Medical errors, such as misdiagnoses or surgical mistakes, can cause serious health risks. They can even be fatal. If you or a loved one has been affected by a medical error in Florida, understanding your legal options is crucial.
A qualified Florida medical error attorney can be instrumental in holding healthcare providers responsible. The Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine can assist you in pursuing justice effectively against your medical providers if you believe you were the victim of medical error.
Take back control of your life. Schedule a free consultation today to see what our Florida medical malpractice lawyers can do for you.
Common Types of Medical Errors
Here are some of the common types of medical errors that our Florida personal injury lawyers have seen in medical malpractice cases.
Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis
When a condition is misdiagnosed, it often results in the administration of incorrect treatments, which can cause unnecessary pain and suffering. This not only impacts the immediate health of the patient but can also lead to long-term complications if the true condition remains untreated.
A delayed diagnosis can be equally detrimental, as it often means that valuable time is lost in addressing a medical issue. During this period, a disease can progress unchecked, potentially reducing the effectiveness of available treatment options. The delay can transform a manageable condition into a more severe or even life-threatening situation.
Aside from the physical effects, these errors can also lead to significant emotional distress and financial challenges. Patients may experience heightened anxiety and uncertainty as they grapple with the unknown nature of their condition. Moreover, the financial burden of increased medical expenses and lost income due to missed work can add to the strain.
Surgical Errors and Complications
Surgical errors and complications, regrettably, account for a significant portion of medical mistakes, often leading to severe repercussions on a patient’s well-being. These errors can range from performing surgery on the wrong site to inadvertently leaving medical instruments inside the body or causing infections due to unsanitary conditions.
For those who have experienced surgical complications, seeking legal advice can be a crucial step in addressing the harm suffered and exploring possible remedies. Understanding your rights and the avenues available for recourse can be done by contacting our Florida medical error lawyers.
Medication Prescribing Mistakes
These errors often arise from not following established prescription guidelines or neglecting to consider potential interactions between medications. Another common prescribing error is being given the wrong medication, one that does not correspond to your specific medical condition.
This can result in ineffective treatment and possible deterioration of your health. Additionally, there is the risk of healthcare providers overlooking how different medications interact with each other, which can lead to unexpected and harmful side effects.
Moreover, a failure to update medical records can contribute to prescribing mistakes. If changes in your medical history or current prescriptions are not accurately reflected in your records, it can lead to inappropriate medication choices.
Your Rights As A Patient
You have the right to receive care that meets accepted medical standards. Healthcare providers must deliver treatment that aligns with what a reasonably skilled practitioner would provide under similar circumstances. When they fail to meet this standard and harm results, they may be held legally responsible.
You have the right to informed consent before undergoing procedures or treatments. This means healthcare providers must explain the nature of the proposed treatment, its risks and benefits, and alternative options. If you weren’t properly informed and suffered harm as a result, this may constitute medical negligence.
You have the right to access your medical records. These documents are crucial evidence in medical malpractice claims, and Florida law gives you the right to obtain copies of your records. Your attorney can help you request and interpret these documents as part of building your case.
Seeking Compensation as a Harmed Patient
You have the right to seek compensation for damages caused by medical errors. These damages may include:
- Medical expenses for additional treatment needed due to the error
- Lost wages if the injury prevented you from working
- Pain and suffering caused by the error
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- In cases of wrongful death, loss of companionship and financial support
You also have the right to legal representation to help protect your interests. An experienced Florida medical error attorney can guide you through the complex legal and medical issues involved in your case while you focus on recovery.
Compensation For Medical Errors
When a medical error has harmed you, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your damages. Understanding the types of compensation available can help you evaluate the potential value of your claim.
Economic damages cover tangible financial losses resulting from the medical error. These include:
- Past and future medical expenses related to treating the injury caused by the error
- Lost wages for time missed from work during recovery
- Diminished earning capacity if your ability to work has been permanently affected
- Out-of-pocket expenses for medication, medical equipment, or home modifications
- Cost of in-home care or assistance with daily activities
Non-economic damages address the intangible but very real impacts of medical errors, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to limitations caused by the injury
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium (impact on your relationship with your spouse)
In rare cases involving intentional misconduct or gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available. These damages are designed to punish particularly egregious behavior and deter similar conduct in the future.
Working With Our Florida Medical Error Attorneys
When you choose our firm to represent you in a medical error case, you gain a team of dedicated advocates committed to securing the compensation you deserve while providing compassionate support throughout the legal process.
Our approach begins with listening carefully to your story. We take the time to understand exactly what happened, how it has affected your life, and what you hope to achieve through legal action. This client-centered focus ensures that our legal strategy aligns with your specific needs and goals.
We will handle all aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how our experienced medical error attorneys in Florida can help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
We Can Help.
