Medical malpractice refers to situations where a healthcare professional or institution fails to meet the accepted standard of care, causing injury, harm, or worsening of a patient’s condition. This could involve misdiagnosis, errors during surgery, prescribing the wrong medication, or failing to identify life-threatening conditions.
How It Can Impact Your Life
- Physical Consequences: Permanent disability, chronic pain, or worsening health conditions.
- Financial Strain: Additional medical expenses, ongoing treatments, and loss of income.
- Emotional Distress: Stress, anxiety, and loss of trust in healthcare providers.
- Reduced Quality of Life: Inability to work, engage in daily activities, or enjoy family life.
At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we understand the overwhelming impact medical negligence can have. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping victims hold medical providers accountable and recover the compensation they need to move forward.
What Are the Most Common Types of Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice can take many forms. Below are the most common examples:
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis
Failing to correctly diagnose a condition or delaying diagnosis, causing the condition to worsen.
Example: Misdiagnosing cancer as a minor illness, delaying treatment.
Surgical Errors
Mistakes during surgery, such as operating on the wrong body part, leaving tools inside a patient, or damaging organs.
Example: Performing surgery on the wrong limb.
Medication Errors
Prescribing the wrong medication or incorrect dosage, causing serious side effects or harm.
Example: Administering a drug a patient is allergic to.
Birth Injuries
Negligence during labor or delivery that leads to injuries to the mother or child.
Example: Failure to perform a timely C-section resulting in brain damage to the baby.
Failure to Diagnose
Ignoring or misinterpreting symptoms that indicate serious medical conditions.
Example: Missing early signs of a stroke or heart attack.
Anesthesia Errors
Administering too much or too little anesthesia during surgery, leading to brain damage, nerve damage, or death.
If you or a loved one have suffered due to any of these errors, Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. is here to advocate for you.
How Can You Prove That Medical Malpractice Occurred?
Medical malpractice cases are complex and require evidence to establish that negligence occurred. Our attorneys work to prove four key elements:
- Duty of Care: The healthcare provider had a professional duty to care for you.
- Breach of Duty: The provider failed to meet the standard of care expected in their field.
- Causation: The provider’s negligence directly caused harm or injury.
- Damages: You suffered measurable losses, such as medical expenses, lost income, or pain and suffering.
Building Your Case
- Obtaining and analyzing medical records.
- Consulting medical experts to determine breaches of care.
- Gathering witness statements and testimony.
- Demonstrating the direct connection between negligence and your injuries.
At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we leverage our experience and resources to build a solid case that holds healthcare providers accountable.
Do You Have a Valid Medical Malpractice Claim?
You may have a valid malpractice claim if:
- A medical provider made a preventable mistake that caused harm.
- You experienced complications due to a failure to diagnose or delayed treatment.
- You incurred financial losses, such as additional medical bills or lost wages.
- Your condition worsened due to negligent treatment.
What If You’re Unsure?
Even if you are uncertain, speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Medical malpractice is not always obvious, and a professional evaluation of your case can determine its validity.
Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. offers a free consultation to analyze the details and provide honest guidance.
What Steps Should You Take After Suspecting Medical Malpractice?
Taking immediate action is critical to protecting your health and legal rights:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Seek Medical Attention: Get treatment to address any ongoing issues or complications.
- Request Medical Records: Collect records, test results, prescriptions, and doctor’s notes.
- Document Everything: Keep a timeline of events, symptoms, and conversations with healthcare providers.
- Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney: A lawyer will review your case, gather evidence, and initiate the legal process.
By following these steps, you ensure your case is strong and your health remains a priority.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
Medical malpractice victims can recover compensation for the harm they’ve suffered:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (past, present, and future).
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs.
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress and mental anguish.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases involving gross negligence or intentional harm, courts may award punitive damages to punish the provider.
Our goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible to help you recover and rebuild.
How Long Do You Have to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Florida?
Florida law imposes strict deadlines:
- Statute of Limitations: You have 2 years from the date of injury or discovery of negligence.
- Absolute Deadline: All claims must be filed within 4 years of the malpractice, even if you discover it later.
Exceptions:
- Cases involving minors may extend the deadline.
- If the provider intentionally concealed the negligence, the time limit may be extended.
Failing to act quickly could forfeit your right to compensation. Contact Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. immediately to ensure compliance with these deadlines.
Why Do You Need a Medical Malpractice Attorney?
Medical malpractice cases are some of the most challenging in personal injury law. Here’s how an attorney helps:
- Navigating Complex Laws: Medical malpractice involves technical legal and medical standards.
- Gathering Evidence: We consult medical experts, review records, and obtain key documentation.
- Negotiating Settlements: Insurance companies often deny claims—our attorneys push for fair compensation.
- Taking Your Case to Court: If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we are ready to fight for you in trial.
You don’t have to face this alone—our experienced legal team is by your side every step of the way.
How Do Medical Experts Strengthen Your Case?
Medical experts are critical in proving malpractice. They:
- Analyze your records for deviations from the standard of care.
- Provide written reports and testimony.
- Explain how the negligence caused your injuries.
Our attorneys collaborate with the best medical experts to ensure your case is solid and credible.
How Can Filing a Malpractice Lawsuit Improve Healthcare Safety?
Holding providers accountable encourages hospitals and doctors to:
- Improve training and safety protocols.
- Reduce preventable errors.
- Foster a culture of accountability and care.
Your case may help prevent future harm to others.
Why Should You Choose Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A.?
At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., we offer:
- Decades of Experience: Proven success in medical malpractice cases.
- Compassionate Representation: Personalized attention for every client.
- Bilingual Support: We speak English and Spanish to serve our community.
- No Fees Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront—we fight for your justice.
Contact Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. Today
If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical malpractice, contact Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. for a free, no-obligation consultation.