Practice Areas Boca Raton Medical Malpractice Lawyer

Boca Raton Medical Malpractice Lawyer

When you or a loved one entrusts your health and well-being to a medical professional, you expect to receive the highest standard of care. Unfortunately, medical negligence and wrongdoing can lead to devastating injuries, life-altering consequences, and even the loss of a cherished family member. If you find yourself in this difficult situation, you need a compassionate and experienced Boca Raton medical malpractice lawyer to guide you through the process and fight for you to help you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.

At Grife Law Firm, our dedicated team of Florida medical malpractice lawyers is here to provide personalized attention and aggressive representation to help you navigate this challenging time. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial issues you’re suffering, and we’re committed to doing all we can to hold the negligent medical providers accountable and increase your chances of getting maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.

Contact us today for your free consultation and learn how we can assist you.

Get your free consultation

What Is Medical Malpractice in Florida?

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to adhere to the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient. This can include errors in diagnosis, treatment, or aftercare. Florida law defines medical malpractice as a healthcare provider’s breach of the prevailing professional standard of care, which causes injury or death to a patient.

The law states: “The prevailing professional standard of care for a given health care provider shall be that level of care, skill, and treatment which, in light of all relevant surrounding circumstances, is recognized as acceptable and appropriate by reasonably prudent similar health care providers.”

While this sounds straightforward, it is much more complicated in application. It means that the standard of care will be determined by what other healthcare providers with the same training and experience would do in the same situation. In other words, a general practitioner may not be held to the same standard of care as a specialist. Furthermore, where you are treated may also determine the standard of care, along with many other factors.

Hiring a skilled Boca Raton medical malpractice lawyer is essential in these cases. They have the knowledge and resources to investigate your claim, consult with medical experts, and build a strong case for you. They can also help you understand your legal rights and options and fight to help you recover the full and fair compensation you need.

Types of Medical Malpractice Cases in Boca Raton

Medical malpractice can occur in various healthcare settings and involve different types of medical professionals. Some of the most common types of medical malpractice cases handled by Boca Raton medical malpractice lawyers include:

Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis is a serious issue that can lead to improper treatment, worsening of the patient’s condition, or even death. If a healthcare provider fails to diagnose a condition correctly or promptly, they may be liable for medical malpractice. Examples of conditions that are often misdiagnosed or diagnosed late include cancer, heart attacks, strokes, and infections.

Surgical Errors

Surgical errors can have devastating consequences for patients and their families. These errors can occur during any type of surgical procedure and may include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside the patient, or causing unintended damage to organs or tissues. Surgical errors can result in severe complications, additional surgeries, and long-term health problems.

Medication Errors

Medication errors are another common type of medical malpractice. These errors can happen when a healthcare provider prescribes the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or fails to consider potential drug interactions. Medication errors can lead to serious side effects, complications, or even death. Examples of medication errors include prescribing a drug that a patient is allergic to, administering an incorrect dose, or failing to monitor a patient’s response to a medication.

Birth Injuries

Birth injuries are a particularly tragic type of medical malpractice, as they can have lifelong consequences for the child and their family. Birth injuries can occur due to negligence or improper care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Examples include failure to monitor fetal distress, improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors, and failure to perform a timely C-section when necessary. Birth injuries can result in conditions such as cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and brain damage.

Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia errors can occur before, during, or after a surgical procedure and can have serious consequences for patients. These errors can happen when an anesthesiologist administers the wrong type or amount of anesthesia, fails to monitor the patient’s vital signs, or does not properly respond to complications during the procedure. Anesthesia errors can lead to brain damage, organ failure, or even death.

Nursing Home Negligence

Nursing home negligence is a growing concern as the population ages and more people require long-term care. As a haven for retirees, Boca Raton and the surrounding areas have dozens of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Negligence in nursing homes can take many forms, such as inadequate staffing, failure to prevent falls or bedsores, medication errors, and abuse or neglect of residents. Nursing home negligence can result in serious injuries, illnesses, and emotional trauma for vulnerable residents.

No matter what type of medical malpractice you or your loved one has suffered, you can turn to the lawyers at Grife Law Firm for caring guidance and assertive representation during each stage of the claims process.

How Do I Know If I Have a Medical Malpractice Case?

Determining whether you have a valid medical malpractice case can be complex. It requires a thorough understanding of medical standards and legal principles. Unlike most personal injury cases that are judged based on a “reasonableness” standard, medical malpractice cases are judged according to a “standard of care” laid out by Florida law.

Some signs that you may have a medical malpractice case include:

• Your condition worsened or you developed new symptoms after receiving medical treatment
• Your healthcare provider failed to diagnose your condition or made an incorrect diagnosis
• You experienced complications during or after a surgical procedure
• Your healthcare provider prescribed the wrong medication or dosage

If you suspect that you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, speak with a Boca Raton medical malpractice lawyer right away who can evaluate your case and advise you on the best course of action.

Why Do I Need a Medical Malpractice Lawyer?

When you or a loved one has suffered harm due to medical malpractice, it is essential to have an experienced Boca Raton medical malpractice lawyer on your side. Pursuing a medical malpractice claim is a challenging process and requires a deep understanding of medical and legal concepts. Here are several reasons why having a skilled lawyer is so important:

Investigating the Case and Gathering Evidence

A medical malpractice lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case to determine if malpractice occurred and gather the necessary evidence to support your claim. This process involves obtaining and reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing the facts of your case. Your lawyer will work to build a strong foundation for your claim and ensure that all relevant evidence is collected and preserved.

Consulting with Medical Experts

Medical malpractice cases often require the input and testimony of medical experts who can provide insight into the standard of care and whether the healthcare provider’s actions deviated from that standard. Your medical malpractice lawyer will have access to a network of respected medical experts who can review your case, provide expert opinions, and testify on your behalf if necessary. These experts can help strengthen your case and provide valuable support throughout the legal process.

Determining the Value of Your Case

Calculating the value of a medical malpractice case can be complex, as it involves considering various factors such as the severity of the injury, the extent of damages, and the impact on the patient’s life. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can assess the full scope of your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care costs. Your lawyer will work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for all of your losses.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance companies can be challenging, as they often prioritize their own financial interests over the well-being of injured patients. A medical malpractice lawyer will handle all communication and negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf, fighting for a fair settlement that covers your losses. Your lawyer will have experience dealing with insurance companies and will know how to navigate their tactics and protect your rights throughout the process.

Representing You in Court, If Necessary

While many medical malpractice cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, some cases may require going to trial. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your medical malpractice lawyer will be prepared to represent you in court and present a compelling case to a judge and jury. Your lawyer will have the trial experience and skills necessary to advocate for your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Having a skilled Boca Raton medical malpractice lawyer on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. A lawyer from Grife Law Firm will handle all aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery and well-being. If you believe you have a valid medical malpractice case in Boca Raton, don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss your case and explore your legal options.

Why Choose a Boca Raton Medical Malpractice Lawyer from Grife Law Firm

Choosing the right lawyer to represent you is a critical decision. At Grife Law Firm, our Boca Raton medical malpractice lawyers provide exceptional legal service as we fight for the rights of our clients and work to achieve the best possible results in every case we handle. Some aspects that set our firm apart include:

• Client Satisfaction and Results: We take the time to listen to our clients’ stories, understand their unique needs and concerns, and develop personalized legal strategies to help them pursue the financial recovery they need. Our track record of success speaks for itself, with numerous significant settlements and verdicts obtained on behalf of our clients.
• Awards and Honors: Our personal injury attorneys have received national recognition from various professional organizations and publications. We’ve earned top rankings from Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and Top 100 Trial Lawyers, among other honors. These awards are a testament to our firm’s commitment to excellence and the high-quality legal representation we provide to our clients.
• Experience in Medical Malpractice Cases: Our lawyers have extensive experience handling a wide range of medical malpractice cases. We know the law and how to navigate the complex legal and medical issues the cases involve.
• Local Knowledge and Connections: Grife Law Firm has deep roots in the Boca Raton community. Our lawyers have strong local knowledge and connections that can benefit our clients’ cases. We are familiar with the healthcare providers and facilities in the area and have experience navigating the local court systems and procedures. This local insight allows us to provide our clients with the individualized, focused representation they need.
• Access to Medical Experts and Resources: To build strong medical malpractice cases, it is often necessary to consult with medical experts who can provide insight into the standard of care and whether a healthcare provider’s actions deviated from that standard. Our firm has access to a network of respected medical experts who can review our clients’ cases, provide expert opinions, and testify on their behalf if necessary. We also have the resources to thoroughly investigate each case, gather evidence, and prepare compelling arguments to support our clients’ claims.
• Contingency Fee Arrangement: At Grife Law Firm, we believe that everyone should have access to high-quality legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we offer contingency fee arrangements for our medical malpractice clients. This means that we only receive a fee if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. You won’t have to pay any upfront costs or worry about legal bills while we work on your case, allowing you to focus on your recovery and well-being.

Contact Grife Law Firm for a free consultation with one of our experienced medical malpractice lawyers. Let us put our skills, experience, and dedication to work for you and help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.

The Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Process in Florida

If you wish to seek compensation through a medical malpractice claim, you should understand the lawsuit process in Florida. While every case is unique, the following steps outline the medical malpractice lawsuit process in the state so you know what to expect:

• Filing a complaint: The first step in a medical malpractice lawsuit is filing a complaint with the court. Your Boca Raton medical malpractice lawyer will draft a complaint that outlines the details of your case, including the parties involved, the alleged negligence, and the damages you have suffered. Your lawyer will file the complaint with the appropriate court, and authorities will serve the complaint to the defendants.
• Discovery phase: After your attorney files your complaint, the case enters the discovery phase. During this stage, both sides exchange information and evidence relevant to the case. This may include medical records, expert witness testimony, and depositions of the parties and witnesses involved. Your lawyer will use this phase to gather evidence to support your claim and build a solid case for you.
• Pre-suit investigation and expert affidavits: In Florida, before a medical malpractice lawsuit can be filed, the plaintiff must conduct a pre-suit investigation and obtain an affidavit from a medical expert. The expert must review the case and state that there are reasonable grounds to believe that medical negligence occurred. This affidavit must be included with the complaint when it is filed.
• Mandatory settlement conference: Florida law requires that the parties in a medical malpractice lawsuit participate in a mandatory settlement conference before the case can proceed to trial. During this conference, the parties will attempt to reach a mutually agreeable settlement with the help of their attorneys and a neutral third party, such as a mediator.
• Settlement negotiations: Throughout the lawsuit process, your Boca Raton medical malpractice lawyer will negotiate with the opposing party and their insurance companies to try to reach a fair resolution without going to trial. Settlement negotiations can occur at any time and may involve offers and counteroffers between the parties.
• Trial, if necessary: If the opposing party won’t negotiate a fair settlement, your case will proceed to trial. During the trial, your lawyer will present evidence and arguments to a judge and jury. They will show that the defendant’s negligence caused your injuries and that you are entitled to compensation. The trial process can be lengthy and stressful, but you can rely on an attorney from our firm to be there with you throughout the process, protecting your rights and fighting for your interests.

How Does Informed Consent Affect a Medical Malpractice Case?

Informed consent is a crucial aspect of medical treatment. Healthcare providers must disclose the risks, benefits, and alternatives to a proposed treatment or procedure. If a healthcare provider fails to obtain informed consent and the patient suffers harm as a result, it may constitute medical malpractice.

However, it is important to note that signing an informed consent form does not necessarily waive your right to pursue a medical malpractice claim if the healthcare provider’s negligence or wrongdoing caused your injuries. Many patients are under the mistaken impression that informed consent is a liability shield against medical malpractice claims. They think that because they signed the informed consent forms, they have no medical malpractice claim even though they suffered harm as a result of their treatment. This is not true, especially when the harm was caused by their healthcare provider’s negligence. However, you should seek immediate guidance from a Boca Raton medical malpractice attorney if you suffered harm from an undisclosed side effect or complication.

Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Cases in Florida

According to Florida’s statute of limitations, you have two years to file a lawsuit in a medical malpractice claim from the date the medical malpractice was discovered or was reasonably discovered. However, you may have up to four years to file your claim if the medical malpractice could not have been reasonably discovered within the two years.

There are also exceptions for malpractice cases involving fraud, concealment, or minor children, among others. Identifying the statute of limitations is critical to the success of your claim because you will lose all your rights if you fail to have an attorney file your lawsuit before the expiration of the deadline.

Your Boca Raton medical malpractice lawyer can help you understand how the statute of limitations applies to your specific case and ensure that they file your claim within the appropriate timeframe.

Boca Raton Medical Malpractice FAQs

Can nurses and other healthcare professionals be held liable for medical malpractice or medical negligence?

Yes, any licensed healthcare professional, including nurses, pharmacists, and therapists, can be held liable for medical malpractice if their negligence or wrongdoing causes harm to a patient.

What is my medical malpractice claim worth?

The value of your medical malpractice claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the extent of your economic and non-economic damages, and the strength of your case. Your Boca Raton medical malpractice lawyer can help you determine the potential value of your claim.

Will I have to go to court for my claim?

Not necessarily. Many medical malpractice cases are resolved through settlement negotiations without the need for a trial. However, you may have to go to court if the defendant or their legal counsel refuses to offer you a fair settlement or acts in bad faith regarding your claim.

Contact a Boca Raton Med Mal Attorney Today

Boca Raton Medical Malpractice Attorney, Michael K. Grife

If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to the negligence or wrongdoing of a healthcare provider, you must seek the guidance of a skilled Boca Raton medical malpractice lawyer immediately.

Contact Grife Law Firm today at (561) 998-0770 for your free consultation with one of our experienced Boca Raton personal Injury attorneys. We will listen to your story, evaluate your case, and develop a tailored strategy to help you pursue the best possible outcome. Let us fight for you and your family during this difficult time. We’ll work diligently to help you get maximum compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve endured because of a healthcare provider’s negligence.

The Grife Law Firm – Boca Raton Office

6111 Broken Sound Pkwy NW, Suite #300
Boca Raton, FL 33487

Phone: (561) 998-0770