When we seek medical care in Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie, or the surrounding Treasure Coast, we place our lives in the hands of healthcare professionals. While most providers are dedicated to their patients, errors in judgment or procedure can lead to life-altering consequences. At Altman Law Firm, we understand the physical and emotional toll that medical negligence takes on families. Jeffrey S. Altman is committed to helping residents throughout St. Lucie County navigate the complexities of Florida medical malpractice law to seek the accountability they deserve.
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider—whether a surgeon, nurse, or primary care physician—fails to meet the accepted professional standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient. In growing areas like St. Lucie West and Tradition, the demand for medical services is high, which can sometimes lead to rushed assessments or administrative oversights. Common issues include surgical errors, failure to diagnose serious conditions like cancer or heart disease, and medication mistakes. Navigating these cases requires a deep understanding of Florida Statutes Chapter 766, which governs the specific procedures for medical negligence claims in our state.
Florida law imposes strict requirements before a medical malpractice lawsuit can even be filed. This includes a mandatory pre-suit investigation period where a medical professional in the same field must review the records and provide a verified written medical expert opinion that negligence occurred. Additionally, the statute of limitations for these cases in Florida is generally two years from the time the injury was discovered or should have been discovered. Because these timelines are rigid and the procedural hurdles are significant, it is vital to begin the review of your records as soon as you suspect something went wrong during your treatment in a St. Lucie County facility.
Whether you are dealing with the aftermath of a birth injury or the wrongful death of a family member due to a hospital error, the impact is devastating. We serve clients across St. Lucie County, from the historic neighborhoods of Fort Pierce to the newer developments in Port St. Lucie. Our approach is centered on empathy and thoroughness. We look at the long-term needs of our clients, considering how an injury affects their ability to work and their quality of life. By focusing on the details of your care and the specific standards expected of Florida medical providers, we aim to build a comprehensive case for the damages you have suffered.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is generally two years from the date the incident occurred or from the date the injury was or should have been discovered. However, there is a 'statute of repose' which generally prevents claims from being filed more than four years after the actual incident, regardless of discovery, with limited exceptions for fraud or concealment.
To succeed in a claim, it must be established that a healthcare provider owed you a duty of care, that they breached that duty by failing to follow the accepted professional standard of care, and that this breach directly caused your injury and resulting damages.
Yes. Signing a consent form means you were informed of the known risks of a procedure, but it does not give a healthcare provider permission to be negligent. If your injury was caused by a deviation from the standard of care rather than a known, inherent risk of the surgery, you may still have a valid claim.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system. If a patient is found to be partially at fault for their own harm—for example, by failing to follow post-operative instructions—their recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault. However, if the patient is more than 50% at fault, they may be barred from recovering damages entirely.
Potential damages in a medical malpractice case may include economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. Florida law regarding caps on non-economic damages has changed significantly due to court rulings, so it is important to discuss the current legal landscape with an attorney.
If you suspect medical negligence has impacted your life in St. Lucie County, contact Altman Law Firm today for a confidential consultation to discuss your legal options. Call (305) 373-3730.