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St. Petersburg Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Our attorneys are here for you when you’re injured by medical negligence in Florida
When you go to the doctor, hospital, or any medical professional, you put your trust in their hands. You expect them to take care of you, help you feel better, and act in your best interests. But what happens when that trust is broken and a doctor’s mistake or hospital’s carelessness leaves you worse off than when you walked in? This is medical malpractice, and it happens more often than most people realize. When it does, it can lead to serious injuries, life-long complications, or even death. At MattLaw, our St. Petersburg medical malpractice lawyers help people who have been harmed by medical mistakes throughout Florida. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a medical provider’s negligence, we’re here to help you through the legal process.
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How we can help you
- What is medical malpractice?
- What are some common types of St. Petersburg medical malpractice?
- How do I know if I have a medical malpractice case?
- What should I know about Florida’s medical malpractice laws?
- What is the value of my St. Petersburg medical malpractice claim?
- What should I do if I suspect medical malpractice?
- Why are medical malpractice claims different from other cases?
- How can your St. Petersburg medical malpractice attorneys help with my case?
- Do you have a St. Petersburg medical malpractice lawyer near me?
What is medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider, like a doctor, nurse, surgeon, or hospital, fails to provide the proper care and causes harm to a patient. Now, not every bad medical outcome falls under medical malpractice, but when a medical provider doesn’t follow accepted standards of care, they could be held legally responsible.
To prove a medical malpractice case in Florida, you generally need to show the following:
- A doctor/patient relationship existed.
- The provider was negligent, meaning they made a mistake or didn’t act like a reasonable provider would.
- That negligence led to your injury.
- You suffered real damages, like medical bills, pain, or lost income.
These cases can be complicated, but that’s why we’re here.
What are some common types of St. Petersburg medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice can take many forms. Some mistakes may be obvious, while others are more difficult to detect. Here are a few of the most common types of malpractice we see here in St. Petersburg:
- If a doctor misses a serious condition or diagnoses it too late (misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis) the patient can lose precious time to treat their illness. This can happen with cancer, infections, heart attacks, and more.
- Surgery always carries risks, but avoidable mistakes – like operating on the wrong body part, leaving tools inside the body, or damaging organs – can be life-threatening.
- Doctors or pharmacists may prescribe the wrong drug, give the wrong dose, or fail to notice any dangerous drug interactions.
- Mistakes during pregnancy or childbirth can lead to serious harm to the baby or mother. This includes failing to monitor distress, improper use of forceps, or delayed C-sections.
- Too much or too little anesthesia, or failure to monitor the patient, can lead to brain damage, heart problems, or even death.
- Sepsis can occur when healthcare providers fail to promptly diagnose or properly treat an infection, allowing it to spread and become life-threatening.
- Hospitals must keep clean facilities, hire qualified staff, and follow safety protocols. If they fail in this duty, they can be held responsible for infections, falls, or other harm.
How do I know if I have a medical malpractice case?
It’s not always easy to know if what happened to you qualifies as medical malpractice. That’s why it’s so important to talk to a St. Petersburg medical malpractice lawyer who understands the laws and medical issues involved.
At MattLaw, we work with experienced medical experts to investigate what went wrong in your situation. We can review your medical records, talk to specialists, and help determine whether a doctor or hospital made a preventable mistake.
Even if you’re unsure, it’s worth getting a free consultation. You deserve to know the truth and understand your options.
What should I know about Florida’s medical malpractice laws?
Florida has some specific laws when it comes to medical malpractice. You should keep the following in mind:
- You typically have two years from the date of the injury, or from when you discovered the malpractice, to file a lawsuit. In most cases, you can’t file more than four years after the incident, even if you didn’t know about the injury right away. If the malpractice involves a child, different rules may apply. This is why it’s important to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
- Before filing a medical malpractice lawsuit here in Florida, you must go through a pre-suit investigation, which includes getting an expert medical opinion, sending a notice of intent to sue, and giving the provider a 90-day period to respond.
These steps are required by law and can be confusing. Don’t worry – MattLaw handles all of this on your behalf.
What is the value of my St. Petersburg medical malpractice claim?
When medical malpractice causes you serious injury, the physical, financial, and emotional toll can be overwhelming. You may be facing more surgeries, time off work, chronic pain, or long-term disability. Victims of medical malpractice may be able to recover compensation for the following:
- Your medical expenses, past and future
- Lost wages and loss of earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages, if a loved one died due to malpractice
We understand that no amount of money can undo the harm done, but a fair settlement or court award can help ease the burden and give you a path forward to rebuilding your life.
What should I do if I suspect medical malpractice?
If you think you’ve been harmed by medical negligence, here are some steps you can take right away:
- Get a second medical opinion. Your health comes first. Make sure you’re getting the right care now.
- Request your medical records. These are important pieces of evidence.
- Write down everything. Dates, symptoms, names of doctors, and any conversations you had.
- Don’t sign anything without a lawyer. Some hospitals may try to get you to settle quickly.
Then, contact MattLaw for a free consultation. We’re here to help you figure out your next move.
Why are medical malpractice claims different from other cases?
Medical malpractice lawsuits are different from typical personal injury cases. They often involve complicated medical records, expert witness testimony, big insurance companies and hospital legal teams, and strict deadlines and procedures. These cases take time, resources, and experience. At MattLaw, we’ve spent decades handling complex medical malpractice claims, and we understand how to build a strong case that stands up in court.
How can your St. Petersburg medical malpractice attorneys help with my case?
We know how overwhelming this process can be. You’re in pain. You may not be able to work. And you’re trying to figure out how to get justice in a system that often feels stacked against you. At MattLaw, our goal is simple: to stand up for people who’ve been hurt through no fault of their own. We handle the legal process so you can focus on healing.
When you hire us, we can:
- Listen to your story with compassion
- Investigate the facts of your case
- Work with trusted medical experts
- Deal with the insurance companies for you
- Fight to recover full and fair compensation
- Keep you informed every step of the way
And we do it all with no upfront fees. You only pay us if we win your case.
Do you have a St. Petersburg medical malpractice lawyer near me?
MattLaw is located at 8351 Blind Pass Road, Unit C, St. Pete Beach 33706, Florida. Contact us for a free consultation. If you are too injured to come to us, we can come to you. Videoconferences are available.
Talk with an experienced St. Petersburg medical malpractice attorney today
Medical malpractice can turn your world upside down. But you don’t have to face it alone. Let our experienced, compassionate legal team help you understand what went wrong, and what you can do about it. Call the St. Petersburg medical malpractice lawyers at MattLaw today to find out how we can help you. There’s no pressure, no obligation, and no fee unless we win. Call our legal team today or complete our contact form to schedule your free consultation.