Do I Have a Medical Malpractice Case? 5 Signs to Watch For in Florida

Posted on July 20, 2025 by Shapiro Law Group

Male doctor holding his headWhen you place your health or the life of your child in the hands of a healthcare provider, you expect responsible care and accurate judgment. Unfortunately, mistakes in hospitals, clinics, and delivery rooms still occur far too often.

At Shapiro Law Group, we provide experienced legal guidance for those affected by medical negligence in Bradenton and throughout Florida. Understanding whether you have a valid claim often starts with identifying certain warning signs that something went wrong.

If you’re asking whether you may have a medical malpractice case, here are five key indicators to watch for and what they could mean under Florida medical malpractice law.

1. An Obvious Medical Error harmed you

One of the most telling signs of malpractice is an injury that results from a preventable mistake. Common examples include surgical tools left in the body, anesthesia given to the wrong patient, or being discharged with incorrect instructions. These serious Florida malpractice errors often signal that a provider failed to uphold accepted standards of care.

If a situation like this sounds familiar, it’s time to evaluate the facts. Our team of attorneys can help determine whether the harm you suffered was truly avoidable and if it justifies a claim under Florida law.

2. A Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis Made Your Condition Worse

Doctors are trained to recognize symptoms, order tests, and act quickly when a diagnosis is critical. If they failed to diagnose cancer, infection, stroke, or another time-sensitive condition and your health deteriorated as a result, that may fall under Florida misdiagnosis malpractice.

Even when diagnostic errors seem unintentional, the law still holds providers accountable when their delay causes harm. We often represent patients who were treated for the wrong illness or received a diagnosis only after their condition became irreversible.

3. There Were Complications During or After Childbirth

Birth injuries often carry lifelong consequences, especially when they involve oxygen loss, nerve damage, or failure to monitor fetal distress. If your child suffered cerebral palsy, brain damage, or another severe injury during delivery, a legal investigation is essential. These cases frequently involve Florida childbirth errors that could have been avoided with proper fetal monitoring or timely C-section intervention.

Our firm handles complex injury claims for children and infants, including those involving infant malpractice, and works to hold negligent providers accountable. If you need a birth injury attorney in Florida, we are here to support your family.

4. A Loved One Died Unexpectedly During Treatment

Tragic outcomes can happen in any medical setting, but inevitable deaths raise questions about possible medical mistakes. If a loved one died suddenly after routine surgery or under hospital supervision, their records may reveal missteps in medication, monitoring, or emergency response.

Wrongful death claims related to malpractice attorneys often uncover systemic problems in care delivery. We investigate cases involving surgical negligence, respiratory failure, and medication overdoses to help families get answers and recover financially.

5. Another Medical Provider Questions What Happened

If a second physician expresses concern about the treatment you received or refuses to comment on your previous care, it may be a red flag. Medical professionals often avoid directly criticizing peers, but silence or hesitation can be a strong indication that something was wrong. Patients who hear phrases like “this should have been caught earlier” or “this treatment was unusual” should seek a second opinion from a legal standpoint as well.

A review of your medical records can reveal whether a breach of duty occurred. As experienced medical malpractice lawyers in Florida, we understand how to collaborate with independent experts to thoroughly and confidentially assess these situations.

Speak with a Legal Advocate Sooner Rather Than Later

Time limits apply to all malpractice cases in Florida. Missing the deadline to file a claim, even if your case is valid, means you could lose your right to compensation. Our attorneys serve clients across Bradenton and the greater Tampa Bay area, helping them understand how medical malpractice attorneys can protect their rights and the future of their families.

If you’re uncertain about what happened, don’t wait for clarity to arrive on its own. Speak with someone who can provide answers. Visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation.

Your Rights After Medical Negligence Deserve Legal Protection

When medical care falls below acceptable standards and results in serious harm, pursuing compensation may be necessary to recover from the resulting impact. At Shapiro Law Group, we assist individuals and families throughout Bradenton and the greater Tampa Bay region in responding to malpractice errors that result in long-term injuries, financial strain, or the loss of a loved one.

With more than 30 years of experience handling medical malpractice and personal injury cases in Florida, our firm knows what it takes to build a strong claim. If you believe your provider’s negligence caused your condition or your child’s injury, Shapiro Law Group is ready to help. Contact us today to begin a confidential consultation.

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