Quick Answer
After medical malpractice in Fort Lauderdale, the deadline works differently from a normal injury claim. In Florida you generally have two years from when you discovered the injury, and no more than four years from the treatment in most cases. Proving malpractice usually requires a qualified medical expert to show the care fell below accepted standards. A case review with Goldberg & Loren is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
Have You or a Loved One Been a Victim of Medical Malpractice in Fort Lauderdale? Our Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice lawyers have successfully represented numerous malpractice victims in Fort Lauderdale.
With over 32+ years of winning malpractice cases, our compassionate medical malpractice lawyers are prepared to seek the compensation you deserve for the pain, suffering, and medical expenses you have endured.
Contact Goldberg & Loren at (954) 758-4553 to schedule a free consultation today.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice refers to instances where healthcare providers, such as doctors, nurses, or hospitals, provide substandard treatment that results in harm to a patient. It occurs when medical professionals fail to meet the standard of care expected of them, resulting in injury, illness, or death. [1]
If medical malpractice does result in the untimely death of your loved one, our Fort Lauderdale wrongful death lawyers can help you explore your legal options.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice in Fort Lauderdale
Medical malpractice encompasses various types of negligence in the healthcare industry. Some common types of medical malpractice include:
- Failure to Diagnose: When a medical professional fails to identify a patient's medical condition or misdiagnoses it, delaying or denying the necessary treatment. This can lead to progression of the illness and worsened outcomes.
- Surgical Errors: Mistakes during surgical procedures can have severe consequences for patients. Surgical errors may include wrong-site surgeries, leaving foreign objects inside the body, or damaging surrounding organs or tissues.
- Prescription Errors: Medication mistakes can occur when medical providers prescribe the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or fail to consider potential drug interactions. Prescription errors can result in adverse drug reactions or worsen a patient's condition.
- Nursing Home Abuse: Neglect or abuse in nursing homes can have serious consequences for vulnerable residents. Bedsores, medication errors, and inadequate supervision and care are all potential examples.
Consequences of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can result in a variety of consequences, often causing immense physical, emotional, and financial hardship for the victims.
- Birth Injuries: This can occur during labor and delivery, leading to conditions such as cerebral palsy, Erb's palsy, or shoulder dystocia. These injuries can have lifelong consequences, affecting a child's physical and cognitive abilities.
- Permanent Disability: Medical malpractice can lead to permanent disabilities, such as paralysis, brain damage, or organ damage. These disabilities can significantly impact a patient's ability to work, perform daily activities, and enjoy life.
- Chronic Pain: Many medical malpractice victims experience chronic pain due to their injuries. This pain can be debilitating and interfere with sleep, work, and quality of life.
- Re-hospitalization: In some cases, medical malpractice may require additional medical procedures or re-hospitalization to correct the mistakes made by the healthcare provider. This can lead to further pain, discomfort, and financial strain.
- Infection and Complications: Retained foreign objects, such as sponges or surgical instruments, left behind during a procedure can cause severe infections, internal damage, and complications requiring further surgeries to remove them.
Who is Liable For Malpractice in Fort Lauderdale?
In a medical malpractice case in Fort Lauderdale, liability refers to the legal responsibility of individuals or entities for the damages caused due to medical negligence.
While medical professionals are typically held accountable for their actions, there are various parties who can be held liable for medical malpractice:
- Doctors and surgeons: Doctors and surgeons are often at the forefront of liability claims as they are responsible for providing appropriate medical treatment and ensuring patient safety during medical procedures. Anesthesiologists play a major role in administering anesthesia and monitoring the patient's vital signs during surgery, making them potentially liable parties in anesthesia-related malpractice cases.
- Nurses: Nurses also have a duty to provide adequate care to patients, and any negligence or failure to follow established protocols can lead to liability. Pharmacists may be held responsible for medication errors, including prescribing incorrect dosages or failing to identify potential drug interactions.
- Medical clinics and hospitals: Medical clinics and hospitals can be held vicariously liable for the actions of their employees. If the negligence occurred within the scope of employment and the hospital or clinic benefited from the medical services provided, they may be held responsible for the negligence of the medical professionals.
Hospitals in Fort Lauderdale include:
Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice in Florida
The Statute of Limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits in Fort Lauderdale is generally two years from the date the injury or harm occurred or when it should have been reasonably discovered. Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(c) This means that individuals have two years from the date of the medical error or negligence to initiate legal action.
Get a Free Consultation With a Fort Lauderdale Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
If you are seeking assistance with your medical malpractice case in Fort Lauderdale, Goldberg & Loren is here to help. When you choose our malpractice lawyers, we will thoroughly review your case, gathering evidence and consulting with medical experts to build a strong foundation for your malpractice claim. We will explain all of your legal options and advise you on the best course of action.
Our skilled malpractice attorneys will work diligently to achieve a fair settlement on your behalf. If a settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for your rights.
No matter the circumstances of your medical malpractice case, Goldberg & Loren is here to help. Contact our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
Source:
[1] Brazier, Y. (2023, June 8). What is medical malpractice? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248175
