If you’ve been the victim of medical malpractice in Orlando, you may be entitled to compensation for the harm caused by a healthcare professional’s negligence. At Demesmin & Dover Law Firm, our experienced medical malpractice attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims who have suffered due to errors made by doctors, nurses, or other medical providers. We offer a free consultation to evaluate your case, and there are no upfront fees.
Orlando Medical Malpractice Attorney: Understanding What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the accepted standards of care, leading to injury or harm to a patient. The standard of care is established by the medical community. These errors can take many forms, including misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, medication errors, birth injuries, and more. In Florida, patients who are harmed by medical malpractice have the right to pursue a legal claim to seek compensation for their injuries.
The National Practitioner Data Bank reports that medical malpractice is a leading cause of death in the United States, with an estimated 250,000 deaths per year attributed to medical errors. While not every mistake by a healthcare provider constitutes malpractice, when an error significantly impacts a patient’s health, legal action may be warranted.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice
Some of the most common types of medical malpractice cases we handle at Demesmin & Dover Law Firm include:
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: When a doctor fails to diagnose a condition correctly or timely, it can result in delayed treatment and worsened health outcomes.
Surgical Errors: Mistakes during surgery, such as performing the wrong procedure, leaving surgical instruments inside the body, or damaging organs, can lead to serious consequences.
Medication Errors: Administering the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or failing to account for drug interactions can lead to serious injury or even death.
Birth Injuries: Negligence during childbirth, including improper use of forceps, failure to detect fetal distress, or failure to respond to complications, can result in lifelong disabilities.
Anesthesia Errors: Mistakes in administering anesthesia, such as improper dosages or failure to monitor a patient’s response, can cause permanent injuries or death.
Each of these errors can form the basis of a medical malpractice case.
Proving Medical Malpractice
Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim in Florida
Filing a medical malpractice claim in Florida requires careful attention to detail and adherence to specific procedures. The following steps outline the process:
Notice of intent to sue: The plaintiff must provide written notice to the healthcare provider of their intent to sue, which must include an affidavit from an independent medical practitioner certifying the merit of the claim.
Pre-suit investigation: The plaintiff must conduct a pre-suit investigation to gather evidence and determine the validity of the claim.
Filing the complaint: The plaintiff must file a complaint with the court, which must include a detailed description of the alleged malpractice and the damages sought.
Service of process: The plaintiff must serve the complaint on the defendant, which must be done in accordance with Florida law.
How Demesmin & Dover Law Firm Can Help as Orlando Medical Malpractice Lawyers
At Demesmin & Dover Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling complex medical malpractice cases in Orlando. As an experienced medical malpractice lawyer, we can assist you in the following ways:
Expert Investigation: We work with medical experts to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding your case and determine whether malpractice occurred.
Establishing Liability: Proving medical malpractice requires understanding the standard of care and showing how the healthcare provider failed to meet it. We build a strong case by gathering medical records, expert opinions, and other evidence.
Handling Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may attempt to downplay the severity of your injuries. We will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Maximizing Compensation: We fight to ensure you are compensated for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages resulting from the malpractice.
Trial Representation: If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for justice.
Our firm has a long-standing commitment to medical malpractice litigation, ensuring that victims’ rights are defended and significant compensation is secured.
Compensation for Medical Malpractice
Compensation for medical malpractice can include a range of damages, including:
Medical expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, doctor’s fees, and prescription medication.
Lost wages: The loss of income due to the inability to work as a result of the malpractice.
Pain and suffering: The physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by the malpractice.
Punitive damages: Damages intended to punish the defendant for their negligence or recklessness.
FAQs About Hiring a Medical Malpractice Lawyer
When should I contact a medical malpractice lawyer? If you believe you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice, it’s important to contact an Orlando medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. Florida has a statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases, and filing a claim within the time limits is critical for preserving your right to compensation.
How do I know if I have a valid medical malpractice claim? A valid medical malpractice claim typically requires proof that a healthcare provider’s actions or omissions deviated from accepted standards of care and that this caused you harm. Our team will review your case, consult with medical experts, and help you understand whether you have a strong claim.
What will Demesmin & Dover Law Firm do for my case? Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation, gather evidence, and consult with medical professionals to determine if malpractice occurred. We will then advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive compensation for the harm caused by the medical error.
How much does it cost to hire a medical malpractice lawyer? At Demesmin & Dover, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Our fees are a percentage of the compensation we recover for you, so there are no upfront costs involved.
Medical Malpractice Cases Statistics
Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States, behind heart disease and cancer, with an estimated 250,000 deaths annually.
1 in 10 patients experience a medical error that harms their health each year.
In Florida, there are hundreds of medical malpractice claims filed every year. Many of these involve misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, medication errors, and birth injuries.
The complexities of medical malpractice lawsuits often involve intricate legal and medical details that can be challenging to navigate.
The impact of medical malpractice can be devastating, leading to long-term disability, permanent injury, or even death. If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical negligence in Orlando, it’s important to seek legal help to ensure that your rights are protected.
Why Choose Demesmin & Dover Law Firm?
At Demesmin & Dover, our Florida medical malpractice attorneys are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of victims of medical malpractice. We understand the profound impact these errors can have on your life, and we’re here to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Our team has a proven track record of success in handling complex medical malpractice cases and is dedicated to providing personalized legal representation.
We are dedicated to helping medical malpractice victims in central and north Florida, ensuring they receive fair compensation for their suffering.
If you’ve been harmed by medical malpractice in Orlando, don’t wait to seek legal counsel. Contact Demesmin & Dover Law Firm today for a free consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward holding negligent healthcare providers accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.
What to Do If You Think You Have a Medical Malpractice Claim
If you think you have a medical malpractice claim, it is essential to take the following steps:
Seek medical attention: Continue to receive medical treatment to address any ongoing health issues.
Gather medical records: Collect all relevant medical records, including test results, doctor’s notes, and hospital records.
Consult with an attorney: Schedule a free consultation with an experienced medical malpractice attorney to discuss your case and determine the best course of action.
Do not delay: Do not delay in seeking legal advice, as the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims in Florida is two years from the date of injury or death.