If a medical mistake leaves you seriously injured or takes the life of someone you love, you may need answers that the health care system has not provided. A Maitland medical malpractice lawyer can investigate what happened, determine whether the care fell below accepted standards, and pursue accountability when negligence causes harm. Medical malpractice is one of the most demanding areas of personal injury law, and these claims reward early, thorough preparation.
At Colling Gilbert Wright, we approach medical malpractice claims with the preparation that complex cases demand. As The Florida Firm Injury and Accident Lawyers, we are trusted with serious cases by other attorneys and law firms, which reflects the professional confidence our work has earned. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have recovered more than $40 million for patients and families.Â
What Counts as Medical Malpractice?
A disappointing result is not the same as negligence. Under Florida Statutes § 766.102, a valid claim generally requires proof that a health care provider fell short of the prevailing professional standard of care and that this shortfall caused your injury. A Maitland medical malpractice attorney can compare the treatment you received with the care a reasonably careful provider should have delivered under similar circumstances.
Medical negligence can take many forms. Common examples include:
- Delayed or missed diagnoses
- Surgical and anesthesia mistakes
- Medication and dosing errors
- Birth injuries to a mother or child
- A failure to respond to a worsening condition
The central issue is not simply whether something went wrong. We examine the medical records and the timing of each decision to determine whether negligence caused an avoidable injury. Causation can be especially contested when a patient already had a serious condition. In those cases, we focus on whether delayed or improper care worsened the prior illness or caused additional harm that appropriate treatment could have prevented. Our results include a $3.2 million settlement involving a failure to timely deliver a baby in fetal distress, which resulted in permanent brain damage.
What Must Happen Before a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
Florida requires specific pre-suit steps before a medical malpractice lawsuit can proceed. Fla. Stat. § 766.203 requires a reasonable investigation and a verified written medical opinion supporting reasonable grounds for a negligence claim. Fla. Stat. § 766.106 also establishes a pre-suit notice and screening period during which both sides investigate and exchange information. These requirements make early case review especially important.
If you believe negligent care has caused serious harm, our medical malpractice lawyers serving Maitland can obtain the records and consult qualified medical experts while preparing the pre-suit materials the law requires. We also assess the damages involved, from future medical costs and lost income to the lasting consequences of a permanent injury. We prepare every case with litigation in mind and will take a case to trial when that course serves your interests. Insurers defend these claims aggressively and rarely offer full value without that level of preparation.
Florida also imposes strict filing deadlines. Fla. Stat. § 95.11 generally provides a two-year deadline from the time of the incident or from when the malpractice was discovered or should have been discovered, subject to a four-year statute of repose under limited circumstances. Because medical malpractice deadlines can depend on the facts, prompt legal review can protect your ability to pursue a claim before the law bars it.
Contact a Maitland Medical Negligence Attorney for a Free Case Evaluation
You deserve a clear assessment of whether negligent care caused your injuries and what options remain available. A Maitland medical malpractice lawyer from our team can review the medical history and explain the pre-suit requirements while pursuing the compensation the evidence supports.
Many of the clients we represent come to us through referrals from attorneys who trust our preparation and courtroom experience. We bring that same preparation and personal attention to your case. Contact us for a free consultation. You pay no attorney fees or costs unless we recover compensation for your claim.