Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is a serious issue. While most of us have little choice but to trust our healthcare providers to keep us safe, the reality is that doctors and hospitals make mistakes with alarming frequency. In fact, according to Johns Hopkins, medical malpractice is the third-leading cause of death in the United States, behind only heart disease and cancer. That is why our medical malpractice lawyers are second to none when helping clients get the compensation they deserve.

At Rue & Ziffra Law Offices, we provide experienced, compassionate, and aggressive legal representation for victims of medical malpractice. With four office locations in Volusia, Flagler, and Seminole Counties, we handle cases against hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and other healthcare providers throughout the local area. Our medical malpractice department focuses solely on representing individuals and families who are struggling to cope with the effects of medical mistakes; and with an experienced nurse on staff, we are able to quickly and thoroughly assess our clients’ claims for financial compensation.

What Is Medical Malpractice?

What is medical malpractice? Simply put, medical malpractice occurs whenever a healthcare provider fails to diagnose or treat a patient with the appropriate level of care. It can be a doctor, registered nurse, clinician, hospital administrator, or another healthcare provider that makes the mistake. However, when that mistake results in care that falls below the customary medical standard of care, the patient (or their family) is entitled to seek financial compensation for any ensuing losses. This includes not only medical expenses for proper treatment – but for other related out-of-pocket expenses, loss of income, pain, and suffering, and other financial and non-financial losses.

As a patient, it is not always easy to tell if your medical condition is the result of malpractice. While some mistakes may be obvious (such as failure to diagnose a broken bone), others may not be clear without a thorough understanding of the relevant medical and legal principles. When you contact us, we do not expect you to know that you have a claim. We expect you to have questions, and we are more than happy to provide the answers you need to make informed decisions.

Why Choose Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers?

An unfavorable result following medical treatment does not necessarily mean that you have a medical malpractice claim. Furthermore, even when medical professionals make mistakes, these mistakes may not ultimately be responsible for the unfavorable results. Sometimes the results are just inevitable.

Even when the mistakes are clear and the consequences apparent, the legal issues remain complicated. Medical malpractice claims are incredibly difficult to pursue, and very few doctors are sanctioned for their mistakes. For these reasons, it is extremely important to exercise caution when selecting medical malpractice lawyers.

For over four decades, injured patients and families across Daytona BeachDelandPalm Coast, and Port Orange have chosen Rue & Ziffra to represent them in complex medical malpractice claims. Clients turn to our knowledgeable team because:

Our medical malpractice lawyers are focused on medical malpractice claims

We have extensive experience handling complicated claims involving medical errors, and our knowledgeable legal team is prepared to thoroughly investigate your case. We will need to show exactly what happened and identify every party that may be held responsible. Our team will gather all the evidence and consult with outside medical experts to show that there is a clear basis for your claim.

Our law firm has the resources to build a strong claim for maximum damages

As our legal team prepares claims for damages, we often collaborate with experts in such areas as medicine, vocational rehabilitation, and economics, as well as such specialties as neuropsychology, geriatrics, pediatrics, or child development, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. In appropriate cases and with the permission and assistance of our client, our damages presentation may also include the creation of a “day-in-the-life” video to illustrate how negligent medical care has changed our client’s life. Our team goes above and beyond to demonstrate what full and fair compensation should be for our clients.

Our attorneys treat clients like we would our own family

We understand how important it is to have a compassionate bedside manner. We take the time to listen to you, answer your questions, and ensure you understand what to expect in your medical malpractice claim. Just as we would for a family member, we commit to having a partner in our firm oversee each case, rather than handing off claims to a “case manager.” Our attorneys are always available to personally speak with you about the progress of your case.

Our medical malpractice lawyers have built a reputation for success

Rue & Ziffra is recognized throughout the legal community for its commitment to aggressive litigation on behalf of deserving clients and families. We are recognized throughout the state for our ability to investigate the malpractice issues, present the detailed evidence of negligence necessary to establish a client’s right to compensation, and provide a documented damages calculation that can withstand a defense attorney’s attack. This reputation frequently earns us referrals from other attorneys.

How does a Medical Malpractice Claim Work?

Pursuing a claim in Florida can be a complex and time-consuming process. The initial steps in the case will include:

  • Getting copies of your medical records
  • Asking medical professionals to review your records
  • Interviewing witnesses

Once the initial investigation is complete, your lawyer will file a lawsuit or complaint. The complaint typically is filed in the court of the Florida county where the medical malpractice occurred. However, a complaint could also be filed in a federal court.

In Florida, a complaint must include an affidavit, or sworn statement, from your lawyer. The affidavit must state:

  • Your lawyer consulted with a medical expert
  • The expert was qualified to review your case by virtue of experience and demonstrated competence
  • The expert has determined in a written report that there is a “reasonable and meritorious cause” for filing a lawsuit in your case.

The amount of time it takes to resolve your case after the filing of a complaint will depend on the other side’s cooperation with answering questions and providing documents relevant to your case.

This is a formal evidence-gathering process called “discovery.” In some situations, a court order may need to be obtained to force the other side to comply with a discovery request. The time it takes to resolve the claims process also will depend on whether the medical professional involved in your case is willing to admit fault and agree to a full and fair settlement of your claim.

In many cases, a claim can be resolved without the need to go to trial. However, if a malpractice settlement cannot be reached, you can be assured that your lawyer from Rue & Ziffra, will be well-prepared to take your case to trial.

A trial may focus on both establishing the medical professional’s legal responsibility, or “liability,” and the number of damages you should recover. In some situations, the fault may be admitted, and a trial may focus only on damages. Settlement talks may continue through trial or even after a verdict is returned. Once a settlement or verdict is reached in your case, your lawyer will work efficiently to resolve any claims that may be attached to your recovery, account for your legal fees and case costs, and disburse the funds you are due.

Frequently Asked Questions

After a serious injury or accident, victims and their families have many questions in mind. We encourage you to contact us today for a free consultation, so we can personally address all your questions and concerns.

Meanwhile, these are a few of the most common questions we hear from our clients.

What Should I Do If I Suspect Medical Malpractice?

If you suspect medical malpractice, you should seek medical treatment and legal representation promptly. You need to receive an accurate diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment promptly (for your health and to help protect your legal rights). While we understand that it may be difficult to trust another medical provider, there are good doctors out there. When you contact us, we will be happy to refer you to a physician who has been treating our clients for years.

What Mistakes Do I Need To Avoid?

When seeking financial compensation for medical malpractice, there are several mistakes you need to try to avoid. Some of the most important ones are:

  • Missing appointments with your doctors
  • Not following your prescribed treatment plan
  • Exercising too early, returning to work too soon, and making lifestyle choices that the insurance companies might be able to use against you.

During your free initial consultation, we will walk you through everything you need to know in order to protect your right to maximum financial compensation.

Does Florida Law Limit The Amount Of Compensation Available For Medical Malpractice?

While Section 766.188 of the Florida Statutes sets caps for non-economic damages (e.g., pain and suffering) in medical malpractice cases, the Florida Supreme Court declared these caps to be unconstitutional in June 2017.

What Is Involved In Filing A Medical Claim In Florida?

Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit is not as simple as filing other types of personal injury claims. Florida law imposes a number of pre-suit requirements, all of which are best handled by an experienced attorney. The pre-suit requirements for Florida medical malpractice claims include:

  • Review of the patient’s medical records by a medical expert who is a “similar health care provider” to the provider suspected of committing malpractice;
  • Preparation of a medical expert report by a similar health care provider;
  • Service of a Notice of Intent to Initiate Litigation for Medical Negligence; and,
  • Completion of a 90-day pre-suit investigation period, during which the parties will exchange information regarding their respective positions on the patient’s claims.

 

During or at the end of this 90-day period, the health care provider accused of malpractice can either (i) make a settlement offer, (ii) admit liability and offer to arbitrate the award of damages, or (iii) reject the claim. If the provider rejects the claim, then the patient can take his or her case to court.

Speak With A Florida Medical Malpractice Attorney For Free.

For more information about how our attorneys can help you recover just compensation for medical malpractice, please contact us to arrange your free initial consultation. You can reach us 24/7, so call (386) 788-7700 or submit your case online now.

Office Locations

Port Orange

632 Dunlawton Ave.
Port Orange FL, 32127
Phone: (386) 221-2957

Deland

101 N. Woodland Blvd.- Suite 201
Deland, FL 32720
Phone: (386) 204-0086

Palm Coast

4879 Palm Coast NW - Suite 1
Palm Coast, FL 32137
Phone: (386) 433-2168

Lake Mary

1540 International Pkwy - Suite 2000
Lake Mary, FL 32746
Phone: (407) 259-4485

Winter Park

941 W Morse Blvd.
Winter Park, FL 32789
Phone: (407) 634-2250

Orlando

7380 W Sand Lake Rd.
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: (407) 329-3976
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