Category Archives: Medical Malpractice
What is the Difference Between Wrongful Death and Medical Malpractice?
One of the most common questions individuals ask Miami medical malpractice attorneys involves the distinction between med mal claims and wrongful death. Some of the confusion probably lies in the fact that the two legal concepts are closely related. When a health care provider engages in medical negligence as defined by Florida law, the… Read More »
Leading Causes of Medical Malpractice by Florida Internists
When you think about the health care providers most likely to be negligent in providing treatment, OB/GYNs, surgeons, and doctors in medical specialties might come to mind. However, you might change your mind when you realize that misdiagnosis accounted for more than half of all medical malpractice claims in a JAMA Internal Medicine study…. Read More »
6 Steps to Take if You Are a Victim of Medical Malpractice in Florida
For a patient, it can be difficult to accept that your Florida healthcare provider could be responsible for making a critical error in providing care. Yet, your symptoms, worsening of your condition, deteriorating well-being, and other factors all seem to point in the direction of medical malpractice. Frustration, fear, anger, and other emotions are… Read More »
Florida Medical Malpractice Claims for the “Big Three” in Misdiagnosis
A misdiagnosis by a Florida health care provider can lead to disastrous consequences for the patient, but there are certain types of diagnosis mistakes that are more prevalent and devastating than others. Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine refer to these scenarios as the “Big 3” for purposes of misdiagnosis. Diagnostic errors are already the… Read More »
Patient Rights After a Botched Appendectomy
While the appendix is a relatively small organ that has no apparent function in the human body, it can lead to life-threatening complications when inflamed. Appendicitis causes severe pain in the lower right part of the belly, nausea, and vomiting, but the most serious issues result from a ruptured appendix. As such, a timely… Read More »
Exploring the Links Between Brain Injuries and Medical Malpractice
Head injuries are a serious concern, but you may not realize the risks until you review the numbers. According to the Brain Trauma Foundation, around 2.5 million people suffer traumatic brain injury (TBI) every year. More than 50,000 die as a result of their injuries, and another 80,000 are permanently disabled. The leading causes… Read More »
What to Expect During Arbitration in a Florida Medical Malpractice Case
One of the initial stages of litigation in a Florida medical malpractice case is the pre-suit investigation and response provided by the prospective defendant after receiving notice that you intend to file a lawsuit to recover damages. The statute allows the health care provider 90 days to look into your allegations and either: Reject… Read More »
Unique Factors in Medical Malpractice with the Elderly
Medical malpractice is a serious concern in any context, but the effects and implications are even more problematic when the victim is an elderly person. In a report on medical malpractice claims involving the elderly, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission reported that patients over age 70 were considerably more likely to suffer severe injuries… Read More »
How Much Does It Cost to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Florida?
Many people ask their Florida medical malpractice attorney this question, and may be surprised to learn that the answer is: “It depends.” The truth is that every case involving medical error or negligence is different, so it is not possible to give an exact dollar value without knowing the specifics of your situation. However, it may… Read More »
Medication Errors Leading to Heart Attacks
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI), commonly known as a heart attack, is often linked to underlying health problems, but many people don’t realize that some common medications can also lead to a heart attack. When a person experiences AMI, the heart does not actually stop beating altogether; instead, it begins to beat irregularly, which can… Read More »
How Errors in Post-Chemo Monitoring Can Lead to Serious Harm for Patients
While chemotherapy may have been recommended by your physicians for cancer treatment, the treatment does not come without side effects and risks. The American Cancer Society describes a few of these, including easy bruising and bleeding, infection, anemia, kidney problems, and nerve issues. Many of the consequences of chemo are expected and unavoidable: They’re… Read More »
How Negligent Catheter Use Can Lead to Life-Threatening Infections
There is an expectation that residents of nursing homes will develop different medical conditions that come with age, but other health issues may be the result of negligence by health care providers at the facility. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one of the biggest problems in long-term care facilities… Read More »
What Is the Average Settlement for Medical Malpractice Lawsuit in Florida?
If you suffered harm because of a Florida healthcare provider’s medical error, one of the first questions you’ll ask is, “How much is my medical malpractice case worth?” The short answer is that it depends since the facts of each case are unique. However, there are often statewide and national averages that we can… Read More »
Fatalities from Wrongful Hospital Discharge: Statistics
When a loved one is discharged from the hospital, you trust that health care providers made the right decision. In the majority of situations, the hospital discharge is proper, and patients go home to a successful recovery. Unfortunately, the opposite is true in some cases, which can lead to tragic consequences. A National Institutes… Read More »
Top Factors Behind Medical Errors in the Emergency Department
If you were recently rushed to the hospital for an accidental injury or sudden medical issue, there’s a good chance you received treatment in the emergency department. Though experiences differ, you probably noticed that the ER is one of the busiest areas of the facility. In some situations, demand for care can outpace supply… Read More »