Medical Malpractice And Wrongful Death: Understanding Your Rights And Options In Florida

When you visit a doctor, you expect to get better, not worse. Unfortunately, sometimes, health care providers fail in their duty of care, and the consequences can be devastating. At Trentalange & Kelley, PA, we understand the pain and confusion that can arise when you or a loved one suffers due to medical negligence. Our wrongful death attorneys and medical malpractice lawyers are here to help you navigate these challenging times.

With more than 65 years of combined experience, we have been serving Tampa, St. Petersburg, Southeast Florida and the Panhandle area since 2000. Our law firm is dedicated to handling cases involving injuries and wrongful deaths arising from medical malpractice. We blend compassion with professional aggressiveness to create a comforting environment for our clients while fiercely advocating for their rights and securing significant verdicts and settlements in the process.

When Medical Care Falls Short

Medical malpractice occurs when health care providers fail in their duty of care, potentially leading to severe patient injuries or death. This breach of responsibility can have devastating effects, resulting in permanent disabilities or even fatalities, particularly when errors are concealed by those trusted with our health.

Common examples of medical malpractice include:

• Surgical errors: Mistakes during surgery such as operating on the wrong site or leaving surgical instruments inside the patient.
• Misdiagnosis: Incorrectly diagnosing a patient, leading to inappropriate or delayed treatment.
• Birth injuries: Harm to a baby or mother during childbirth due to negligent prenatal care or errors during delivery.
• Failure to diagnose: Overlooking or not recognizing signs of serious conditions, leading to a lack of necessary treatment.
• Medication errors: Prescribing or administering the wrong medication or dosage.
• Anesthesia errors: Mistakes in the administration of anesthesia, potentially causing severe injury or death.
• Delayed treatment: Failing to treat a medical condition in a timely manner, causing worsening of the condition.
• Improper follow-up: Neglecting necessary follow-up care that could prevent complications or further harm.

Successful medical malpractice claims hinge on demonstrating that a health care provider breached their duty of care and that this breach directly caused severe harm or worsened an illness. The complexity of these cases requires skilled legal representation to effectively counter the strong defense mounted by hospitals, doctors and their insurance companies, who are often well-protected by experienced attorneys. By partnering with a knowledgeable lawyer, victims can navigate the legal system more effectively and increase their chances of obtaining the justice and compensation they deserve.

Unyielding Advocacy For Your Rightful Compensation

Victims of medical malpractice and families affected by wrongful death in Florida can seek compensation for a variety of damages. These include reimbursement for all medical expenses incurred due to the malpractice such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications and any required ongoing health care. You may also receive compensation for lost wages if the injury prevented you from working, as well as for future loss of earning capacity if the malpractice leads to a long-term disability that affects your ability to earn income in the future.

Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress reflects the personal suffering caused by medical malpractice. This covers ongoing discomfort and mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. In wrongful death cases, the surviving family members can also claim compensation for the loss of companionship, support and services previously provided by the deceased, along with costs associated with funeral and burial expenses.

In cases where the defendant’s actions are particularly reckless or egregious, you might also receive punitive damages. These serve not only to punish the wrongdoer but also to deter similar conduct in the future. Our attorneys at Trentalange & Kelley, PA, understand the intricacies of medical malpractice and wrongful death claims in Florida. We commit to guiding you through these challenges to secure the comprehensive compensation package you rightfully deserve, allowing you to focus on healing and moving forward.

How Do I Prove Wrongful Death In A Medical Setting?

Proving wrongful death in a medical setting requires demonstrating that negligence or a breach of duty by health care providers directly caused the death of your loved one. You must establish a clear link between the medical provider’s actions or lack thereof and the fatal outcome. This process begins with collecting comprehensive medical records, autopsy reports and any relevant evidence that can support claims of negligence.

Additionally, expert testimony often plays a crucial role in these cases. Medical experts can help interpret the technical aspects of the care provided and explain how the actions of the health care providers deviated from standard medical practices. These experts also assess whether the appropriate level of care, if administered, could have prevented the death.

Working with an experienced attorney is essential, as we can help gather the necessary documentation, enlist the appropriate medical specialists and construct a compelling case to present in court. Your legal team at Trentalange & Kelley, PA, will work tirelessly to investigate all aspects of your case.

Can I Sue A Hospital For Wrongful Death?

Yes, you can sue a hospital for wrongful death if you believe that the death of your loved one resulted from negligence or errors made by the hospital staff. This legal action holds the hospital accountable for the actions of its employees, including doctors, nurses and other health care professionals. To successfully sue a hospital, you must demonstrate that the staff’s negligence directly caused the death. This involves showing that the hospital employees failed to meet the required standard of care expected in their professional duties.

Establishing a hospital’s liability may also involve proving that the institution itself had inadequate policies, insufficient training programs or failed to ensure proper staff credentials. We can help navigate these complexities by gathering the necessary evidence, consulting medical experts and crafting a strong argument to present your case effectively. By taking legal action, you aim to secure justice for your loss and potentially prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

What Should I Do If I Suspect Medical Malpractice Led To A Death?

If you suspect that medical malpractice contributed to a death, it is crucial to act as soon as possible. First, secure all medical records related to the deceased’s treatment. These documents are essential for reviewing what care was provided and identifying any potential missteps or negligence. Next, consult with one of our medical malpractice and wrongful death attorneys at Trentalange & Kelley, PA. We can provide guidance on the legal steps necessary and help interpret the medical information.

We can help you obtain an independent medical evaluation to corroborate findings and provide an expert opinion on the care received. It is important to document every interaction and communication related to the case, as this information can be crucial in building a compelling argument for your claim. Taking these steps not only seeks justice for your loss but also helps ensure accountability and can prevent similar tragedies in the future.

We Will Help You Heal And Obtain Justice

If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical malpractice or wrongful death, contact Trentalange & Kelley, PA, today. Our experienced team offers free consultations to discuss your case and determine how we can help you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve. Call us at 813-226-1080 or fill out our online contact form to get in touch with us.