Florida health care facilities owe a duty of care to patients that is similar to other providers, so they can be held accountable when hospital errors cause harm and related losses. Considering the numerous staff and variety of care being provided under one roof, you can imagine the potential for serious mistakes. If you or a loved one suffered injuries, it is a relief to know that state medical negligence laws cover these situations.
Though you may qualify to recover compensation for your losses, the legal process for med mal claims is extremely complex. Instead of putting your rights at risk, rely on our team at Freidin Brown, P.A. to advocate on your behalf. Please contact us to set up a no-cost consultation with a St. Petersburg hospital error lawyer, and check out some important information.
Types of Hospital Error
Hospitals are not held to the same standard as an individual health care provider, but they still have the duty to use a level of care with respect to patients. Facilities and even entire health care systems can be liable for negligence if they breach this duty of care. Examples of hospital error include:
- Failure to implement appropriate policies for sanitation and hygiene
- Neglect in hiring employees, nurses, physicians, and other staff
- Overstaffing, particularly with nursing and support personnel
- Not going through sufficient vetting process when retaining independent contractor physicians
- Failing to implement a computerized physician order entry (CPOE) system to reduce errors
Victim of a Hospital Error? Let Our Skilled Lawyers Help You Seek Justice!
What Patients Need to Know
If you suffered harm from a hospital error, one of the most critical things to know is the Florida statute of limitations. You have 2 years from the date of the mistake to file a lawsuit, or up to 4 years if you did not discover the issue right away. In addition, note that:
- Many cases involving hospital error settle out of court, but you will need to sue if the facility and/or its insurer refuses to pay a fair amount
- Hospitals may be liable for misconduct by physicians under vicarious liability principles if the doctor is an employee
- There are prefiling requirements before you can sue for medical malpractice, and you must comply with them to avoid a dismissal of your case
Monetary Damages for Victims
Compensation in a medical malpractice case is intended to help a victim recoup the physical, financial, and emotional losses stemming from their injuries. You can rely on the St. Petersburg hospital error attorneys at Freidin Brown, P.A. to seek all amounts for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
Discuss Legal Options with a St. Petersburg Hospital Error Lawyer
To ensure you receive fair compensation for all losses in a med mal claim, it is critical to retain skilled legal representation. These cases are our primary practice area at Freidin Brown, P.A., so we are focused on protecting your rights. Please contact us to schedule a free case review with a St. Petersburg hospital error lawyer. We can explain what to expect after learning about your situation.