Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Medical malpractice is a serious issue affecting thousands of people in Florida annually. If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. In this article, we will discuss the role of a Florida medical malpractice lawyer and how they can help you with your case. Contact Hinkle Law firm for a FREE consultation.

What is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse, or hospital, fails to provide the appropriate standard of care, resulting in harm or injury to the patient. Medical malpractice can occur in different forms, such as misdiagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, or birth injuries.

Medical Malpractice Facts and Statistics

Medical malpractice is a severe issue proven to be the third leading cause of death in the United States. A study by Johns Hopkins revealed that medical mistakes are responsible for more than 250,000 deaths and countless more injuries yearly. These numbers exemplify the need to take legal action when malpractice is suspected to have caused injury, illness, or death.

What Does a Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyer Do?

Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyer

A Florida medical malpractice lawyer represents clients injured due to medical malpractice. We have the knowledge and experience to investigate your injury's circumstances and determine if medical malpractice occurred. If we determine that medical malpractice occurred, they will work to hold the responsible party accountable and seek compensation for your injuries.

How Much Does It Cost to File a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?

We work on a contingency basis for medical malpractice lawsuits. A contingency fee basis means we do not charge you anything unless we win a settlement in or out of court. This fee structure ensures we work hard for your case and that you don't have even more out-of-pocket expenses during a stressful time. We also offer contingency fee schedules for other practice areas, such as:

How Can a Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyer Help?

A Florida medical malpractice attorney can help you in several ways, including:

Investigating Your Case

At Hinkle Law Firm, we will investigate your injury's circumstances and gather evidence to support your claim.

Building Your Case

We will use the evidence gathered to build a strong case and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.

Representing You in Court

We will represent you in court and fight for your rights before a judge and jury.

Providing Legal Advice

We will also provide legal advice and guidance throughout the process, ensuring that you understand your rights and options.

8 Different Types of Florida Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is a serious issue that affects many people each year. It occurs when a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse, or hospital, fails to provide the appropriate standard of care to a patient, resulting in harm or injury. There are different types of medical malpractice, and understanding them can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.

1. Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis is one of the most common types of medical malpractice. It occurs when a healthcare provider fails to diagnose a medical condition accurately, resulting in delayed or incorrect treatment. Misdiagnosis can lead to serious harm or even death, especially when the condition is life-threatening, such as cancer or heart disease.

2. Florida Medication Errors

Medication errors occur when a healthcare provider prescribes the wrong medication, or the wrong dosage or fails to consider a patient’s allergies or medical history. These errors can cause serious harm, including allergic reactions, organ damage, and even death.

3. Florida Surgical Medical Malpractice

Surgical errors occur during surgery, including performing the wrong procedure, operating on the wrong body part, or leaving surgical instruments inside the patient’s body. These errors can cause serious harm, including infections, internal bleeding, and even death.

4. Florida Birth Injuries

Birth injuries can occur during labor and delivery, including injuries to the mother or baby. Common birth injuries include cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and brain damage.

5. Failure to Obtain Informed Consent

Healthcare providers must obtain informed consent from patients before performing any medical treatment or procedure. Informed consent means that the patient understands the risks and benefits of the treatment or procedure and has given their permission. Failure to obtain informed consent can result in a medical malpractice claim.

6. Nursing Home Neglect

Nursing home neglect occurs when it fails to provide adequate care for its residents. This can include neglecting basic needs such as food, water, and hygiene and failing to provide necessary medical treatment. There are many reasons for nursing home neglect, the main one being understaffed nursing homes.

7. Florida Emergency Room Medical Malpractice

Emergency room medical malpractice refers to situations where a healthcare provider in an emergency room fails to provide adequate care to a patient, resulting in harm or injury. This can include misdiagnosis, delayed treatment, surgical errors, medication errors, failure to monitor a patient's condition, or other types of malpractice. Patients harmed due to emergency room medical malpractice may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and related expenses.

8. Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia errors in medical malpractice refer to mistakes made during the administration of anesthesia, which can result in severe harm or even death for the patient. These errors can include administering too much or too little anesthesia, using the wrong type of anesthesia, failing to monitor the patient's vital signs during the procedure, or failing to intubate the patient properly. Anesthesia errors are a serious form of medical malpractice and can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial harm to the patient and their loved ones.

What Kinds of Damages Can I Pursue With a Medical Malpractice Case?

You can pursue many types of damages from a medical provider or their clinic. Some of those are:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are losses that arise from an injury or harm to another’s property, business, or finances. Economic damages include:

  • Past medical expenses (related to the accident)
  • Future medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • and lost income

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are types of damages in personal injury cases that cannot be quantified or measured. These include:

  • pain and suffering
  • emotional distress
  • inconvenience
  • destruction of one's quality of life
  • scarring or disfigurement

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are a type of legal damages that a court will award to punish the wrongdoer for egregious misconduct or to set an example for other potential violators. They are generally in addition to any other compensatory damages that were awarded.

Special Damages

Special damages, also known as consequential damages, do not occur directly from a breach but are considered a consequence of that breach. They include economic losses such as lost profits or the cost of repair or replacement. They may also include other losses, such as emotional distress due to the breach.

How to Find a Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Finding the right Florida medical malpractice attorney is crucial to the success of your case. Here are some tips to help you find the right lawyer for your medical malpractice lawsuit

Look for Experience

Look for a lawyer with experience handling medical malpractice lawsuits and a track record of success.

Check Their Credentials

Ensure the lawyer is licensed to practice in Florida and has a good standing with the Florida Bar.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Consult with the lawyer to discuss your case and get a feel for their communication style and approach to your case.

Who May Be Guilty Of Medical Malpractice?

Healthcare providers must protect their patients from undo harm. Legally, this is called a standard of care. It’s essential to understand which medical providers may be guilty of medical malpractice to prevent it from happening in the future.

Doctors

Doctors are the most common healthcare professionals who may be guilty of medical malpractice. They are responsible for providing accurate diagnoses, prescribing the right medications, and performing surgeries safely. If a doctor fails to do any of these things, they may be held liable for medical malpractice. Examples include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, and medication errors.

Nurses

Nurses play a crucial role in patient care and can also be held liable for medical malpractice. They administer medications, monitor patients, and provide basic care. If a nurse fails to do any of these things, they may be liable for medical malpractice claim. Examples include administering the wrong medication or dosage, failing to monitor a patient’s vital signs, and failing to report changes in a patient’s condition.

Pharmacists

Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medications and ensuring patients receive the correct medication and dosage. If a pharmacist fails to do this, they may be liable for medical malpractice. Examples include dispensing the wrong medication, dispensing the wrong dosage, or failing to warn patients about potential side effects.

Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals and healthcare facilities can also be held liable for medical malpractice. They are responsible for ensuring that their staff is adequately trained and that they have the necessary equipment and resources to provide quality care. If a hospital or healthcare facility fails to do this, it may be held liable for medical malpractice. Examples include inadequate staffing levels, lack of necessary equipment, and failure to maintain equipment properly.

Medical Device Manufacturers

Medical device manufacturers can also be held liable for medical malpractice. They are responsible for ensuring that their products are safe and effective. If a medical device manufacturer fails to do this, they may be held liable for medical malpractice. Examples include defective medical devices that cause harm to patients.

Medical malpractice is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for patients. It’s essential to understand who may be guilty of medical malpractice to prevent it from happening in the future. If you or a loved one has been the victim of medical malpractice, it’s essential to seek the advice of a qualified attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve.

What To Do If You Are a Victim of Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is a serious issue that affects millions of people every year. If you are a victim of medical malpractice, it can be a very difficult and traumatic experience. However, knowing what steps to take to protect your rights and get the compensation you deserve is important. In this article, we will discuss what to do if you are a victim of medical malpractice.

Seek Medical Attention

If you suspect you are a medical malpractice victim, you should first seek medical attention from another clinic. This is important for your health and to document your injuries and the cause of your medical issues. Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, appointments, and bills.

Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

The next step is to contact a medical malpractice lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and guide you through the legal process. They can also help you gather evidence and build a strong case.

Gather Evidence

To prove medical malpractice, you must gather evidence that the medical professional was negligent in their duty of care. This can include medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony. Your lawyer can help you gather and organize this evidence.

File a Complaint

You can file a complaint with your state's medical board or licensing agency. This can help hold medical professionals accountable for their actions and prevent them from harming others.

Pursue Compensation

You may be entitled to compensation if you have suffered injuries or financial losses due to medical malpractice. This can include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Your lawyer can help you pursue compensation through a lawsuit or settlement negotiations.

Contact Hinkle Law Today

If you are the victim of medical malpractice in Florida, our firm has secured millions of dollars in settlements for our clients. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.

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.
3520 THOMASVILLE ROAD SUITE 501
TALLAHASSEE, FL 32309

Contact Hinkle Law


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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