the baby will suffer injury or even pass away during the birth increase. Some preterm labor, when close enough to the due date, is less dangerous, but any significant variance means that doctors have to take special care when assisting with the delivery. There is just
- [Misdiagnosis in cancer patients may be more common than you think](https://www.massalawgroup.com/2019/10/24/misdiagnosis-in-cancer-patients-may-be-more-common-than-you-think/) - Few things are as scary as facing cancer, and you’ll likely have to place your trust in a physician to act in your best interest. But when they misdiagnosis you, things can get downright terrifying. Misdiagnosis happens to millions of patients every year. If you suspect negligence on the part of your care provider made

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- [UPMC Cardiothoracic Surgery Lawsuit](https://www.massalawgroup.com/upmc-cardiothoracic-surgery-lawsuit/) - If you or a family member has undergone a cardiothoracic surgery at UPMC Presbyterian-Shadyside or UPMC Mercy, you may be eligible for a malpractice lawsuit
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- [Gary A. Butler's Profile](https://www.massalawgroup.com/our-attorneys/gary-butler/) - Attorney Gary A. Butler of Massa Law Group represents victims of serious personal injuries and the wrongful death of their family members.
- [Rudolph L. Massa's Profile](https://www.massalawgroup.com/our-attorneys/rudy-massa/) - Attorney Rudolph L. Massa is the founding partner of our law firm. He has spent his entire career working to find justice for his clients.
- [Robert Fitzgerald's Profile](https://www.massalawgroup.com/our-attorneys/robert-fitzgerald-profile/) - Attorney Robert Fitzgerald of Massa Law Group represents victims of serious personal injuries and the wrongful death of their family members.
- [Peter D. Giglione's Profile](https://www.massalawgroup.com/our-attorneys/peter-giglione/) - Attorney Peter D. Giglione of Massa Law Group has over 20 years of legal experience and an extensive winning record in the courtroom.
- [Robert Conway](https://www.massalawgroup.com/contact/robert-conway/) - Robert Conway manages Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam. Bob exploits 30+ years of law industry knowledge to run the Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam efficiently.
- [Contact](https://www.massalawgroup.com/contact/) - Contact Massa Law Group, Attorneys at law for a free consultation. Our attorneys specialize in medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, and more.
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- [Streamline Your Practice](https://www.massalawgroup.com/streamline/) - For 20 years, our firm has specialized in medical injury cases, investing time and money to achieve successful outcomes. We've paid millions in referral fees.
- [Practice Areas](https://www.massalawgroup.com/practice-areas/) - Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam specialize in medical malpractice, nursing home abuse, vaccine injury, serious injuries, and wrongful death cases.
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- [Surgical Errors](https://www.massalawgroup.com/medical-malpractice/surgical-errors/) - Surgical Errors can mean years and thousands of dollars lost to recovery and ongoing medical conditions. Call us today at 412-338-1800.
- [Failure To Diagnose](https://www.massalawgroup.com/medical-malpractice/failure-to-diagnose/) - When a doctor makes the error of Failure to Diagnose, many of us will needlessly suffer or some may die from undiagnosed or untreated illnesses.
- [Vaccine Injury](https://www.massalawgroup.com/vaccine-injury/) - Our attorneys are prepared to represent you in specialized federal litigation involved in vaccine injuries. Call us to discuss your potential vaccine injury.
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## Tags

- [Camp Lejeune Lawsuit](https://www.massalawgroup.com/tag/camp-lejeune-lawsuit/)
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