Indianapolis Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Trusted Indianapolis medical malpractice lawyers with over 50 years of combined experience.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by a doctor, hospital, or other healthcare provider in Indianapolis, you may be facing a long recovery, mounting medical bills to fix the original mistake, and other issues. These cases are difficult, technical, and tightly regulated by Indiana law. At Pavlack Law, LLC, our Indianapolis, IN medical malpractice lawyer team has been representing injured patients for decades, and we take these cases on contingency, meaning no fee unless we recover compensation for you. Schedule a free consultation today.

Medical Malpractice Lawyer Indianapolis, IN

Our Indianapolis medical malpractice lawyer represents patients harmed by negligent care from physicians, surgeons, hospitals, nurses, and other healthcare providers. These claims are not ordinary negligence cases. Indiana has a separate statutory scheme for medical malpractice that includes a Medical Review Panel process, damage caps, and procedural requirements that do not apply to a typical car accident or slip and fall claim.

Our team understands how to work within that system, how to retain the right medical experts, and how to translate confusing clinical records into a clear story a jury can follow. Without that experience, even strong cases can be lost on procedural grounds before the merits are ever heard.

Types of Medical Malpractice Cases We Handle in Indianapolis

We have represented patients and families in a wide range of medical negligence claims. Each case begins with a careful review of the medical records by qualified experts, because not every bad outcome is malpractice and not every malpractice case is winnable. The cases below are the kinds of medical malpractice matters our Indianapolis attorneys handle most often.

• Surgical errors and wrong-site surgeries. These include retained foreign objects, operations on the wrong body part, anesthesia errors, and post-surgical complications caused by negligent technique. We work with surgical experts to identify deviations from the standard of care.
• Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis. Cancer, stroke, heart attack, and infection cases often turn on what a reasonable physician should have ordered or recognized. Delays in diagnosis can transform a treatable condition into a fatal one.
• Birth injuries and obstetric negligence. Birth injuries involving hypoxia, shoulder dystocia, improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors, and failure to perform a timely C-section can result in lifelong disability.
• Medication and pharmacy errors. Wrong drug, wrong dose, dangerous interactions, and pharmacy mislabeling all fall under this category. We pursue medication errors against hospitals, prescribing physicians, and pharmacies, depending on where the breakdown occurred.
• Hospital negligence and nursing errors. Falls, pressure ulcers, hospital-acquired infections, and failures to monitor patients are often the result of understaffing or inadequate protocols rather than a single bad provider.
• Emergency room malpractice. ER physicians work under pressure, but that does not excuse failure to recognize life-threatening conditions, premature discharge, or inadequate workups for chest pain and stroke symptoms.
• Anesthesia errors. Improper dosing, failure to monitor vital signs during surgery, and intubation injuries can produce catastrophic neurological harm in a matter of minutes.
• Failure to obtain informed consent. Patients have the right to understand the risks of a procedure before agreeing to it. When a provider proceeds without that disclosure, liability may follow even if the procedure itself was performed correctly.
• Nursing home abuse and neglect. Many nursing home claims overlap with medical malpractice when residents are harmed by inadequate medical care, medication errors, or untreated infections.
• Wrongful death. When malpractice proves fatal, the family may pursue a wrongful death claim alongside the malpractice case.

We also handle malpractice claims that overlap with brain injury and catastrophic injury cases, where the negligent care produces lifelong consequences requiring detailed life care planning.

Why Choose Pavlack Law, LLC for Medical Malpractice in Indianapolis, IN?

Local Knowledge and a Background in the Medical Sciences

Founder Eric Pavlack has practiced law in Indiana since 1999. He earned his B.S. in Biology and his J.D. from Indiana University, and he is admitted to practice in Indiana state courts, the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Northern Districts of Indiana, and the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Eric has been recognized as a Super Lawyer every year from 2015 through 2025.

Colin Flora and Lance Ladendorf also handle medical malpractice cases for our firm. The three of us bring roughly 50 years of combined practice experience to every claim.

Proven Results

We have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients across Indiana, including settlements in cases involving medical malpractice, surgical negligence, and fatal hospital errors. Our Indianapolis medical malpractice lawyer focuses on the people we represent rather than on case volume. Eric is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, the Indianapolis Bar Association, and the American Association for Justice.

Indianapolis Medical Malpractice Infographic

Understanding Medical Malpractice Cases

Damages, Liability, and Compensation in Medical Malpractice Cases

Indiana follows a modified comparative fault rule for most negligence claims, although medical malpractice cases are governed by their own statutory framework that includes a cap on total recovery and a Patient’s Compensation Fund that pays out portions of larger awards. To prove liability, the patient must establish that the provider deviated from the accepted standard of care and that the deviation caused the injury.

Damages in a medical malpractice case typically include the following categories:

• Past and future medical expenses, including corrective treatment
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering and emotional distress
• Permanent impairment, scarring, or disfigurement
• Loss of consortium for a spouse or family member
• Cost of long-term care and assistive services in catastrophic cases

Liability often extends beyond the individual provider. Hospitals can be liable for the conduct of employees and, in some circumstances, for the conduct of independent contractors who appear to be hospital staff.

Important Aspects of Your Medical Malpractice Case

Medical malpractice claims rise or fall on the medical evidence, and the early steps in a case often determine whether it can move forward at all.

• Complete certified medical records from every involved provider
• Expert review by a qualified physician in the relevant specialty
• The Indiana Medical Review Panel process, which is required before most cases can proceed to court
• A clear timeline of treatment and the moment the standard of care was breached
• Documentation of the harm caused, including additional procedures, complications, and long-term effects

Because of the difference between medical negligence and bad outcomes, our Indianapolis medical malpractice attorneys carefully evaluate each case before filing.

Medical Malpractice Case Timeline

Medical malpractice cases generally take longer than other injury matters because of the Medical Review Panel requirement and the complexity of expert review. A rough timeline looks like this:

• Initial case evaluation and gathering of medical records during the first several months
• Submission of the proposed complaint to the Indiana Department of Insurance
• Medical Review Panel review, which can take a year or more
• Filing the lawsuit in court following the Panel’s opinion
• Written and deposition discovery, expert disclosures, and motion practice
• Mediation, settlement discussions, or trial

Some cases resolve at the Panel stage. Others continue through full litigation and trial.

What to Bring to Your Medical Malpractice Consultation

Bring whatever you have, and we will help you obtain the rest.

• Names of all providers involved and the dates of treatment
• Any medical records, discharge summaries, or test results in your possession
• A written timeline of what happened, in your own words
• Insurance information and any correspondence from providers or hospitals
• Names of family members or others who witnessed the care or its aftermath

The consultation typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes. We will walk through what happened, explain how Indiana medical malpractice law applies, and answer your questions. There is no obligation to hire us afterward.

Indiana Legal Resources for Medical Malpractice

The references below are starting points if you would like to look up Indiana law on your own. They are general resources rather than legal advice on your specific situation.

• The Indiana statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years, set forth at Indiana Code 34-11-2-4.
• Indiana’s modified comparative fault statute appears in the Indiana Comparative Fault Act.
• The Indiana Wrongful Death Act governs damages when medical negligence proves fatal.
• The Indiana Medical Malpractice Act sets out the Medical Review Panel process and damages framework for malpractice cases.

Reach Out to Pavlack Law, LLC to Schedule a Consultation

If you believe you or a loved one has been harmed by medical negligence in Indianapolis, our legal team is ready to take your call and listen to your story. The consultation is free, and we do not collect a fee unless we recover compensation for you. We will explain how Indiana law applies to your situation, what records we would need to evaluate the case, and the realistic value of your claim. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation with our Indianapolis medical malpractice lawyer.

Medical Malpractice Statistics in Indianapolis

Medical errors are more common than most patients realize, and Indianapolis hospitals are not immune. The CDC reports that on any given day, about 1 in 31 hospital patients has at least one healthcare-associated infection, and many of those infections are preventable. Diagnostic mistakes may be an even larger problem. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, an estimated 795,000 Americans die or are permanently disabled each year because a serious disease was misdiagnosed. Behind those national numbers are real patients in central Indiana who trusted a provider and were harmed instead. Statistics alone do not prove negligence in any single case, but they show why a careful review of the medical records matters.

Mistakes That Can Damage Your Medical Malpractice Claim

A strong medical malpractice claim can be weakened by avoidable missteps in the weeks and months after the harm. Because these cases are technical and tightly regulated in Indiana, small choices early on can have an outsized effect on the outcome. Below are the mistakes our Indianapolis medical malpractice attorneys see most often, along with how to steer clear of them.

• Waiting too long to act. Indiana generally requires malpractice claims to be filed within two years, and the Medical Review Panel step adds time on top of that. Records also become harder to gather as the months pass. Waiting can weaken a strong case or end it entirely.
• Assuming a bad outcome means malpractice. Medicine carries risk, and not every disappointing result is negligence. The real question is whether the provider met the accepted standard of care, so understanding what counts as malpractice is a sensible first step.
• Failing to request complete records. Certified records from every provider are the foundation of the case. Missing pages, gaps in a chart, or incomplete imaging can stall a review before it starts.
• Talking to the hospital or insurer on your own. Risk managers and claims adjusters are trained to limit the hospital’s exposure. Casual explanations and recorded statements can be used against you later.
• Posting about your care online. Insurers review social media, and an offhand comment about your recovery or your case can be pulled out of context to undercut your claim.
• Accepting an early settlement offer. A quick offer often arrives before the full extent of the harm is known. If a provider or insurer has offered you a settlement, it is worth having a lawyer weigh it against the true cost of the injury.
• Switching providers without a clear record. Changing doctors is sometimes necessary and sometimes wise, but knowing when to change doctors and documenting the reasons helps preserve the medical picture.
• Handling a malpractice claim alone. The Panel process and the state’s damage rules are unforgiving. A procedural error can end a case before a jury ever hears the facts.

Indianapolis Medical Malpractice Lawyer FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Indianapolis Medical Malpractice Lawyer?

Our Indianapolis medical malpractice lawyers handle medical malpractice cases on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront fees and no hourly bills. You pay an attorney fee only if we recover compensation for you, and the initial consultation is free. Indiana also limits what a lawyer may collect from certain malpractice recoveries. We will explain exactly how fees and case expenses work before you decide whether to move forward.

How Long Do I Have to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Indiana?

Most Indiana malpractice claims must be brought within two years of the negligent care, though limited exceptions apply, including special rules for young children. Because the Medical Review Panel process happens before a lawsuit is filed, the practical timeline is tighter than it sounds. If you suspect malpractice in Indianapolis, it is wise to speak with an attorney well before the deadline approaches.

What Is the Medical Review Panel?

Indiana requires most malpractice claims to go through a Medical Review Panel before they reach court. A panel of health care providers reviews the records and issues an opinion on whether the standard of care was met. The opinion is not the final word, and a case can still proceed to trial, but the process is mandatory for most claims and adds significant time to the case.

Is There a Cap on Medical Malpractice Damages in Indiana?

Yes. Indiana malpractice cases are governed by a statutory framework that caps the total recovery and uses the Patient’s Compensation Fund to pay portions of larger awards above the provider’s share. The rules are different from an ordinary injury claim. During your consultation, our Indianapolis medical malpractice lawyer can explain how the cap and the Fund would apply to your specific situation.

Do I Have a Case If I Only Had a Bad Result?

Not necessarily. A poor outcome is not the same as negligence. To have a claim, you generally must show that a provider deviated from the accepted standard of care and that the deviation caused your injury. That is why our Indianapolis medical malpractice lawyer begins every case with a records review by a qualified physician in the relevant specialty, because some bad outcomes are malpractice and many are not.

Can I Sue a Hospital and Not Just a Doctor?

Often, yes. A hospital can be responsible for the negligence of its employees, such as nurses and staff, and in some situations for providers who appear to patients to be part of the hospital. Identifying every responsible party matters because it can affect the available insurance coverage and the ultimate recovery in your Indianapolis malpractice case.

How Do I Get My Medical Records?

You have a right to your own medical records, and we help clients obtain complete, certified copies from each provider involved. Records are the backbone of a malpractice case, so we request charts, test results, imaging, and billing from every relevant hospital or office. If a provider is slow to respond, we know how to push the request forward properly.

How Long Do Medical Malpractice Cases Take?

These cases usually take longer than other injury claims because of the Medical Review Panel requirement and the depth of records review involved. Many malpractice matters run well over a year, and complex ones can take longer. We use that time to build the case carefully rather than rush it, and some claims resolve at the Panel stage before a lawsuit is ever filed.

Who Can File a Claim If a Loved One Died from Malpractice?

When medical negligence proves fatal, Indiana law allows the estate to bring a claim on behalf of eligible family members. These cases combine the malpractice questions with wrongful death rules, and the compensation available follows a separate framework. Our Indianapolis medical malpractice attorneys handle these matters with sensitivity while pursuing accountability for the family.

What If I Cannot Afford a Lawyer?

Cost should not keep you from finding out whether you have a claim. Because we work on contingency, there is nothing to pay up front, and we advance the expenses needed to investigate and build the case. If we do not recover compensation for you, you do not owe us an attorney fee. The first conversation is free and carries no obligation.

Local Information for Indianapolis Medical Malpractice Cases

What Are Important Local Resources for Indianapolis Medical Malpractice?

If you were harmed by a provider in Indianapolis, several state agencies can help you file a complaint, report a facility, or learn how the malpractice system works. They do not recover compensation for you, but they can be useful alongside a legal claim.

• Indiana Department of Insurance, Medical Malpractice Division. Phone: (800) 622-4461. Receives proposed malpractice complaints and oversees the Patient’s Compensation Fund.
• Indiana Department of Health, Healthcare Facility Complaint Program. Phone: (800) 246-8909. Takes complaints about hospitals and other licensed health care facilities.
• Office of the Indiana Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division. Phone: (317) 232-6201. Handles complaints about a provider’s conduct and licensing.

Disclaimer: We provide these resources for general information only. Listing them is not an endorsement of any agency or organization, and none of them is affiliated with our firm.

About Pavlack Law, LLC

Pavlack Law, LLC serves injured patients from our office on East 91st Street in Indianapolis. Our firm secured the state’s maximum settlement in an Indiana medical malpractice case, a $1.25 million recovery for the widow of a man who died because of his doctors’ negligence. Before his run of Super Lawyers selections, founder Eric Pavlack was recognized as a Rising Star early in his career, and he continues to take malpractice cases through trial when a fair settlement is not offered.

What Our Clients Say

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Eric Pavlack handled my father’s case with the level of professionalism and care it required. He worked with us for a long while and kept up communication extremely well. Eric oversaw the situation with care even after long periods of waiting. We appreciate all he’s done for us.”

Desirae M.

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Contact Pavlack Law, LLC

If you believe medical negligence harmed you or someone you love in Indianapolis, we are ready to listen. Your consultation is free, and our Indianapolis medical malpractice attorneys work on contingency, so you owe no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We will review what happened, explain how Indiana’s malpractice rules apply, and give you an honest read on your options. Our attorneys give every malpractice case close attention and respond promptly to new inquiries. When you are ready, contact us to schedule your consultation.