Medical Malpractice Lawyers Serving Weston

Medical malpractice is defined as the failure of a medical professional to provide appropriate care that meets the standards of practice in the medical community. When this happens, it can result in serious injury or death to the patient. Medical malpractice claims are legal claims that seek compensation for physical and/or emotional injuries or losses due to the negligence of a healthcare provider.

To file a medical malpractice claim, you must be able to prove that the medical professional's negligence caused you harm or worsened your condition. To do this, you must show that the medical professional failed to meet the accepted standard of care and that you suffered damages.

Filing a medical malpractice claim can help you get justice for the harm you have suffered, and it can also help protect other patients from similar harm in the future. It can also provide you with financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other costs associated with your injury.

Medical Malpractice vs. Medical Malice

The legal distinction between medical malpractice and medical malice can be confusing, as the terms are often used interchangeably. Medical malpractice refers to negligence on the part of a doctor or other medical professional that results in injury or harm to a patient. This negligence can take many forms, such as failure to diagnose a condition, providing substandard care, or making a mistake during surgery.

Medical malice, on the other hand, is a much more serious form of negligence that involves intentionally inflicting harm or acting with reckless disregard for the safety of a patient. An example of medical malice would be a doctor intentionally performing an operation on a patient when it is unnecessary or knowingly withholding critical information about a patient's condition. Medical malice also includes deliberately disregarding accepted medical standards.

It is important to understand the difference between medical malpractice and medical malice to know what type of claim you may have against a doctor or medical professional. Medical malpractice claims involve negligence, whereas medical malice involves intentional acts of harm. In either case, if a medical professional's actions have harmed you, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your losses.

Do I Need a Lawyer When Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim?

If you've been injured or suffered a loss due to medical malpractice, it's highly recommended that you seek the help of an experienced medical malpractice lawyer. A medical malpractice claim is often very complex and requires an in-depth understanding of the legal system and medical protocols. A lawyer can provide legal advice, represent you in court, and guide you through filing a claim.

To successfully file a medical malpractice claim, you must prove several elements:

  • The doctor had a duty of care toward the patient;
  • The doctor breached the duty of care;
  • The doctor's breach caused the injury; and
  • The injury resulted in damages.

You may have difficulty collecting evidence and constructing a case against the doctor or healthcare provider responsible for the malpractice. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate these complexities and present your case in the best light possible.

A lawyer can also assist with negotiating settlements with insurance companies or the liable party. The insurance company may try to settle for much less than what you deserve. An experienced lawyer will be able to calculate the amount of compensation you should receive and fight to get you what you deserve.

Finally, a medical malpractice lawyer can ensure that all deadlines are met, so your claim is not dismissed or denied. They will also be able to offer advice on how to proceed with your case and handle all paperwork related to your claim.

Who Can I Hold Responsible in a Medical Malpractice Claim?

When filing a medical malpractice claim, it is important to identify who can be held responsible for the harm caused. Generally speaking, any healthcare professional directly involved in the patient's care can be held responsible for medical malpractice.

This could include a doctor, nurse, surgeon, dentist, anesthesiologist, hospital administrator, or other healthcare personnel. Holding a hospital, clinic, nursing home, or other medical facility liable for medical malpractice is also possible.

In Florida, hospitals and medical facilities can be held liable for the negligent actions of their employees, including doctors and nurses. Additionally, corporate entities such as insurance companies and drug manufacturers may also be held responsible if they are involved in patient care.

If you believe that you have been a victim of medical malpractice in Florida, it is important to understand who may be responsible so that you can ensure that all liable parties are held accountable. An experienced medical malpractice attorney will be able to help you identify all potential defendants and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

The Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims in Florida

In Florida, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is two years from the injury's date or from the date that the injury was discovered. This means that if a patient discovers an injury due to medical malpractice more than two years after it occurred, they may be prevented from filing a claim against the responsible party.

The statute of limitations is an important consideration when bringing a medical malpractice case. If the case is filed after the two-year window, it can be dismissed without considering its merits. It is important to note that the statute of limitations can be extended in certain circumstances, such as when a minor is injured or when a foreign object is left inside a patient's body during a medical procedure.

In these cases, the statute of limitations may be extended up to two years from the date of injury. It is also important to note that in some cases, it may take some time before a patient discovers an injury due to medical malpractice. In such cases, the date of discovery may be used as the starting point for the statute of limitations period.

If you believe you have suffered an injury due to medical malpractice, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. An experienced medical malpractice attorney will help you determine whether or not you have a valid claim and will guide you through the legal process.

What Are the Requirements for Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim in Weston, Florida?

To bring a medical malpractice claim in the state of Florida, you must be able to prove that the health care provider failed to provide an acceptable level of care that resulted in injury or death. The law recognizes this concept as "negligence," which must be proven in court to win your case.

The first step in filing a medical malpractice claim is to obtain a detailed medical history from the patient's doctor or other healthcare providers involved in the case. This should include all treatments and diagnoses provided and any medications taken by the patient. Once this information is gathered, it must be evaluated by an expert witness in the field to determine if negligence can be proven.

It is also important to note that Florida law requires all potential claimants to file a notice of intent to sue within two years of the date of injury or death. This notice must be filed with the state board of medicine and should include a statement from an expert physician outlining why they believe medical negligence occurred.

Lastly, it is important to understand that medical malpractice claims in Florida can be complex and expensive. Because of this, it is highly recommended that any person considering filing such a claim seek legal advice from an experienced medical malpractice attorney. An attorney can evaluate your case and guide you through filing a successful claim.

What Damages Can I Recover in a Medical Malpractice Case in Florida?

In Florida, medical malpractice claims allow victims to recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are intended to cover the cost of medical bills, lost wages, and other financial losses. Non-economic damages can be more subjective and include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.

It is important to note that while it is possible to recover punitive damages in some medical malpractice cases, Florida law limits the amount of punitive damages that may be awarded to $500,000 or three times the amount of compensatory damages (whichever is higher). This cap does not apply to any award for non-economic damages.

When evaluating a medical malpractice claim, an experienced lawyer will consider all potential sources of recovery and the amount of damages available to determine how much compensation you may be entitled to. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can maximize the amount of money you may recover from a successful medical malpractice lawsuit.

The Types of Cases That Commonly Give Rise to Medical Malpractice Claims in Florida

Medical malpractice cases can take many forms. They often involve negligence by medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, or other health care providers. Common causes of medical malpractice include misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a condition, medication errors, birth injuries, surgical errors, or failure to obtain informed consent for a procedure.

  • Misdiagnosis or Failure to Diagnose: If a doctor fails to diagnose a serious illness or misdiagnoses a patient, it can result in catastrophic consequences. For instance, a doctor may fail to diagnose cancer, and the cancer is allowed to progress untreated.
  • Medication Errors: Prescribing the wrong medication or incorrect dosage can be a form of medical malpractice. This can lead to serious complications and even death in some cases.
  • Birth Injuries: When a baby is injured during the birthing process due to medical negligence or improper use of medical equipment, it is considered a form of medical malpractice.
  • Surgical Errors: Surgery is a serious procedure that requires skilled and careful execution from the medical team. If something goes wrong during surgery due to medical negligence, it can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death.
  • Failure to Obtain Informed Consent: Before a doctor performs a procedure, they must obtain informed consent from the patient or the patient's legal guardian. This means that the patient must understand the risks and benefits associated with the procedure before proceeding. If informed consent is not obtained, it could be considered a form of medical malpractice.

Additionally, if a doctor does not disclose all relevant information about a procedure and its potential risks, this, too, could constitute medical malpractice. Additionally, medical malpractice claims may arise if a medical professional acts recklessly or deviates from accepted standards of practice when treating a patient.

A claim may also arise if a doctor withholds necessary treatments or refuses to provide them altogether. It is important to remember that all medical personnel have an obligation to provide their patients with adequate treatment according to accepted standards in the medical field.

What Happens If the Defendant Doesn't Pay My Compensation

If the defendant in your medical malpractice case is found liable, they are obligated to pay you the compensation you are awarded. However, it may be that they do not have the means to pay for it. In such cases, there are a few remedies available.

First, if the defendant has assets such as a home or other property, you can ask the court to put a lien on their property. This means that if the property is sold, the sale's money must pay your compensation.

Second, if the defendant has insurance, you may be able to file a claim with the insurance company. The insurance company may agree to pay your damages if their insured is found liable for your medical malpractice claim.

Third, if the defendant has no assets or insurance coverage, you may need to consider filing a judgment lien. A judgment lien is placed against any of the defendant's assets, meaning that if they do ever come into possession of any asset, they will have to pay you the full amount of your award before they can use that asset.

Finally, you can pursue legal action to collect your award. Depending on the state in which your claim was filed and the particular details of your case, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the defendant to secure payment. This option should be pursued only as a last resort.

Ultimately, if the defendant in your medical malpractice case is found liable, they are obligated to pay you the compensation you are awarded. If they cannot pay the full amount due to a lack of assets or insurance coverage, a few options are available for recovering what you are owed.

Can My Medical Malpractice Claim Be Settled Out of Court?

Yes, it is possible to settle a medical malpractice claim out of court in Florida. Often, the injured party and their attorney will negotiate with the healthcare provider's insurance company to reach a fair settlement. This can be an attractive option for both parties as it avoids a trial's lengthy, expensive process.

The settlement process begins when the injured party files a complaint with the court. From there, the attorney for the injured party will negotiate with the insurance company representing the healthcare provider to agree.

During the negotiation process, both parties will present evidence and provide testimony to support their claims and negotiate a settlement amount. The key to a successful settlement is finding a middle ground on which both parties can agree.

If the parties cannot agree during negotiations, they may decide to enter mediation or arbitration. Mediation involves an impartial third-party mediator who assists in the negotiation process and helps both parties agree. Arbitration is similar but typically involves a binding decision from an arbitrator. In both cases, it is up to the parties involved to determine if they are willing to accept the outcome.

Ultimately, settling a medical malpractice claim out of court can benefit all parties involved. It allows for a resolution that doesn't require costly litigation and lengthy court proceedings. However, it is important to remember that any settlement reached must be agreed upon by both parties and should adequately compensate the injured party for their injuries.

Hire Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers Weston Medical Malpractice Lawyers to Help With Your Medical Malpractice Claim

When dealing with a medical malpractice case in Florida, it's important to hire a reputable and experienced medical malpractice lawyer who is familiar with the laws and regulations governing medical malpractice in the state. Frankl Komisky Injury Lawyers are experienced in medical malpractice cases with decades of combined experience representing clients who have suffered as a result of a medical error.

Our medical malpractice lawyers have extensive knowledge of the legal and medical issues related to these types of cases, and we know what it takes to get our clients the compensation they deserve. We will work diligently to build a strong case for you and ensure your rights are fully protected throughout the process.

We understand the complexities of Florida's medical malpractice laws, so we can help you determine if your case is worth pursuing and how best to proceed with your claim. We will also take the time to review all available evidence and carefully explain the options available to you. Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality legal advice, so you can decide how best to proceed with your case.

At Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, our team of experienced medical malpractice lawyers is committed to providing you with compassionate and dedicated representation. We will help you navigate the legal system and work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. If you are considering a medical malpractice claim in Florida, contact us at (561) 800-8000 to discuss your case and learn more about our services.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
I have had experience in the past using other attorneys and law firms however the attorneys and staff at Frankl Kominsky are by far the best experience I have ever had. Thank you for everything this law firm has done. I recommend this law firm to everyone. By Bruce
★★★★★
This was an amazing injury law firm. Steven and his staff was available when I needed him and were always following up with me. I felt very fortunate that I found them. It is true that this law firm will never settle for less! I fully recommend this law firm to anyone that needs a hardworking and results oriented law firm. By Consuelo
★★★★★
Mr. Frankl came very highly recommended by two separate peers. I had a handful of lawyers to choose from and I chose him. He moved quick, no nonsense, and very effective. Before I knew it everything was handled and I had a serious burden lifted. If I ever have a problem again, I am going straight to him. It is that simple. By Kelly
★★★★★
I called Mr. Frankl and his firm about a motorcycle accident case and he helped me through the entire process. Mr. Frankl made me feel like my situation mattered to him and didn't treatment me like just another file in a file cabinet. He is smart, energetic and a true fighter. I am glad to call him my lawyer and I highly recommend Frankl Kominsky for your personal injury case. By A Personal Injury Client
★★★★★
Mr. Frankl was such an asset to have on my team while I picked up the pieces following an accident. Right from the beginning he assisted handling the insurance companies, rental car companies, auto body shops, police reports, it was incredible. His guidance allowed me to focus on the most important thing and that was my medical condition & recovery. Should you find yourself in this unfortunate situation do yourself a favor & trust this man & his expertise. By Damon