Trusting a healthcare provider is a fundamental part of seeking medical care. When that trust is broken due to negligence, the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. Whether you were treated at a facility in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or elsewhere in Lee County, medical errors like misdiagnosis, surgical mistakes, or birth injuries can change your life forever. At the Altman Law Firm, led by Jeffrey S. Altman, we help patients and their families navigate the complex legal landscape of Florida medical malpractice claims. We are committed to holding negligent doctors, hospitals, and healthcare professionals accountable while providing you with compassionate legal guidance during this difficult time.
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare professional deviates from the accepted standard of care, resulting in patient harm. In Lee County, this can happen in emergency rooms, surgical centers, or routine doctor visits. Common claims involve delayed diagnosis, medication errors, anesthesia mistakes, and birth injuries. Proving these claims requires a thorough investigation of medical records and a clear understanding of Florida healthcare laws to establish that the provider failed to act as a reasonably prudent professional would under similar circumstances.
Pursuing a medical malpractice claim in Florida involves strict procedural requirements. For instance, the state enforces a specific statute of limitations, generally requiring patients to file a lawsuit within two years of discovering the injury. Additionally, Florida law mandates a complex pre-suit investigation process, which includes obtaining an affidavit from a qualified medical provider confirming that negligence likely occurred. The Altman Law Firm is experienced in managing these intricate procedural hurdles for clients throughout Lee County, ensuring that every filing deadline and legal requirement is carefully addressed.
Facing a large hospital system or insurance company can feel incredibly daunting. Our Miami-based practice represents clients across Florida, including Lee County, bringing extensive experience to complex injury cases. Jeffrey S. Altman and our legal team will meticulously review your medical history, consult with relevant healthcare providers, and build a comprehensive case to pursue the compensation you need for additional medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. While past results cannot predict future outcomes, we are dedicated to advocating fiercely for your rights every step of the way.
Under Florida law, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally two years from the date you knew, or reasonably should have known, that the injury was caused by medical negligence. There is also a statute of repose that typically caps this at four years from the actual incident, with some exceptions for fraud or minor children.
You must establish that a doctor-patient relationship existed, the healthcare provider breached the accepted standard of care, this breach directly caused your injury, and you suffered actual damages as a result. This usually requires testimony from medical professionals in the same field.
Yes, having a pre-existing condition does not bar you from pursuing a claim. However, you must demonstrate that the medical negligence aggravated your condition or caused a new, distinct injury. Florida follows a comparative negligence system, which may also play a role if multiple factors contributed to your current health status.
Liability can extend to various healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, pharmacists, and the hospitals or clinics where the negligent care took place. We investigate all parties involved in your treatment to identify who is legally responsible.
No. Reading the information on this website or reaching out to us for an initial consultation does not establish an attorney-client relationship. That relationship is only formed once a formal representation agreement is signed by both you and the Altman Law Firm.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence in Lee County, contact the Altman Law Firm today to discuss your legal options. Call (305) 373-3730.