When we seek medical care for ourselves or our family members, we rightfully expect that the medical professionals providing that care do so in a competent and professional manner. We certainly do not expect that the care that we seek could actually result in more harm than good.

Unfortunately, thousands of Americans experience exactly that scenario each year, sometimes with catastrophic results. Florida medical malpractice law allows people who are injured by medical negligence to bring a lawsuit against those responsible for their injuries in order to recover any losses they may have sustained.

About Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

Medical malpractice lawsuits often raise complicated legal and medical issues that are best handled by an attorney with experience in this area of law. As a result, the most effective way to ensure that you get the compensation you deserve after sustaining an injury that you suspect was caused by medical malpractice is to discuss your case with an experienced Florida medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible.

What is Medical Malpractice?

Medical malpractice occurs whenever a healthcare provider or employee is negligent in providing proper care and that negligence results in injury. Physicians, nurses, patient care technicians, and emergency medical personnel are just some of the parties who may engage in medical malpractice.

Common Examples of Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice can occur in a variety of ways, but some of the most common include:

• Failure to Diagnose
• Incorrect Medication Dosage
• Incorrect Type of Medication
• Drug Errors
• Failure to Monitor a Patient
• Delay in Treating a Patient
• Patient Mix-Ups
• Surgery on Incorrect Site
• Amputation of the Wrong Limb
• Unsanitary Conditions Leading to Infection
• Preventable Drug Reactions
• Lab Errors
• Improper Treatment
• Failure to Warn About Known Risks

It is important for patients to note that not all medical errors or poor outcomes rise to the level of medical malpractice. The question is whether the healthcare provider acted in accordance with the applicable standard of care. In Florida, that standard is “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.” An attorney familiar with Florida medical malpractice law will be able to review the facts of your case and determine whether you have a claim.

Emergency Department Medical Malpractice

A significant number of events involving medical malpractice occur in hospital emergency departments. These are often fast-paced, overcrowded areas where medical professionals have to handle hundreds of patients at a time. As a result, emergency departments are a significant source of medical malpractice liability for hospitals around the country.

Some of the more common kinds of medical malpractice seen in emergency departments are:

• Delayed Diagnosis
• Misdiagnosis
• Failure to Thoroughly Read Medical Records
• Discharging a Patient with a Serious Medical Condition
• Failure to Treat a Patient

Due to the nature of the conditions that bring patients into emergency rooms, emergency department medical malpractice can have catastrophic results, including wrongful death. Many patients may not even be aware of the fact that they were a victim of malpractice until days or weeks after their visit.

Can I sue for medical malpractice?

If you have sustained an injury or been provided inadequate care by a medical professional, including those at an emergency department, discuss your case with an experienced Florida medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible to ensure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. You can call us at (386) 777-7777 or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation.