When a medical treatment makes you or a loved one worse instead of better, it can turn your life upside down. You might be wondering if what happened was a tragic complication or if a medical malpractice attorney should review it. You may also be worried about bills, long-term health, and how to get honest answers.
At Raposo & Lukacs, our team works with patients and families who are living with the consequences of serious medical mistakes. We help investigate what went wrong and explain whether Florida law may treat it as medical malpractice. Our attorneys guide people through difficult decisions at a time when it is hard to think clearly.
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care and a patient is harmed as a result. The “standard of care” refers to the level and type of treatment that a reasonably competent medical professional would provide under similar circumstances.
Not every poor medical outcome qualifies as malpractice. To have a valid claim, it must generally be shown that:
A doctor-patient relationship existed
The provider acted negligently or failed to act appropriately
The negligence caused injury or harm
The patient suffered damages as a result
Our Coral Gables medical malpractice lawyer can evaluate your case and determine whether negligence played a role in your injury.
Common Forms of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can occur in hospitals, clinics, emergency rooms, and private practices. Some of the most common types of cases include:
Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Failing to diagnose a condition—or diagnosing it too late—can allow illnesses to worsen and reduce treatment options.
Surgical Errors: Mistakes during surgery may include operating on the wrong body part, leaving instruments inside the patient, or causing avoidable complications.
Medication Errors: Errors involving incorrect prescriptions, dosages, or drug interactions can cause severe reactions and health issues.
Birth Injuries: Negligence during pregnancy, labor, or delivery can lead to serious injuries for both mother and child.
Anesthesia Errors: Improper administration or monitoring of anesthesia can result in brain damage, cardiac complications, or death.
Failure to Treat: When a provider diagnoses a condition but fails to provide proper treatment or follow-up care, patients may suffer avoidable harm.
Florida Medical Malpractice Laws
Florida has specific laws that govern medical malpractice claims, making it essential to work with an experienced legal team familiar with local and state regulations.
Key aspects of Florida medical malpractice law include:
Statute of Limitations: In most cases, patients have two years from the date the injury was discovered (or should have been discovered) to file a claim.
Pre-Suit Requirements: Florida requires a pre-suit investigation and notice before filing a lawsuit, including obtaining an affidavit from a medical expert.
Comparative Negligence: Compensation may be reduced if the patient is found partially responsible for their injury.
Damage Rules: Florida law outlines how economic and non-economic damages are evaluated and awarded.
Because these laws are complex and deadlines are strict, speaking with a Coral Gables medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible can help protect your claim.
Who is Liable?
Liability in a medical malpractice case depends on who was responsible for the negligent act. Multiple parties may be held accountable, including:
Physicians and surgeons
Nurses and medical staff
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Anesthesiologists
Pharmacists
Specialists and consultants
Healthcare institutions may also be liable for failing to properly hire, train, or supervise employees. Determining liability requires careful investigation and expert analysis, which is why experienced legal representation is essential.
Compensation Available to Injured Patients
Victims of medical malpractice may be entitled to financial compensation for the harm they’ve suffered. A successful claim may include damages such as:
Economic Damages
Medical expenses (past and future)
Rehabilitation and therapy costs
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Long-term care needs
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disability or disfigurement
Wrongful Death Damages
If malpractice results in death, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral costs, loss of support, and emotional suffering.
OurCoral Gables medical malpractice attorney at Raposo & Lukacs will work to calculate the full extent of your damages and pursue maximum compensation.
The following are some frequently asked questions about medical malpractice claims:
How do I know if I have a valid medical malpractice claim?
If you experienced harm due to a healthcare provider’s actions or inaction, an attorney can review your case, consult medical experts, and determine whether negligence occurred.
How long do I have to file a claim in Florida?
Typically, you have two years from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered. Exceptions may apply, so it’s important to seek legal advice quickly.
What evidence is needed in a malpractice case?
Medical records, expert opinions, treatment history, and documentation of damages are critical components of a strong claim.
Do I have to go to court?
Many cases are resolved through settlement negotiations. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, your attorney may recommend pursuing the case in court.
How much is my case worth?
The value depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries, long-term impact, medical costs, and emotional suffering. Each case is unique.
Can I sue a hospital?
Yes. Hospitals may be held liable for staff negligence, improper policies, or inadequate supervision that contributed to your injury.
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Many people reach out to us after a sudden change in a loved one’s condition, an unexplained complication, or a loss that no one at the hospital can clearly explain. Our team handles claims involving medical negligence, including situations with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers. We know how confusing and emotional this time can be, and we work to provide steady guidance.
Medical negligence can arise in many ways. These may include missed or delayed diagnoses that allow a disease to worsen, mistakes during surgery or anesthesia, medication or dosage errors, failures to monitor vital signs, and injuries related to labor and delivery. We listen carefully to what happened to you, then look at whether the care appears to have fallen below accepted medical standards.
When you contact Raposo & Lukacs, we start by gathering information and records so we can understand the full picture. Our attorneys review the timeline of events and, when appropriate, seek input from qualified medical professionals who can evaluate whether those involved followed reasonable practices. We then discuss with you whether pursuing a claim may be appropriate and what that process could look like.
Throughout this process, we place a strong emphasis on communication. Clients often tell us that having a legal team answer questions in plain language helps them feel less overwhelmed. We strive to return calls, explain what is happening with the case, and respect the emotional weight of discussing medical injuries.
To get started on your claim, contact our firm today.
When the stakes are high, you need a legal team that won’t flinch. We are aggressive, strategic, and relentless in our pursuit of justice. Our track record speaks for itself—when we take on a case, we fight to win.
When Everything Is on the Line, We Deliver.
High-value cases demand precision, experience, and fearless representation. We take on the toughest legal battles, standing firm against powerful opponents to secure the best possible outcome for our clients.
Powerful Representation
We don’t handle minor claims—we focus on complex, high-stakes cases where the results matter most. Our firm is built on the principles of aggressive litigation, tactical strategy, and an unwavering commitment to winning.
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Your legal battle isn’t just another case to us—it’s your future, your financial security, and your peace of mind. We take a personal stake in every case we handle, fighting with determination to deliver the justice and compensation you deserve.
