Seeking Monetary Compensation for Medical Malpractice
It can be difficult to imagine becoming injured while under a doctor’s care. However, this type of injury is reported regularly in the United States. It is known as medical malpractice and it is the third most prevalent killer of Americans, after heart disease and cancer.
In 2012, more than $3 billion in damages were paid out to medical malpractice victims. Florida ranks as #5 in the country for medical malpractice cases, with $203,671,100 paid out to victims in 2012.
Suffering from a medical-related injury can have devastating effects for you and your family. If you are a victim, do not allow yourself to suffer any longer. Contact an experienced personal injury attorney today to begin building your case. You have rights as a victim, and one of those rights is to seek monetary compensation for the costs associated with any injuries that you have suffered.
What is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice is any case where an individual is hurt during surgery, from medication, negligence from healthcare staff, or through improper treatment. Medical malpractice can lead to all types of injuries, such as the following:
- Permanent or temporary disability
- Brain damage
- Paralysis
- Birth injuries
- Death
These injuries can be detrimental to victims’ lifestyles and livelihoods. Any individual who suffers one from a medical malpractice injury may seek compensation for the following expenses:
- Medical bills
- Time spent out of work and the related loss of salary
- Pain and suffering, which refers to the minor aspects of an injury such as bruising, temporary pain, and scarring.
- Disability services
- In the case of a death, the loss of the victim’s companionship and contributions to his or her family
Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim
To file a claim against a healthcare provider, you must obtain a medical opinion from another doctor with the same specialty as the errant provider and have him or her determine whether maltreatment has occurred. Once you have received this opinion, work with your attorney to draft and send a letter to the defendant known as a Notice of Intent to Litigate. This document communicates your plan to seek compensation for your injuries.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice cases is two years from the discovery of the injury. That means that the injury must be discovered within a reasonable amount of time following the actual mistreatment. After this discovery, the victim has two years to file his or her claim and seek monetary compensation.
A medical malpractice case can take years to resolve. Every case is unique, so be sure to talk to your attorney about how your circumstances might affect your case’s outcome.
Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Winter Park
If you have been injured by a doctor or other healthcare professional, you may be able to seek and receive monetary compensation for the costs incurred through your injury. Contact our team of experienced Florida personal injury attorneys at Hornsby Law Group to discuss your case and work with us to determine the best way to proceed. Don’t wait to make that call – start working to get the money you deserve today.
