Tallahassee Medical Malpractice Lawyer

When The Medical Establishment Betrays Your Trust

We all rely on doctors, nurses, hospitals, and clinics to care for us and our loved ones when we are sick and to help us stay well. When malpractice occurs, our lives are on the line. Yet, malpractice is widespread. At Hinkle Law Firm, our medical malpractice lawyers have years of experience representing clients suffering from medical malpractice. We understand the complexities of medical malpractice cases and have a track record of successfully securing our clients' compensation. If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, it is vital to seek the advice of an experienced medical malpractice lawyer.

Our firm accepts medical malpractice cases involving these and other issues:

Your Well-Being Matters

As soon you discover medical malpractice has occurred, you are up against those impenetrable walls. Doctors can be very defensive. Hospital administrators will alternate between being your best friends and working behind the scenes to obstruct your claim and work against you. Don’t represent yourself; get experienced lawyers to guide you through the system.
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider, such as a doctor or nurse, fails to provide an appropriate standard of care to a patient, resulting in harm or injury.

What is Medical Malpractice?

Tallahassee Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide a patient with an appropriate standard of care, resulting in harm or injury. Medical malpractice can take many forms, including misdiagnosis, failure to diagnose, surgical errors, medication errors, and birth injuries. To establish a claim for medical malpractice, it must be shown that the healthcare provider breached their duty of care to the patient and that this breach caused harm or injury.

The Severity of Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is a serious issue because it can lead to harm or injury to patients and in some cases, even death. When healthcare providers fail to provide a standard of care that is expected in their field, patients can suffer serious consequences, including:

Physical Harm

Medical malpractice can harm patients physically, such as:

  • surgical errors
  • medication errors
  • or birth injuries.

Emotional Harm

Patients may also suffer emotional harm due to medical malpractice, including:

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Financial Harm

Medical malpractice can also lead to financial harm for patients, including:

  • medical bills
  • lost wages
  • and other expenses associated with ongoing treatment and rehabilitation.

Loss of Trust in The Healthcare System

Additionally, medical malpractice can erode the public's trust in the healthcare system, making it harder for patients to seek the care they need. It can also increase the cost of healthcare, as providers and hospitals may need to pay out settlements and judgments in medical malpractice cases.

Medical malpractice is a serious issue that can have wide-ranging consequences for patients, their families, and society. Healthcare providers need to take steps to prevent medical malpractice and for patients to be aware of their legal rights in the event that medical malpractice occurs.

Doctors Have a Duty of Care to Their Patients

Doctors and other healthcare providers owe their patients a duty of care, which is a legal obligation to provide treatment that meets the accepted standards of medical practice. This duty of care includes the following:

Providing treatment with reasonable skill and care

Doctors must provide treatment that meets the accepted standards of medical practice. This means that they must use their knowledge, skill, and experience to diagnose and treat patients in a competent manner.

Providing accurate information

Doctors must provide accurate and complete information to patients about their medical condition, the risks and benefits of different treatment options, and the likely treatment outcome.

Obtaining informed consent

Doctors must obtain patients' informed consent before providing treatment. Informed consent means that patients have been fully informed about the risks and benefits of treatment and any alternatives and have voluntarily consented to the treatment.

Maintaining patient confidentiality

Doctors must maintain patient confidentiality and respect their privacy unless required by law to disclose information.

Referring patients to specialists when necessary

Doctors must refer patients to specialists when appropriate, particularly when the patient's condition is beyond the scope of their expertise.

Overall, the duty of care a doctor has is to act in the best interests of their patients, providing treatment that meets the accepted standards of medical practice and respecting their patients' rights and autonomy.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?

In a medical malpractice lawsuit, several parties can be held liable, including:

Healthcare providers

This includes:

  • doctors
  • nurses
  • pharmacists
  • and other healthcare professionals who provide treatment to patients.

Hospitals and healthcare facilities

Hospitals and healthcare facilities can be held liable for medical malpractice if they fail to supervise their staff properly or if they have policies or procedures that contribute to medical malpractice.

Medical Device Manufacturers

Medical device manufacturers can be liable for medical malpracticeif their devices are defective or fail to adequately warn doctors and patients of the risks associated with their use.

Pharmaceutical Companies

Pharmaceutical companies can be held liable for medical malpractice if they fail to test their drugs correctly or if they fail to adequately warn doctors and patients of the risks associated with their use.

Government Agencies

Government agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), can be liable for medical malpractice if they fail to regulate medical devices or drugs properly.

The specific parties that can be held liable in a medical malpractice lawsuit will depend on the case's specific circumstances. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand who may be liable in your particular case.

Examples of Medical Malpractice

Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis is when a doctor misdiagnoses a patient's symptoms, resulting in a delay in treatment and worsening the patient's condition.

Failure to Diagnose

Failure to diagnose is when a doctor fails to diagnose a patient's condition, resulting in a delay in treatment and worsening the patient's condition.

Surgical Errors

Surgical errors are when a surgeon makes an error during surgery, such as operating on the wrong body part or leaving a surgical instrument inside the patient.

Medication Errors

Medication errors occur when a healthcare provider administers the wrong medication or dosage, resulting in harm or injury to the patient.

Proving Medical Malpractice

Proving medical malpractice can be a complex process. To establish a claim for medical malpractice, it must be shown that the healthcare provider breached their duty of care to the patient and that this breach caused harm or injury.

To establish a breach of duty, it must be shown that the healthcare provider did not provide the appropriate standard of care. This will usually involve obtaining expert medical evidence to establish what the appropriate standard of care was in the circumstances and whether the healthcare provider breached this standard of care.

To establish causation, it must be shown that the breach of duty caused the harm or injury. This can be a problematic issue, mainly where there are multiple causes of harm or injury.

Compensation for Medical Malpractice

If you have been the victim of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. This can include compensation for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of income
  • Medical expenses
  • Rehabilitation expenses
  • Home care expenses
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

To determine the appropriate level of compensation, it is important to obtain expert medical and financial advice. At [Law Firm Name], our medical malpractice lawyers have access to a network of experts who can assist in determining the appropriate level of compensation for your losses.

Time Limits for Medical Malpractice Claims

There are strict time limits for claiming medical malpractice. In most cases, a claim must be commenced within three years of the date of the malpractice or within three years of the date that the malpractice was discovered. It is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure your claim commences within the time limits.

What Kinds of Damages Can Someone Pursue in a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?

If you have been the victim of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to pursue damages for your losses, which can include:

Economic Damages

Economic damages include compensation for actual financial losses such as:

  • medical expenses
  • lost wages
  • and future medical expenses.

Non-Economic Damages:

These include compensation for non-financial losses such as:

  • pain and suffering
  • emotional distress
  • and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive Damages

Sometimes, a court may award punitive damages to punish the healthcare provider for their reckless or intentional misconduct. It is essential to consult with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to determine the appropriate level of compensation for your losses.

How Long Does a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Take to Settle?

The time it takes to settle a medical malpractice lawsuit can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, such as the complexity of the case, the willingness of the parties to negotiate, and the court's schedule.

Medical malpractice lawsuits can take several months to several years to settle, depending on the circumstances. It is important to note that medical malpractice cases are often complex and time-consuming and may require extensive investigation and expert testimony.

The settlement process typically begins with negotiations between the parties involved, which can take several months or longer. If a settlement cannot be reached, the case may proceed to trial, adding significant time and expense.

Overall, the time it takes to settle a medical malpractice lawsuit can be challenging to predict and will depend on the unique circumstances of each case. Working with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer who can provide guidance and support throughout the process is essential.

Medical Malpractice Cases in Florida

Here are a few examples of recent medical malpractice cases in Florida:

  • In 2021, a woman filed a lawsuit against a hospital in Tampa after her husband died following a surgical procedure. The lawsuit alleges that the surgeon failed to properly monitor the man's vital signs during the procedure, which led to his death.
  • In 2020, a man filed a lawsuit against a hospital in Fort Lauderdale after he suffered permanent nerve damage in his arm following a surgical procedure. The lawsuit alleges that the surgeon improperly positioned the man's arm during the procedure, causing nerve damage.
  • In 2019, a woman filed a lawsuit against a hospital in Miami after she suffered a stroke that left her partially paralyzed. The lawsuit alleges that the hospital failed to properly diagnose and treat her stroke symptoms in a timely manner, which led to her permanent injuries.

These cases demonstrate the severe consequences that can result from medical malpractice. If you or a loved one have been the victim of medical malpractice, it is essential to consult with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer to understand your legal options.

Why choose Hinkle Law Firm for your medical malpractice claim?

At Hinkle Law Firm, our medical malpractice lawyers have years of experience representing clients suffering from medical malpractice. We understand the devastating impact that medical malpractice can have on our clients and their families, and we are committed to securing the compensation that they deserve

We are thorough when we research your case, reviewing your medical records and consulting with medical professionals on how and where the malpractice occurred. Our cases are prepared for trial, so we have the best position to negotiate a settlement. We are aggressive in pursuing compensation on your behalf because we know how serious your situation is, and we want to help.

Call us at 850-205-2055 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation regarding medical malpractice. All cases are taken contingently, so you pay nothing unless your case is successfully resolved.

Let Us Help You.

To us, the most important thing is when your case is resolved you are happy with the results. To schedule your free initial consultation, please call us  or send us an email. All cases are taken on contingency so you pay nothing unless you are compensated.
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TALLAHASSEE, FL 32309

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Florida personal injury attorney serving communities throughout Florida including: Tallahassee, Pensacola, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Orlando, Tampa, Lakeland, Clearwater, St. Petersburg and Leon County.

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