Common Causes of Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death in Florida Hospitals (2024)

Deciding to file a medical malpractice case can be a difficult decision to make. Florida’s strict medical malpractice laws can make it seem impossible to develop a successful claim against a medical professional. Still, if you feel you have been wronged by a medical professional and wish to hold them accountable, you can do so. To determine if you have a claim, you may first want to know the common causes of medical malpractice wrongful death in Florida hospitals.

Florida has tough medical malpractice laws that make a medical malpractice case, especially one involving a wrongful death, very difficult to bring to court. That doesn’t make the reasons for bringing a medical malpractice wrongful death suit before the court any less common.

Common Causes of Medical Malpractice Wrongful Death in Florida Hospitals

Regrettably, these sorts of incidents are not uncommon in Florida hospitals and can result in the death of a loved one. The following are some of the more common causes of medical malpractice wrongful death in Florida hospitals:

• MisdiagnosisA misdiagnosis is one of the most common reasons that people file medical malpractice claims. A misdiagnosis occurs when a medical professional diagnoses you with the wrong condition or fails to notice symptoms of your actual condition. This can result in your actual condition going untreated and could ultimately result in death.Cancer, heart attacks, appendicitis, various infections, and many other significant conditions can go unnoticed and untreated when a doctor fails to properly diagnose a patient. Each of these conditions is likely to worsen if appropriate treatment is not given, negatively impacting your quality of life.
• Surgery ErrorsSurgeons and other medical staff in the operating room have a duty to effectively complete a surgery without making harmful errors. Unfortunately, this is not always what happens, and mistakes that can harm the patient may occur. Examples of surgical errors include:
  • Leaving surgical objects behind in the patient’s body.
  • Operating in the wrong area.
  • Operating on the wrong side of the body.
  • Failing to give the patient enough anesthesia.
  • Giving the patient too much anesthesia, resulting in death.
  • Catastrophic nerve damage.
  • Operating on the wrong patient.
  • Operating while drunk or under the influence of drugs.
  • Operating while tired or fatigued.
• Medication Errors: It is the responsibility of your doctor and your pharmacist to ensure that you are given the correct medication and the correct dosage of medication for your condition. If a doctor prescribes you the wrong medication, fails to notice any allergies you might have, or gives you medication combinations that could be deadly, the results could be devastating to your health and could even kill you.
• Improper Treatment: Even if you were diagnosed properly, there is still a duty of care to initiate a complete treatment plan. If your condition is not fully treated and you are never told how to properly manage your recovery, you could develop infections, new conditions could arise, or your symptoms could worsen. It is vital that doctors provide you with a proper treatment plan and only discharge you when they feel you are ready.
• Birthing Injuries: Giving birth is a physically demanding and often unpredictable situation that requires medical professionals to be alert and adaptable. Mistakes that are made during labor can result in birth defects as well as injuries or death to both the child and the mother.

If you believe a loved one suffered a wrongful death due to medical negligence, it is vital that you speak with a knowledgeable attorney. They can help evaluate your claim and file paperwork before you miss the statute of limitations.

FAQs

Q: What Is Wrongful Death Medical Malpractice in Florida?

A: A wrongful death medical malpractice claim in Florida is a legal claim that states a loved one’s wrongful death was the direct result of medical malpractice. In order to prove medical malpractice on top of a wrongful death claim, a thorough investigation must be launched into the claim. In this investigation, you must be able to prove that a breach of the duty of care caused by the medical professional is what directly caused the wrongful death to occur.

Q: What Are Four Common Errors That Could Lead to a Malpractice Lawsuit?

A: There are many different kinds of errors that could lead to a malpractice lawsuit in Florida. Four of the more common errors are surgical errors, diagnostic errors, medication errors, and improper treatment. All of these situations could lead to a malpractice lawsuit being filed and could even result in a wrongful death suit in a worst-case scenario. Healthcare workers are expected to adhere to a standard of utmost professionalism. When they fail to do so, they could be held accountable for it.

Q: Is It Hard to Win a Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Florida?

A: Yes, it can be hard to win a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida. There is a lot at stake in a wrongful death suit for both parties. Holding someone accountable for the death of a loved one can be a stressful, emotional process. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can guide you through that process and ensure that you do everything you can to succeed in your case. The most effective thing you can do for your case is to gather evidence and prepare for any eventuality.

Q: What Is the Hardest Element to Prove in a Medical Malpractice Case?

A: The hardest element to prove in a medical malpractice case is negligence. There is a fine line between negligent behavior and a genuine medical accident. In order to prove negligence was at work in your situation, you need to prove that the medical professional in question deliberately deviated from the agreed-upon duty of care and acted in a reckless or unethical way that led to the patient’s injury or death.

Reach Out to a Wrongful Death Lawyer Today

There are few feelings more devastating than learning that your loved one has passed away, especially when it’s due to someone else’s negligent actions. Holding that party accountable, even if it’s a medical professional, can be an important step toward finding closure and starting your healing journey. You will want a wrongful death lawyer who understands your situation and compassionately supports you through the difficult process.

The legal team at Spohrer Dodd Trial Attorneys can provide you with solid legal counsel that is explained in whatever way most effectively helps you understand what is happening. Even if you just have questions about the process, our team is here for you. We can help you develop your case, advocate against insurance companies on your behalf, and gather the evidence you need to see this through. Contact us to schedule a consultation with one of our valued team members today.