If you are experiencing the painful effects of an epidural abscess, you may be wondering if you can hold your doctor accountable for their role in your condition. The answer is yes; if your doctor’s negligence or mistake led to your epidural abscess, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim.
Anidjar & Levine can help you determine if you have a valid claim. A Florida medical malpractice lawyer can guide you through the legal requirements necessary to hold your doctor accountable for their actions. Read on to learn if you can sue for epidural abscess in Florida if your doctor was at fault.
Understanding Epidural Abscesses
A spinal column vulnerable to infection can lead to a serious condition known as an epidural abscess. This occurs when bacteria or fungi enter your spinal canal and form a pocket of pus between your spinal cord and vertebrae.
If you’re experiencing severe back pain, fever, numbness, or weakness in your arms or legs, you may be showing epidural abscess symptoms. You’re more likely to develop an epidural abscess if you have certain risk factors, such as a weakened immune system, diabetes, or a history of spine surgery or injections.
If you’ve developed an epidural abscess, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Delayed treatment can lead to severe complications, such as paralysis, nerve damage, or even death. By understanding what an epidural abscess is, you can take the necessary steps to protect your health.
Establishing Causation in Florida Epidural Abscess Cases
When you’re pursuing a claim for an epidural abscess, establishing causation is an important component of your case. You must demonstrate that your healthcare provider’s actions or inactions directly caused your injury.
To do this, you’ll need to gather causal evidence, such as medical records, test results, and witness statements. Expert testimony from medical professionals can also be significant in establishing a clear link between your healthcare provider’s actions and your epidural abscess.
These experts can review your medical history and provide an objective opinion on whether your healthcare provider’s actions deviated from the accepted standard of care. With strong causal evidence, you can build a compelling case and increase your chances of securing fair compensation.
Breaching the Standard of Care
Negligence takes center stage in epidural abscess cases, as it’s the healthcare professional’s deviation from the standard of care that sets the wheels of causation in motion. When you’re trying to determine if you can sue for epidural abscess in Florida if your doctor was at fault, you need to focus on whether they breached the standard of care.
Here are some important factors to evaluate:
- Did your doctor adhere to medical standards? Were they following established protocols and guidelines for your specific condition?
- Was there a lack of proper diagnosis or treatment? Did your doctor fail to diagnose or treat your condition, leading to the development of the epidural abscess?
- Is there any evidence of negligence that supports your claim?
- Are there records, witness statements, or other forms of evidence that show your doctor’s deviation from the standard of care?
Damages and Compensation in Epidural Abscess Lawsuits
If you’re seeking justice for an epidural abscess, you’re likely wondering what damages and compensation you’re suing for in Florida. In a medical malpractice lawsuit, compensation types can vary depending on the severity of your injury.
When suing for epidural abscess in Florida, if your doctor was at fault, you may be eligible to recover economic damages, which include past and future medical expenses, as well as lost wages. Additionally, you may also be able to recover non-economic damages, such as pain, suffering, and emotional distress.
When calculating compensation, your medical expenses play a significant role. This includes the cost of hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and any ongoing treatment. You may also be able to recover the cost of future medical care, including any necessary surgeries or therapies. Your lawyer will help you determine the extent of your damages and fight for fair compensation.
Statute of Limitations in Florida Epidural Abscess Claims
When suing for an epidural abscess in Florida, if your doctor was at fault, you’ll need to file your claim within a specific timeframe, known as the statute of limitations. This deadline determines how long you have to take legal action against the responsible party, and it’s important to understand this filing deadline to avoid forfeiting your right to compensation.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims, including those related to epidural abscess, typically falls within a two-year timeframe. To preserve your claim, consider the following:
- Gather medical records, test results, and other relevant documents that can support your claim.
- Seek expert testimony from medical professionals who can attest to the standard of care and any deviations that led to your epidural abscess.
- Consult with an attorney experienced in medical malpractice cases in Florida.
- Review the specifics of your case to guarantee you meet the filing deadline.
Don’t delay; understanding the filing deadline is important to securing the compensation you need.
How Can a Lawyer Help You Sue for Epidural Abscess When Your Doctor Is at Fault?
If you or a loved one developed an epidural abscess due to a healthcare provider’s negligence, a medical malpractice lawyer can play a role in helping you pursue compensation. These cases are complex and require extensive medical knowledge, expert testimony, and a deep understanding of Florida malpractice laws.
A lawyer can start by thoroughly investigating your medical records to determine whether your doctor failed to meet the standard of care. In addition to building your case, your lawyer will handle all communication with the hospital, doctors, and their insurance companies.
We can negotiate for a settlement that accounts for your pain and suffering, lost income, ongoing medical care, and long-term disability.
Learn More About Suing for Epidural Abscess in Florida if Your Doctor Was at Fault
If you’ve suffered an epidural abscess due to your doctor’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. To build a strong medical malpractice claim, it’s important to understand the legal process and gather documentation. Anidjar & Levine can provide guidance throughout this process.
Contact us today for a free consultation.