Daytona Beach Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider's actions or inaction fall short of the accepted standards of the medical community, resulting in patient harm or even death. This type of professional negligence often arises from medical errors. When doctors, healthcare staff, or medical equipment do not meet the required level of care, our dedicated team of medical malpractice lawyers in Daytona Beach is committed to helping those impacted by these incidents, aiming to alleviate some of the challenges they face.

To schedule a consultation with the team at Buckmaster & Ellzey, contact us online or by calling (888) 785-6548. 

Understanding Medical Malpractice and Its Impact on Victims

Medical malpractice is a serious concern, often cited as a leading cause of death in the United States, following heart disease and cancer. In the past decade, billions of dollars have been spent on malpractice settlements, highlighting the frequency and financial burden of such cases. The responsibilities of healthcare professionals are immense, and even minor errors can lead to severe or life-threatening consequences for patients. Therefore, doctors and medical staff are expected to adhere to a high standard of care.

Medical professionals can be held accountable when these standards are unmet and negligence leads to patient harm. However, it's important to note that not every unfavorable medical outcome is due to malpractice. A valid claim requires proof that a healthcare provider's negligence directly caused injury or damage. If you suspect you are a victim of medical malpractice, reaching out to an experienced malpractice attorney is crucial. A skilled attorney will thoroughly review the specifics of your case, including collecting medical records and conducting interviews, to help you navigate the complexities of your claim and seek the justice you deserve.

When Does an Error Become a Medical Malpractice Claim?

Medical professionals have various responsibilities, and errors can occur in multiple aspects of care. Here are some of the most prevalent types of medical malpractice:

• Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis: When a healthcare provider fails to identify an illness or provides an incorrect diagnosis, it can result in inappropriate treatment or delay necessary care, potentially worsening the condition.
• Anesthesia errors: Mistakes in administering anesthesia, such as incorrect dosage or failure to monitor patient responses, can lead to severe complications, including brain damage or even death.
• Surgical mistakes: Errors during surgery can include operating on the wrong site, leaving instruments inside the body, or causing unexpected damage to organs and tissues, which can have devastating consequences.
• Defective medical products: When medical devices or products used in treatment are flawed, they can malfunction, causing injury or requiring additional surgery to correct the problem.
• Prescription drug errors: These occur when a patient is prescribed the wrong medication or incorrect dosage or experiences harmful interactions with other prescribed drugs, potentially leading to significant health issues.
• Mistakes during childbirth: Errors during labor and delivery, such as improper use of delivery tools or failure to respond to fetal distress, can lead to injuries like cerebral palsy or Erb's palsy, affecting the child's long-term health and quality of life.

If you or someone you love has suffered harm or loss due to a healthcare provider's error, it's critical to understand your rights to seek compensation. Our dedicated medical malpractice attorneys in Daytona Beach are committed to guiding you through the complexities of your case, helping you understand potential compensation, and exploring your options to achieve justice for your injuries and losses.

Statute of Limitations on Medical Malpractice Cases 

Understanding the statute of limitations is crucial when filing a medical malpractice claim in Florida. The law allows patients or their representatives two years from the date they discovered or should have discovered, through reasonable diligence, that an injury has occurred and may be linked to malpractice. This definition is derived from the Florida statute and several court decisions that clarify what constitutes an awareness of the "incident," as mentioned in the law. Additionally, Florida enforces a strict statute of repose, which limits the ability to sue no more than four years after the malpractice event, barring fraud, concealment, or misrepresentation. In most cases, claims cannot be made beyond this four-year window, even if malpractice is discovered later.

Contact Our Experienced Daytona Beach Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Medical malpractice cases are complicated and expensive to pursue. The Daytona Beach medical malpractice lawyers at Buckmaster & Ellzey understand the complex issues associated with these cases. Our team is ready to represent you in medical malpractice claims involving birth injuries, brain injuries, strokes, heart attacks, surgical errors, misdiagnosis, prescription errors, hospital errors, and other serious injuries. 

To schedule a consultation with the team at Buckmaster & Ellzey, contact us online or by calling (888) 785-6548.