Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyer

When medical professionals act negligently or make mistakes, serious and life-threatening injuries can occur. Sometimes, those errors are the result of medical malpractice. Victims of medical malpractice in Florida can pursue justice and compensation for the harm they have suffered.

• Did you suffer an injury after a surgical or medical procedure?
• Perhaps a doctor misdiagnosed or failed to diagnose your cancer?
• Maybe a nurse gave you the wrong medicine and you suffered harm?

After you or someone you love is injured due to negligence or malpractice, it is easy and perfectly natural to become overwhelmed. To make things a little easier, call our Florida medical malpractice lawyers to arrange for a free initial consultation. We can meet you in your home, your office, your hospital room, or even virtually.

Why Should I Choose Dolman Law Group to Represent Me?

At Dolman Law Group, we want you to feel informed and secure knowing all your legal options. Florida medical malpractice cases are difficult. However, we can take that burden off of you. Our firm has the resources necessary to hire the appropriate expert witnesses, investigators, and specialists necessary to thoroughly prove your case and ensure that you get the most compensation for your injury and pain and suffering.

For over a decade, Dolman Law Group has provided unparalleled legal insight to our injured clients. Our team of medical malpractice lawyers has earned a reputation for being formidable negotiators in pre-trial negotiations and in court.

The Florida personal injury attorneys at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA understand that while the successful outcome of a medical malpractice lawsuit cannot change what happened or undo the damage, it can help the injured person and their family pay the resulting bills and weather an uncertain future.

If you believe that you or a loved one has been the victim of a medical error caused by a deviation from the standard of care, you can easily reach Dolman Law Group for a free claim consultation. Call us today at (727) 451-6900 or contact us online to begin exploring how our Florida medical malpractice attorneys can help you.

Medical Malpractice Claims in Florida

We rely on our medical professionals to give us the best possible health care. When something goes wrong, a mistake caused by a negligent medical professional can have long-term consequences. According to a study by Johns Hopkins University, more than 250,000 people in the U.S. die every year from medical errors and negligence.

Medical malpractice is the third-leading cause of death in the United States, and Florida is no exception. Each state has its own set of medical malpractice laws in place, and it is important for patients to understand those laws and how they could affect their cases. In Florida, medical malpractice is also sometimes referred to as medical negligence.

What Qualifies as Medical Malpractice in Florida?

We trust that any medical professional such as a medical doctor, surgeon, anesthesiologist, nurse, or dentist will provide health care that meets the accepted standards for that profession and the patient's specific circumstances. Treatment that does not meet the accepted standard of care and results in injury to the patient is called medical malpractice.

The standard of care means meeting the “prevailing professional standard of care,” which means “that level of care, skill, and treatment which, in light of all relevant surrounding circumstances, is recognized as acceptable and appropriate by reasonably prudent similar health care providers.” It is usually what another trained medical professional would do in the same circumstances.

To establish a valid claim, you must prove the following elements:

• A doctor-patient relationship.
• A duty or standard of care.
• A breach of the duty of care.
• The breach of the duty of care was the primary cause of injury.
• The injury caused damages.

Is it medical malpractice if you did not obtain the desired outcome?

It depends on why the desired outcome did not happen. Treatments or procedures that result in unexpected and undesirable outcomes do not necessarily mean medical malpractice. Doctors are required to have the knowledge and skills to care for a patient, but they cannot reasonably guarantee their services. If the doctor followed the standard of care but did not achieve the desired outcome, then it may not be malpractice. Also, if something could have gone wrong, but there was no harm caused, there is no valid medical malpractice case.

However, if the doctor deviated from the standard of care and the outcome caused the patient harm, it could be malpractice. Generally, patients are informed of the possibility of improvement and the risks and give informed consent to procedures. The patient should understand the purpose, benefits, and risks of the treatment.

The medical professional also tells them about other alternatives the patient has, in addition to the proposed treatment. The patient has the right to make a knowing and voluntary decision about their medical treatment before giving the doctor permission to treat them medically for a specific illness or condition. However, even if a patient signs a consent form, the doctor still has a responsibility to meet the standard of care and is liable for mistakes caused by negligence that harmed them.

Liable Parties in a Florida Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

Many people think that only doctors can be liable for medical malpractice. Actually, any licensed medical practitioner can be found liable for medical malpractice, including:

• Doctors
• Surgeons
• Nurses
• Assistants
• Hospitals
• Hospital Staff
• Anesthesiologists
• Ambulatory surgical centers
• A birth center;
• A medical doctor;
• An osteopathic doctor;
• A chiropractic doctor;
• A podiatrist;
• A naturopath;
• An optometrist;
• A registered nurse or nurse practitioner;
• A dentist, dental hygienist, or dental laboratory;
• A midwife;
• A provider of orthotics, prosthetics, or pedorthics;
• A physical therapist;
• A health maintenance organization;
• A blood bank;
• A plasma center
• A nursing home facility

Common Types of Florida Medical Malpractice Cases

As discussed, medical malpractice is more than a simple error. It must violate the standard of care a comparable provider would offer, and it must have negative consequences for the patient. Common examples of medical malpractice cases include:

• Emergency treatment negligence
• Delayed or incorrect diagnosis
• Gynecological and obstetrical malpractice and birth injuries
• Surgical errors
• Anesthesia errors
• Failure to diagnose cancer
• Medication mistakes
• Brain injuries
• Misreading or ignoring laboratory results
• Neglect, or failure to meet the needs of the patient
• Disregarding or failing to obtain a proper patient history

Misdiagnosis May Qualify as Medical Malpractice in Florida

Many medical malpractice lawsuits stem from the misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of a medical condition. When a doctor's error in diagnosis results in the patient receiving incorrect treatment, delayed treatment, or no treatment at all, then it may negatively affect a patient's condition.

However, a mistake in diagnosis by itself may not necessarily sustain a medical malpractice lawsuit. Even when medical tests are performed correctly or evaluated by a qualified doctor, tests can still lead to a misdiagnosis. If the misdiagnosis and subsequent treatment do not cause any injury, loss, or damage, there is likely no basis for a malpractice claim.

What is the law in Florida regarding medical malpractice?

If a patient receives negligent medical care in Florida, or by a Florida-based liable party, the injured person may bring a medical malpractice lawsuit under Chapter 766 of the Florida State Code. To recover compensation, one must show that the healthcare professional provided substandard medical care and that their negligence caused harm. The law defines negligence as the failure to use ordinary care. It is not enough to simply show that a doctor has made a mistake.

The Process of a Florida Medical Malpractice Claim

Professional negligence is a health care provider's action or omission that is contrary to good and accepted medical or nursing practice. The injured victim must serve the healthcare provider with a notice of intent to sue before filing the claim. This notice must include a written affidavit from a medical expert that states that a valid medical malpractice claim exists. Once the provider is served, there is a 90-day settlement process that will temporarily halt the time limit to file your claim. The defendant's insurance company must respond within the 90 days, indicating either that they admit liability to the malpractice, offer to settle, or reject the claim.

If the defendant admits liability, then the plaintiff must respond within 50 days stating whether they accept or reject the settlement offer. During this 90-day time period, if the health care provider decides that they do not want to settle, then the injured party has 60 days or the remainder of the time limit to file a claim with the court or ask for an investigation period so that a medical expert can evaluate your case.

Medical malpractice cases usually require extensive investigations. Supporting evidence on both sides of the case may include documentation, and witness testimony, such as depositions and interrogatories. If the case does not settle, the parties usually proceed to trial. Representatives present the evidence, argue the case, and the jury renders a verdict.

Proving Negligence in a Florida Medical Malpractice Case

In a Florida medical malpractice case, personal injury attorneys usually prove medical negligence using expert testimony. A qualified expert must establish what the standards of good practice were in this situation. To qualify as an expert, they must typically be a licensed doctor who is currently practicing or was practicing at the time in question.

Additionally, they must be familiar with the standards of good and accepted medical practice for the care in question and must testify that the medical provider did not meet the professional standards of care. The medical expert must testify that the injuries probably would not have happened if the healthcare provider had met the proper standard of care and that the medical professional who provided the care should have reasonably foreseen this type of result.

After the plaintiff's evidence, the defense may move for a directed verdict if there is not adequate expert testimony of legal cause. Some damage elements, such as physical pain or mental anguish, are proved by the testimony of the plaintiff, family, and friends. However, a bad result alone is not enough. Plaintiffs must prove negligence, and that requires the services of a skilled Florida medical malpractice lawyer.

Types of Damages in a Florida Medical Malpractice Claim

Damages are compensation for the harm done to the patient that directly results from the health care provider's negligence. Medical malpractice injures a victim in many ways. It causes economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. The court awards compensatory damages to help the injured victim return to the emotional and financial state they were in before the injury. Compensatory damages can include:

• Past, current, and future medical bills
  • Costs of medical equipment
  • Home healthcare expenses
  • Surgery
  • Hospital stays
  • Medication
• Lost wages
• Emotional duress
• Loss of future earnings potential
• Loss of spousal relationship (loss of consortium)
• Pain and suffering

Wrongful death occurs any time a person dies due to the carelessness, negligence, omissions, or wrongful acts of another, including medical professionals. However, as provided in the Florida Wrongful Death Act, Florida Statutes 768.16 et seq., when medical malpractice results in a fatality, only certain family members can bring a case for wrongful death.

Rarely, the court awards punitive damages in medical malpractice cases. The purpose of punitive damages is to punish the medical professional for egregious actions or negligence.

What should I do if I was injured in a Florida medical malpractice case?

For the victim and their family, the possibility of medical malpractice is frightening and stressful. Do your best to take these important steps:

• Ask questions. Many people are intimidated by medical professionals, but you have a right to have your questions answered. You may have to be direct and persistent.
• Document everything. It is easy to forget information such as names of medical professionals, dates, times, and treatments. Details that may seem minor at the time may prove to be very important later.
• Keep a copy of your medical records. You are entitled to a copy of your own medical records. To obtain complete records, you may need to request them from doctor's offices and hospitals. You may have to complete a written request but do not become discouraged. There is no need to explain why you want copies.
• Consult a personal injury attorney with medical malpractice experience. Medical malpractice is a tricky, complex area of the law. You may not have proof that malpractice applies to your case, but a medical malpractice attorney can evaluate your case and guide you through the process. Do not sign documents or agree to a settlement without first speaking to a medical malpractice attorney who knows the law and the time limits that may affect your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Medical Malpractice Claims

Why Do I Need a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Florida?

Medical malpractice cases can take a long time to resolve, and insurance companies will go through a lot of trouble to avoid accepting liability or offering a large settlement. This means that you need the resources and expertise an experienced medical malpractice lawyer can offer.

A medical malpractice lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation and collect the evidence necessary to establish liability. Additionally, they will manage communications with the insurance company, medical bills collectors, and any other parties involved. An added benefit of hiring a medical malpractice lawyer is that their willingness to represent you adds credibility to your claim, which can be helpful when negotiating with insurance companies.

While you focus on your recovery, let your trusted medical malpractice attorney protect your right to seek damages.  The personal injury attorneys at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA have the medical knowledge and legal expertise to effectively assist you with your case and represent your interests throughout the entire process.

Dolman Law Group Aims for Maximum Compensation for Medical Malpractice Claims

We know that in many cases, victims of medical malpractice will be dealing with the financial and emotional consequences of a medical malpractice injury for months or years to come, and we account for this when we calculate your damages. As medical malpractice attorneys, we have secured millions of dollars in damages for our injured clients. Our team will leverage our resources and experience to maximize the value of your settlement.

With offices located across the state of Florida, we are here when you need us most. From coast to coast, we offer experienced and strategic legal guidance every step of the way. Call us today to see why so many injured patients and their families choose us to represent them after a serious medical error.

Contact Dolman Law Group for Help With Your Florida Medical Malpractice Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has been injured due to medical malpractice, consult a knowledgeable, empathetic Florida medical malpractice attorney at the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA to discuss your legal options. We know how important it is to recover the full value of your losses, and we will prioritize your individual needs as we pursue maximum compensation.

Our team of experienced Florida medical malpractice lawyers has spent considerable time in actual courtrooms representing victims of medical malpractice in Florida. This experience has allowed us to become one of the most successful personal injury law firms in Florida. Contact Dolman Law Group for a free consultation today.