Does Privatized Prison Healthcare Lead to Malpractice?
When Florida privatized prison healthcare, the move was supposed to save taxpayers millions. Unfortunately, the budget cuts came with substandard care, and for many inmates, their prison term became a death sentence. Doctors are alarmed, saying that prisons are abruptly swapping out prescription pain medication for over-the-counter substitutes. One inmate’s undiagnosed lung cancer was treated… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Medical Negligence, Medication Errors, Misdiagnosis
Supreme Court Rules Against Florida Doctor
A Florida Supreme Court judge has overturned a lower court ruling regarding doctor liability in medical malpractice cases. In 2003, a Florida man made an appointment with his doctor complaining of back pain. Dr. Willis Dickens diagnosed the patient with lumbar stenosis. The man then consulted a surgeon, Dr. Guillermo Pasarin, who operated on his… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Medical Negligence, Misdiagnosis
Are Doctors Suspended After Malpractice Claims?
A CBS investigation discovered that most Florida doctors with a history of malpractice claims retain their medical licenses, even after multiple settlements. In 2009, a 42-year-old mother of two was vacationing in Florida with her family when she was diagnosed with appendicitis. She had to be rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery. Unfortunately, the… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Medical Malpractice Trial
Hospital Withholds Information After Surgical Mistake
A woman is accusing Florida Hospital Winter Park of withholding crucial information about her botched rectal surgery. She has petitioned a judge to order the hospital to release the information, citing state and federal laws. Before the tragic mishap, the 68-year-old woman was in reasonably good health. She exercised regularly and was not on any… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Misdiagnosis, Surgical Errors
Can My Child Born with Cerebral Palsy Qualify for Disability?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological disorder and birth injury which damages the parts of the brain that control movement. CP can cause a range of symptoms, including difficulties moving, impaired vision, difficulties communicating, epilepsy, cognitive difficulties/learning disabilities and musculoskeletal problems. Given the burdens this disease imposes on children, those who come from low-income families… Read more »
Posted in Birth Injury
Should Florida Have Tougher Standards for Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL)?
Accidents involving commercial vehicles, like semi-trailers and big rigs, account for a large number of traffic accidents in the US. These catastrophic accidents are far more dangerous and deadly than accidents involving other motor vehicles because of their dramatically larger size and nature. Due to their increased size and weight, accidents involving these kinds of… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice
Was Florida’s Frivolous Lawsuit Crisis Real? (No)
According to the Florida Supreme Court, state legislators created a false medical malpractice crisis to increase the profits of insurance companies. Recently, the court ruled that statutory caps on non-economic damages (pain and suffering, inconvenience, impairment, anguish, etc.) in claims where a person died due to medical malpractice violated the state constitution’s equal protection clause,… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Medical Negligence
Does a New Florida Law Affect Doctor and Patient Confidentiality?
Yes, a recent change to Florida law regarding expert witnesses was a threat to injured patients and their interests, that same law also threatens the relationship between injured patients and their regular physicians. Can I Trust My Doctor To Keep My Medical History Private? Doctors and other medical professionals have a duty to keep your… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Medical Negligence
Who Can Be an Expert Witness in Florida Medical Malpractice Cases?
Until recently, Florida medical malpractice law defined an expert witness as a healthcare provider who practices in the same or similar specialty as the defendant. For example, if a patient suffered a spinal injury at a hospital, that patient could use a surgeon in another field, like an orthopedic surgeon, who performed the same procedures… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Medical Malpractice Trial, Medical Negligence
How Long Do I Have to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Florida?
The statute of limitations is the deadline to sue a person or an entity for injuring you. If you file suit after the statute of limitations has run out, your claim will be denied regardless of whether you were injured and deserve compensation. The statute of limitations for Florida medical malpractice is two years after… Read more »
Posted in Medical Malpractice, Medical Negligence
