Florida Medical Negligence Lawyers

At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we understand how devastating medical negligence can be for patients and their families. When a healthcare provider fails to deliver the standard of care expected in the medical field, the results can be life-altering. Whether it’s a misdiagnosis, a surgical error, or a medication mistake, victims of medical negligence often face long-term health complications, emotional distress, and financial hardship. Our law firm is dedicated to representing these victims and their families, working tirelessly to secure the compensation and justice they deserve.

 

What Is Medical Negligence?

Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse, or hospital, fails to provide care that meets the accepted standard in their field, and as a result, the patient is harmed. The standard of care is the level of care that a competent and reasonably skilled healthcare provider would have provided under similar circumstances. When this standard is not met, and the patient suffers as a result, the healthcare provider may be held legally responsible for medical negligence.

At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we focus on identifying when and how a breach of this standard occurred and how it has impacted our clients’ lives. Medical negligence cases can be complex, often requiring in-depth investigations and the use of expert medical testimony. We have the resources and experience to build strong cases that prove both negligence and the resulting damages, holding negligent healthcare professionals accountable for their actions.

Common Types of Medical Negligence Cases We Handle

Medical negligence can take many forms, and our firm has successfully represented clients in a wide range of medical malpractice cases. Some of the most common types of cases we handle include:

Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis
Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis can have tragic consequences, particularly when dealing with life-threatening conditions like cancer, heart disease, or infections. When a healthcare provider fails to correctly diagnose a condition, the patient may be denied critical treatments that could improve their prognosis or prevent further harm. In some cases, a delay in diagnosis can be the difference between life and death. Our legal team has extensive experience in proving misdiagnosis claims, helping clients secure compensation for the pain, suffering, and additional medical treatments they endured due to diagnostic errors.

Surgical Errors
Surgery is always a serious procedure, but when preventable errors occur, the outcomes can be catastrophic. Surgical errors can include operating on the wrong part of the body, leaving foreign objects inside the patient, or damaging vital organs and nerves. Patients who suffer from surgical errors may face lifelong disabilities, additional surgeries, and extended recovery times. At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we represent victims of surgical negligence, working to hold negligent surgeons, nurses, and hospitals accountable for their mistakes.

Birth Injuries
The birth of a child is a joyful event, but it can quickly turn tragic if a healthcare provider fails to provide adequate care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Birth injuries can occur due to improper use of delivery tools, delayed C-sections, or failure to monitor the baby’s heart rate. These errors can lead to serious conditions such as cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, and brain damage. Our firm is dedicated to helping families secure the compensation they need to care for a child affected by a birth injury, providing financial relief for medical care, rehabilitation, and long-term needs.

Medication Errors
Medication errors are a common form of medical negligence. These errors can include prescribing the wrong medication, administering the incorrect dosage, or failing to account for a patient’s allergies or interactions with other drugs. The effects of these mistakes can range from minor complications to life-threatening conditions. Our legal team represents patients who have suffered due to medication errors, ensuring that healthcare providers are held responsible for their negligence.

Failure to Diagnose
In some cases, a healthcare provider may fail to diagnose a serious condition altogether, leading to preventable harm. Failure to diagnose can occur when a doctor overlooks critical symptoms, fails to order necessary tests, or misinterprets test results. This type of negligence can result in a condition worsening to the point where treatment options are limited or ineffective. Our firm works closely with medical experts to establish whether a healthcare provider’s failure to diagnose constitutes negligence, and we pursue maximum compensation for our clients.

How to Prove Medical Negligence

Proving medical negligence involves demonstrating that the healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care expected in their field and that this failure caused the patient harm. This can be a complex process, often requiring the testimony of medical experts and a thorough analysis of medical records.

At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we follow a step-by-step approach to building a medical negligence case:

Establishing the Duty of Care
We first prove that the healthcare provider owed the patient a duty of care. This is typically established when a doctor-patient relationship exists.

Breach of Duty
We then demonstrate that the healthcare provider breached their duty by failing to provide care that meets the accepted standard in their field. This breach could be due to an error in diagnosis, treatment, surgery, or patient monitoring.

Causation
It’s crucial to prove that the breach of duty directly caused harm to the patient. This can be one of the most challenging aspects of a medical negligence case, as it requires showing that the patient’s injury or worsened condition would not have occurred without the healthcare provider’s negligence.

Damages
Finally, we show that the patient suffered damages as a result of the breach. Damages can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care costs.

We work with leading medical experts who provide critical testimony to support our clients’ cases, ensuring that all aspects of the negligence are fully investigated and documented.

Legal Recourse for Medical Negligence Victims

Victims of medical negligence have the right to seek legal recourse to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable and recover compensation for their injuries. Pursuing legal action not only helps victims secure the financial resources they need but also serves as a deterrent to prevent future negligence by healthcare providers.

At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we guide our clients through every step of the legal process, from filing a claim to negotiating settlements or going to trial. Medical negligence cases can be time-consuming and complex, but we have the resources and expertise to navigate these challenges and pursue justice on behalf of our clients.

Steps to Take If You Are a Victim of Medical Negligence

Seek Medical Attention
If you believe you’ve been harmed due to medical negligence, your first priority should be addressing your health and seeking additional medical care if necessary.

Keep Detailed Records
Document everything, including your medical treatments, prescriptions, communications with healthcare providers, and any changes in your condition. This documentation will be crucial in building your case.

Consult with an Experienced Attorney
Medical negligence cases require specialized knowledge of both legal and medical issues. Our attorneys are experienced in handling these types of cases and can help you understand your legal options.

File a Claim
Once we have reviewed your case and gathered the necessary evidence, we will begin the process of filing a lawsuit. Our team works diligently to investigate your case, consult with medical experts, and prepare a strong legal argument.

By taking legal action, victims of medical negligence can recover compensation for their injuries and help prevent similar harm to others.

Compensation for Victims of Medical Negligence

If you’ve been injured as a result of medical negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. Our attorneys are committed to securing full and fair compensation for our clients, ensuring they have the resources they need to recover and move forward.

Medical Expenses
Compensation for all past, present, and future medical treatments related to the injury.

Lost Wages
If your injury has prevented you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income and any future earnings that you will miss out on due to the injury.

Pain and Suffering
Victims of medical negligence can recover compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress they have endured as a result of the negligence.

Long-Term Care Costs
In cases of severe injury, victims may require ongoing medical care or assistance, which can be extremely costly. Our attorneys fight to ensure that these future expenses are covered.

Loss of Quality of Life
If your injuries have reduced your ability to enjoy life or participate in activities you once loved, you may be entitled to compensation for your diminished quality of life.

Our goal is to ensure that medical negligence victims receive the financial support they need to cover medical bills, future care, and the emotional toll that comes with such traumatic experiences.

Why Choose Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa?

Choosing the right law firm to represent you in a medical negligence case is critical to achieving a successful outcome. At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we bring decades of experience, a deep understanding of medical malpractice law, and a commitment to providing compassionate, client-focused representation. Here’s why clients trust us:

Experience
We have handled hundreds of medical negligence cases, and we understand the intricacies of both the legal and medical aspects involved.

Compassionate Representation
We know how stressful these cases can be, and we are committed to providing support and guidance throughout the legal process. Our clients’ well-being is our top priority.

Proven Results
We have a strong track record of securing significant verdicts and settlements for medical negligence victims, helping them recover the compensation they deserve.

Expert Resources
We work with leading medical experts to ensure that every case we handle is supported by credible testimony and analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Negligence

What is the statute of limitations for medical negligence claims in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for medical negligence cases is generally two years from the date the injury was discovered or should have been discovered. In some cases, the statute of limitations may be extended, but it’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to avoid missing the deadline for filing a claim.

How long does a medical negligence case take?
The length of time it takes to resolve a medical negligence case can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. Some cases can be resolved within a few months through settlement negotiations, while others may take years to reach a conclusion. At Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa, we strive to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while ensuring our clients receive the best possible outcome.

Can I sue both the doctor and the hospital for medical negligence?
Yes. Depending on the circumstances, both the doctor and the hospital may be held liable for medical negligence. Hospitals are often responsible for the actions of their employees, including doctors, nurses, and other staff. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case to determine who is responsible and pursue compensation from all parties involved.

What types of compensation can I receive in a medical negligence case?
Victims of medical negligence may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, long-term care costs, and loss of quality of life. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life.

Contact Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa Today

If you or a loved one has been harmed by medical negligence, the legal team at Rafferty Domnick Cunningham & Yaffa is here to help. We offer free consultations to discuss your case, explain your legal options, and determine the best course of action. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win your case.