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Not every medical error is considered medical malpractice. An error becomes malpractice when it results from negligence and causes harm that could have been avoided with proper care. A West Palm Beach medical malpractice lawyer from Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can help determine whether a mistake rises to malpractice and what legal options may be available.
When is a medical error considered malpractice in Florida?
Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare professional fails to provide care that meets the accepted standard for their field, and that failure causes harm to a patient. In Florida, it is not enough to show that a medical error happened. The error has to involve negligence, meaning a reasonably careful provider would have acted differently under similar circumstances.
Not every negative outcome qualifies as malpractice. Some treatments carry known risks, and some conditions worsen despite appropriate care. Malpractice typically involves preventable mistakes, such as delayed diagnosis, failure to order necessary tests, or ignoring clear warning signs. If a provider’s actions fall below the standard of care and cause injury or make a condition worse, the error may be considered medical malpractice.
Diagnostic errors are a common example. Research from Johns Hopkins Medicine shows that missed or delayed diagnoses can cause serious harm, including permanent injury or death, when conditions that should have been caught earlier are overlooked
What types of medical errors can qualify as malpractice?
Some medical errors are more likely to qualify as malpractice because they involve clear departures from the accepted standard of care. These mistakes often cause injuries or make an existing condition worse when proper care could have prevented the outcome. A few common errors may be considered malpractice:
- Diagnostic and lab errors: Includes misdiagnoses, delayed diagnosis, improper lab equipment usage, and more.
- Surgical errors: May occur when doctors leave instruments inside the body or operate on the wrong area.
- Medication errors: These errors can occur when doctors incorrectly prescribe the wrong dosage or medication, or when pharmacists mix up or mislabel medications.
- Failing to monitor a patient: Healthcare workers who do not properly watch and care for patients may not be able to respond in a timely manner to sudden changes in the patient’s condition.
These errors are often linked to breakdowns in communication, inadequate training, exhaustion, or unsafe systems within a healthcare facility. When those failures harm a patient, the mistake may rise to the level of medical malpractice.
What should you do if a medical error caused harm?
These errors are often linked to breakdowns in communication, inadequate training, exhaustion, or unsafe systems within a healthcare facility. When those failures harm a patient, the mistake may rise to the level of medical malpractice.
You should begin documenting the medical error you suffered and its effects on your life. Keep all records and bills to show a medical malpractice lawyer. You should also talk with them first to determine your next steps. These cases can be challenging, and a lawyer can make sure you have strong evidence and expert testimony so you can establish liability in your case. They will also protect your rights from healthcare legal teams and effectively fight for you.
What compensation is available in a medical malpractice case?
When you have suffered harm due to medical malpractice, contact an experienced attorney who can help you determine how much your case is worth and pursue compensation.
Compensation in a medical malpractice case generally covers your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. A medical malpractice attorney will carefully evaluate your case and calculate each loss and future expense to make sure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
The value of a medical malpractice case depends on how severe the harm was, how it affected your ability to work and live normally, and the strength of the supporting evidence. An experienced attorney can assess those factors and pursue compensation that reflects the full impact of the injury.
Talk to a medical malpractice lawyer in West Palm Beach today
Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath can help you navigate the complexities of a medical malpractice case so your rights are protected and you can get a favorable result. Medical malpractice cases can be complex, and having an experienced legal team helps ensure your claim is taken seriously and handled properly from the start. To get the support you need, call our office at (561) 655-1990 today or visit us online to schedule a free consultation.