Gainesville Medical Malpractice Attorneys
The Florida Legislature last decade passed laws restricting a medical malpractice victim's right to claim compensation. As a potential plaintiff, this means that your options may be somewhat limited. But it is still possible to craft a strategic and balanced case to get compensation for your injuries. This article can answer basic questions about this complicated issue.
How many people die as a result of medical errors every year in the U.S.?
The Institute of Medicine in 1999 issued a report that found that medical errors kill anywhere from 44,000 to (nearly) 100,000 people every year in the U.S. A Chicago Tribune study found in 2000 that more than 100,000 people likely die due to hospital infections. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) also found that nearly 100,000 people every year die due to medical errors - and more than three-quarters of these errors are preventable. HealthGrades (another independent survey) found that, over a three-year period, more than 575,000 people died due to medical errors that should have been prevented.
What are some examples of medical malpractice?
1. Misdiagnosis
Particularly with respect to chronic and potentially fatal diseases like cancer, misdiagnosis can prove costly or even deadly. An oncologist who orders the correct tests and follows good protocols can make serious progress in driving cancer into remission. Conversely, an oncologist or other provider who fails to do due diligence, doesn't order a correct test, misreads a test, calls a lump benign when it is in fact malignant, or otherwise fails to provide adequate care can be held liable under Florida's medical malpractice laws.
2. Unclean or Dangerous Hospital Facilities
Unsanitary medical equipment, doctors and nurses who fail to wash their hands, or even spoiled food at a hospital cafeteria can all cause serious harm to patients.
3. Birth Injuries
A pregnant woman and/or her baby who get hurt as a result of obstetrician error, nurse negligence or carelessness, or a botched delivery can seek legal redress for maternal and fetal medical care, time off work, rehabilitation, and other costs.
4. Errors Related to Medications and Pharmaceuticals
A physician, pharmacist or other provider who overprescribes a medication, under prescribes a medication, or fails to check for contraindications can be held legally responsible for damages. The Pharmacy Technician Act -- passed in Florida in May 2008 -- gives victims of pharmaceutical errors additional leverage in these kinds of cases.
Getting Immediate Assistance with Crucial Questions
The Jacksonville legal team of Farah & Farah can provide strategic help. For a free consultation, call 800-533-3555. Alternatively, email someone via www.farahandfarah.com. Farah & Farah is a Better Business Bureau accredited business with an A+ rating, and the attorneys are proud members of the Florida Justice Association and the American Association of Justice.
Gainesville Personal Injury Resources
- Gainesville Personal Injury
- Gainesville Car Accidents
- Gainesville Medical Malpractice
- Gainesville Motorcycle Accidents
- Gainesville Nursing Home Abuse
- Gainesville Premises Liability
- Gainesville Social Security Disability
- Gainesville Truck Accidents
- Gainesville Workers’ Compensation
- Gainesville Wrongful Death
Our personal promise: Accident victims have specific rights, but by law you have a limited time to take action. When you use our team at Farah & Farah, there are NO up-front charges.
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Our fee is a percentage of the money awarded payable only when your case is successfully concluded. No matter how many times you call and how long we talk, there is NO CHARGE or cost until your case settles. Do not sign any releases, agreements or give any statements until you have spoken with us about your legal rights. When it comes to getting you more, we won't settle for less!
We personally promise that you will be treated with the respect and dignity you deserve. We promise to keep you up to date and informed as to developments in your case. Your case is important to us, regardless of size.
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