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A relationship with a doctor is often considered one of the most important relationships people can have. That is why it can be so devastating to discover that you suffered a catastrophic injury because of your doctor’s negligent actions.
However, these incidents do happen, even in huge hospitals such as HCA Florida Largo West Hospital. Every day, innocent patients suffer debilitating harm or even lose their lives because of a health care professional’s negligent or reckless actions.
However, if you or a loved one endured these injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages you suffered. Better yet, with an experienced Largo medical malpractice attorney from Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, on your side, you will not have to fight for this financial recovery on your own. Instead, you can focus on getting better while these legal professionals get to work going after the justice you deserve.
Table of Contents
- How Dolman Law Can Help You
- Verifying if You Have a Valid Medical Malpractice Claim
- Common Examples of Medical Malpractice in Largo
- Financial Damages You Can Pursue Following a Largo Medical Malpractice Incident
- Taking on the Insurance Company
- How to Protect Your Legal Right
- Largo Medical Malpractice FAQs
How Our Law Firm Can Help You
Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA., is a law firm known for getting results. However, we are also known for handling cases dealing with many areas of personal injury law, including motor vehicle accidents, dangerous drugs and device incidents, and complex medical malpractice claims.
Yet, regardless of what issue you are going through, when you reach out to our firm, we can meet with you one-on-one to go over your case. Once hired, our attorneys can also work directly with you to meet your needs and handle your claim correctly. This includes identifying all potential sources of compensation you can go after and vigorously pursuing the money you need.
Due to this hard work, dedication, and personalized attention, we have assisted countless clients over the years and secured millions of dollars on their behalf. If you are looking for a medical malpractice lawyer in Largo, contact our experienced legal team for a free consultation. Our attorneys can meet with you virtually or in-person at one of our conveniently located locations, including our office in Largo, situated off Ulmerton Road on Block Boulevard.
Verifying if You Have a Valid Medical Malpractice Claim
Medical malpractice usually refers to a health care provider’s negligent act or omission that leads to below-average treatment, resulting in a patient’s harm. However, not every act or omission will be considered medical malpractice. In fact, to bring a medical malpractice claim in Largo, the patient would need to show that the following elements are present in their case:
Doctor and Patient Relationship Existed
Before pursuing a medical malpractice claim, you must establish a relationship between the doctor and yourself. This relationship often forms when the doctor decides to treat a patient, and the patient agrees to be treated by the doctor, which may include providing treatment plans, diagnostics, and other medical care.
There Was a Standard of Care Breach
Certain types of standards are recognized as acceptable medical treatments by other medical care professionals in the same or similar circumstances. As a result, patients have a right to expect that their medical care professional will meet these standards. If they do not, the doctor or other health care worker acted negligently.
The Negligence Caused the Injury
If you are looking to pursue a medical malpractice claim, it is not enough to show that a doctor violated your standard of care. You would also have to show that the medical care professional’s negligence resulted in your injury and that this injury would not have occurred without negligence.
Significant Monetary Damages Resulted From the Injuries
Unfortunately, because medical malpractice claims are so expensive to litigate, if you sustained harm due to a doctor’s negligence, you will often have to show that you suffered significant financial damages due to your medical malpractice injuries. If the damages are too minor, the costs of pursuing this lawsuit can be more costly than the potential economic recovery.
Common Examples of Medical Malpractice in Largo
While medical malpractice can include many different issues, in Largo, some of the more common matters that make up these medical malpractice claims include:
- Unnecessary surgeries
- Improper reading of lab results
- Ignoring labs
- Not diagnosing a health issue
- Misdiagnosing
- Performing surgery on the wrong site
- Not properly administering medications or giving a patient the incorrect dosage
- Discharging a patient prematurely
- Not recognizing a patient’s symptoms
- Not ordering the proper medical tests
- Not taking into account the patient’s medical history
- Not following up with the patient after their treatment
- Providing poor aftercare
However, because of the factors that go into establishing a medical malpractice case, not every medical mistake will lead to a valid legal claim. For these reasons, if you suffered harm due to the wrongful actions of a doctor or other health care professional, reach out to an experienced Largo medical malpractice attorney at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA as soon as possible. Our lawyers can review the incident, determine if you have a valid legal case, and help you go after the compensation you deserve.
The Financial Damages You Can Pursue Following a Largo Medical Malpractice Incident
Depending on the facts of your incident, you may be entitled to certain types of compensation for the harm and losses you endured. In Florida, this compensation can include both economic and non-economic monetary damages:
Economic Damages
These damages compensate injured patients for their actual losses due to medical malpractice.
These damages usually include compensation for things like:
- Medical expenses related to doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medications, surgeries, and other medical treatments
- Future ongoing medical treatments
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Rehabilitation costs
Non-Economic Damages
These damages refer to payment for the hard to quantify losses such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of enjoyment and quality of life
- Disfigurement
Due to the number of factors involved in proving these damages, work with a knowledgeable Largo medical malpractice attorney following your malpractice incident. At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, our attorneys can review your claim, figure out which of these damages apply to you and your case, and help you go after the maximum compensation you deserve.
The Local Issues You Should Know About
No matter if you suffered harm because of a health care professional’s negligence at HCA Florida Largo Hospital or Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Largo, some local issues can affect your claim and hurt your chance of success.
The statute of limitations is a law that mandates how much time a person has to file a legal case following an alleged offense. If these individuals fail to file their claim within the allotted time, they may not be able to pursue legal action to obtain compensation for the harm and losses they endured.
In Florida, for example, ordinary negligence causes of action have a four-year statute of limitations. However, the state has also codified a two-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice accidents, with a four-year statute of repose and a seven-year cap for cases that involve intentional misrepresentation, concealment, and fraud by a medical care provider defendant. Yet, if the patient is a minor of eight years or younger, the seven-year cap does not bar an action brought on behalf of the minor or before the child’s eighth birthday.
Due to these rules and exceptions, you must file your case within the allotted statutory period. Reach out to a knowledgeable Largo medical malpractice lawyer at the Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA as soon as you can.
Our attorneys can not only determine the maximum amount of time you have to file your case but can also prepare and submit your legal motions, files, and documents to the proper court before this time expires.
Taking on the Insurance Company Following a Medical Malpractice Incident
Generally, in a malpractice suit, the patient will take on the at-fault party’s insurance company rather than the liable healthcare worker. However, this does not mean obtaining compensation for your harm and losses will be easy. Most of the time, the opposite is true.
The insurance company, like other businesses, wants to make a profit, and the less these insurers pay you, the more money they make. Consequently, these insurers and their adjusters will do everything they can to get you to admit to something that can impact your claim.
For these reasons, before you make any statements to the insurance company, you should go over the case with an experienced Largo medical malpractice lawyer. These lawyers can help you understand the tactics these insurers may try on you and, more importantly, take over these conversations on your behalf, ensuring you do not say anything that can hurt your claim.
Protecting Your Legal Rights Following a Medical Malpractice Incident in Largo
Following a medical malpractice incident, you likely have many questions regarding what you should do and who you should reach out to. And while the last thing you want to do under these circumstances is worry about these specifics, the actions you take after this incident can help protect your health and your legal rights.
For these reasons, after a medical malpractice accident, you should:
Reach out to Another Medical Professional
After you suffer harm because of medical malpractice, you have to put your health first. This means you want to get the medical care you need or continue seeking medical treatment. However, get treatment from a different medical professional, not the one that injured you.
This is because if the doctor knows you are considering pursuing legal action against them, they may try to change medical records or interject treatments that will minimize your chance of bringing a successful claim. Consequently, if possible, try not to go back to the original doctor and instead see a new one as soon as possible.
Get Records Immediately
Another thing you should do is quickly get a copy of all your medical records. This can help prevent the medical care worker or others from tampering, listing, or changing your medical files to support their case.
Be Careful What You Say
While you may believe that voicing your opinions can help your stress levels, you should be careful what you say to others about this incident or what you post on social media. Remember, the other side is looking for any reason to deny your claim, and they can use these statements and posts to hurt your case.
As a result, avoid saying anything or posting about the medical malpractice incident on your social media accounts or in online support groups.
Provide Documentation to Your Attorney
Largo Medical Malpractice Lawyer, Matthew Dolman
After you get the medical treatment you need and get your medical condition under control, gather all of your evidence, including your medical report, bills, and expenses related to your injuries, and present them to a skilled Largo medical malpractice attorney. These lawyers can use this evidence to help prove what happened, who was at fault, and the extent of your damages as they go after the maximum compensation you deserve.
Largo Medical Malpractuce Lawyer Near Me 833-552-7274
Contact a Largo Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
If a medical malpractice incident harmed you or a family member in Largo, do not wait to get the legal help you require to take on this challenging legal ordeal. Instead, contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, today, at (866) 826-1298 for your free case evaluation and find out how our law firm can help you fight for your rights and the justice you deserve.
Largo Office Location
10225 Ulmerton Road; Bldg. 6
Largo, FL, 33771
(866) 826-1298
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“AMAZING and understanding attorneys! Did great on my case and I highly recommend Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA for anyone that has been injured in an accident!”
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Jan 2020
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Largo Medical Malpractice FAQs
Until you can speak with an experienced medical malpractice attorney about your specific concerns following a medical malpractice incident in Largo, we have prepared answers to the following frequently asked questions our clients often have following this devastating incident.
With the below responses, we hope you have the clarity you need to know what you should do next, the legal remedies you can pursue, and how our experienced Largo medical malpractice attorneys can fight for the financial damages you deserve.
How Do You Know if You Have a Valid Medical Malpractice Legal Claim in Largo?
When it comes to medical malpractice and being able to bring a legal claim, it takes more than just showing you received a bad outcome because of a surgical procedure, medical treatment, or therapy. The doctors and the hospital may not give you an honest answer about what went wrong when you go to them to find out what happened.
As a result, if you want to know whether you or a family member have a valid medical malpractice legal claim in Largo, you should reach out to an experienced Largo medical malpractice attorney at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA. When you choose our firm, we can review your medical records, determine if a medical mistake caused your severe injuries, and pursue a legal claim on your behalf, if possible.
Can You Sue the Largo Medical Center Hospital for Medical Malpractice?
In Largo, you may be able to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit against any medical care worker and provider that was involved in your medical care and treatment and whose negligence resulted in your harm or the death of a loved one.
This means. you can pursue legal action against:
- Hospitals
- Doctors
- Nurses
- Psychologists
- Physical therapists
- Anesthesiologists
- Pharmacists and pharmacies
- Clinics and Urgent Cares
- Laboratories
- Surgeons
- Chiropractors
- Radiologists
However, due to the number of people you may be able to sue following a medical malpractice incident, it may be in your best interest to reach out to a knowledgeable Largo medical malpractice attorney. These lawyers can promptly review what happened, determine who was at fault for the incident, and help you hold all those responsible for your losses and injuries accountable.
How Much Is Your Largo Medical Malpractice Case Worth?
Although you may be able to pursue specific damages following your Largo medical malpractice incident, no lawyer can tell you exactly how much your case is worth.
This amount often depends on:
- The severity and extent of the harm you endured
- Whether the injuries resulted in a permanent disability
- The certainty of the pain and whether it will continue
- The extent of the medical treatments needed following the incident
- Whether these medical treatments need to continue in the future
- Did the injury affect your way of life and the ability to take part in ordinary and everyday activities
- The ability to work following the injury and the amount of lost income that resulted
- The reliability of the witnesses and the evidence presented
- The defendant’s culpability
Fortunately, when you work with an experienced Largo medical malpractice attorney at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, you will not have to try to figure out these things on your own. Instead, these legal professionals can review each of these elements, figure out whether they affect your claim, and prepare solid legal arguments in response to them as they fight for the maximum amount of money you need.
If You Signed a Medical Waiver and Release Form, Can You Still Sue for Medical Malpractice if Something Happened?
Before a medical procedure or medical treatment, patients will likely have to sign waivers and release forms. These forms will ask for informed consent, list the risks of being treated, and often include language that requires patients to release their right to sue. If a patient does not agree to these terms, they likely will not be able to get the medical treatment they need.
Yet, even if a patient signs these forms, it does not mean they have no legal recourse available if something happens to them. Typically, when a patient signs these waivers, they indicate they understand the medical procedure’s risks. However, they are not suggesting that they consent to a medical doctor committing medical malpractice due to their negligence or incompetence.
For these reasons, if you believe you sustained harm because of medical malpractice, even if you signed a consent form, you should reach out to a skilled Largo medical malpractice lawyer. Your attorneys can determine whether you can pursue a legal claim for the trauma you suffered and help you go after the compensation you are entitled to.
If a Healthcare Professional is Not an Employee of the Hospital, Can You Sue the Hospital for Medical Malpractice if You Suffered an Injury?
If a medical care professional employed by the hospital harmed you, then you may hold the hospital liable for their actions. For instance, if a nurse employed by the hospital gives a patient the wrong medication, the hospital can be held accountable for this mistake and any harm resulting to the patient.
Yet, if the hospital does not employ the health care professional, they are independent contractors, which makes holding the hospital liable for their actions difficult, even if the malpractice occurred in their facility.
Some exceptions apply to this rule. For instance, if the hospital failed to clarify that the doctor was not their employee, you may be able to sue the hospital for the medical care professional’s malpractice. Yet, if the malpractice occurred in the emergency room and the hospital could not inform you of the doctor’s status, you cannot sue them for the independent contractor’s mistakes.
However, to determine your specific legal options, you should discuss your case with a knowledgeable Largo medical malpractice lawyer. These attorneys can help you figure out which parties you can pursue legal action against following your medical malpractice incident.
Do You Need an Expert Witness in Your Largo Medical Malpractice Lawsuit?
If a medical malpractice incident harmed you in Largo, having expert medical testimony is critical in your malpractice claim. According to Florida’s laws, all medical professionals must perform their duties under the normal professional standard of care that a reasonably prudent medical care professional would have used.
However, to prove that the medical professional did not abide by the required standard of care, you have to hire an experienced medical expert witness to show otherwise.
These experts are often qualified healthcare professionals who can testify to how the at-fault medical care professional violated the standard of care and caused harm. These experts can also help in the discovery phase and provide the patient’s attorney with expert medical knowledge that can help the case.
However, to get the right medical expert to testify on your case’s behalf, one who meets the state’s expert witness requirements, you should reach out to a knowledgeable Largo medical malpractice attorney at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA. Your attorneys can work with the appropriate medical experts who can take on your legal claim and help you go after the financial recovery you deserve.
Will All Medical Malpractice Cases Go to Trial in Largo?
Due to the expenses and time involved in litigating a medical malpractice claim, most of these cases will resolve through a negotiated settlement. This means that even those many cases make it through the pre-suit phase and into litigation, these claims will likely not get to the trial portion, as only a small number of cases get to this phase.
In fact, at any point during the trial, which can go up until the jury reaches a verdict, the parties can still reach a settlement agreement. That is why a settlement is often the primary way these cases resolve.
Yet, to determine your specific legal options in the settlement and trial process, discuss your case with a knowledgeable Largo medical malpractice attorney. We can walk you through everything involved in your legal claim and help you understand what you may expect from your case.
How Long Will It Take for a Largo Medical Malpractice Case to Resolve?
Most medical malpractice cases take time to settle. However, if the case goes to trial, this process can take longer. Plus, if the potential compensation exceeds the millions, the timeline to resolve the matter will also increase, sometimes going past five years.
As a result, there is no way for your attorney to know exactly how long it will take for your medical malpractice case to conclude, especially because of the complex issues involved in these cases, such as:
- Did the medical malpractice lead to a wrongful death?
- Do you still need to treat the condition that resulted from the medical malpractice, or have you or your loved one recovered from the harm that resulted from the medical negligence?
- Will you or your family member require permanent medical care in an attempt to recover from the medical negligence that took place?
- Your age at the time of the incident
- The ability to continue to function normally following the incident
- The ability to complete everyday activities without assistance
- The amount of lost income
- And numerous other factors that can affect this timeline
How Can Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA., Help You Following a Medical Malpractice Incident in Largo?
Unfortunately, bringing a legal claim following a medical malpractice incident in Largo can be a complicated ordeal that involves gathering detailed and relevant evidence and preparing strong legal arguments to prove your case. However, following this horrifying incident, this is probably the last thing you want to worry about.
Fortunately, when you retain an experienced Largo medical malpractice lawyer from Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, you will not have to take on this complex legal fight on your own.
Instead, when you hire our legal team, we can:
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Go over your malpractice incident in detail, evaluate whether you have a valid case, and provide the advice you need.
- Answer your questions and go over your concerns while ensuring we maintain communication with you throughout this whole ordeal to make sure you make the best decision for your individual needs.
- Investigate the incident, figure out what happened, who was at fault, and gather the relevant evidence required to prove damages and liability.
- Handle all the communications with the other side, treating you and your case with the respect you deserve.
- Bring in qualified medical experts to validate your claim.
- Take your case to trial if the other side refuses to get you the money you need, and fight for maximum financial damages.
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