Typical Forms Of Malpractice Injuries
Last updated on April 22, 2024
Despite the faith we put into medical professionals to treat our illnesses and injuries, there are still risks associated with most treatments. In fact, according to a Johns Hopkins study, medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death in our country, with more than 250,000 people falling victim to these injuries every year.
At the Ocala office of Piccin & Glynn, our lawyers have no tolerance for these injuries. They have more than 70 combined years of experience holding doctors and hospitals accountable for their actions that cause their patients so much harm. Over the years that our attorneys have represented our clients through their malpractice claims, they have seen which forms of malpractice are more common than others.
The Most Common Ways Malpractice Could Harm You
To help you avoid suffering from medical malpractice at your next visit to the hospital or doctor, our team has determined five of the most common injuries that our clients suffer and what causes them. With this information in mind, you can keep an eye out for the signs of malpractice and avoid suffering an injury altogether. Five forms of malpractice to watch out for include:
- Birth injuries: It is no secret how delicate a newborn child is, but that does not stop medical staff from accidentally causing injuries like brain bleeds, nerve damage, cerebral palsy and more.
- Failure to diagnose: Even the most experienced doctors can still make mistakes. In fact, their experience can be what causes them to make assumptions and avoid asking critical questions when meeting with patients before their diagnoses. A delayed diagnosis can give an illness or injury the time it needs to become fatal, so it is important to get the diagnosis right as soon as possible.
- Misdiagnosis: When doctors do ask the right questions, there can still be problems. Testing equipment and test results can be faulty due to poor care, human error or other factors, resulting in a doctor treating you for the wrong injury or even exacerbating your true ailment.
- Surgical errors: Performing the wrong operation, operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical supplies in a patient, making anesthesia errors and not providing sufficient post-op care can all cause catastrophic injuries.
- Medication errors: When a medical professional gives you the wrong medication, delays the medication you need, or overdoses or underdoses you, you can suffer complications like addiction, a worsened condition and death.
If you believe that you have suffered from medical malpractice, then you should first reach out to us for the legal guidance you need to protect your best interests. Do not accept a settlement offer or waive your right to file a claim without consulting an attorney first.
Medical Malpractice FAQs
Below are answers to common questions on medical malpractice in Florida. For answers to your specific questions, reach out to the attorneys at Piccin & Glynn.
What is medical malpractice, and how does it differ from medical negligence?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional’s actions or omissions deviate from the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. Medical negligence is a broader term that encompasses any failure to provide proper medical care, including instances that may not rise to the level of malpractice.
What are common examples of medical malpractice in Florida?
Common examples of medical malpractice in Florida include misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, surgical errors, medication errors, birth injuries, anesthesia errors, and failure to obtain informed consent.
How do I know if I have a medical malpractice case in Florida?
To have a viable medical malpractice case in Florida, you must demonstrate that a healthcare provider breached the standard of care, resulting in injury or harm. It’s advisable to consult with a skilled medical malpractice attorney who can evaluate the facts of your case and advise you on the best course of action.
What damages can I recover in a medical malpractice lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, victims of medical malpractice may be entitled to various types of damages, including compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, disability, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
How long do I have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the alleged malpractice or from the date the injury was discovered (or should have been discovered) with reasonable diligence, but no more than four years from the date of the incident.
Can I sue multiple parties for medical malpractice in Florida?
Yes, you can sue multiple parties for medical malpractice in Florida if more than one healthcare provider or entity contributed to your injuries. This may include doctors, nurses, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.
Do I need expert testimony to support my medical malpractice claim in Florida?
Yes, expert testimony is typically required to establish the standard of care and demonstrate how the defendant’s actions deviated from that standard, leading to your injury. Your attorney will work with qualified medical experts to strengthen your case.
How much does it cost to hire a medical malpractice attorney in Florida?
Medical malpractice attorneys in Florida typically work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only collect fees if they successfully recover compensation on your behalf. The fees are usually a percentage of the amount recovered, and initial consultations are often free.
Can I still pursue a medical malpractice claim if I signed a consent form before treatment?
Signing a consent form does not absolve healthcare providers of their duty to provide competent care. If you believe your injury resulted from negligence or a deviation from the standard of care, you may still have grounds for a medical malpractice claim in Florida.
What steps should I take if I suspect medical malpractice in Florida?
If you suspect medical malpractice, it’s essential to seek prompt medical attention for any ongoing issues and consult with a reputable medical malpractice attorney. Document any relevant details, including symptoms, treatments received, and conversations with healthcare providers, to help build your case.
Get The Information You Need
If you want to confirm whether you have suffered from medical malpractice and what your options are, contact our Florida attorneys today. Call 352-558-8480 or email us here for your free initial consultation and take the first step in defending your best interests.