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What Is Medical Malpractice?

When seeking medical treatment, you expect to receive competent and professional care. Unfortunately, medical errors happen, and when they do, they can have devastating consequences. At MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers, we have seen firsthand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that medical negligence can take on individuals and their families. But what is medical malpractice, and how do you know if you have a case?

what is medical malpractice - defined

Defining Medical Malpractice in Florida

Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient. This can involve doctors, nurses, hospitals, or other medical professionals whose actions—or lack thereof—lead to injury, worsened conditions, or even death. These cases require proving that a provider’s negligence directly caused significant damage beyond what the patient would have experienced under competent care.

Some of the most common types of medical malpractice include:

  • Anesthesia Mistakes – Errors in anesthesia administration can result in brain damage, coma, or fatality.
  • Medication Errors – Prescribing or administering the wrong medication or dosage can cause severe health complications.
  • Birth Injuries – Negligent prenatal care or mistakes during delivery can lead to life-altering injuries for both mother and child.
  • Surgical Errors – From operating on the wrong body part to leaving surgical instruments inside a patient, these mistakes can be life-threatening.
  • Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis – When a doctor fails to diagnose a serious condition in a timely manner, patients can suffer unnecessary complications or wrongful death.

How Do You Prove Medical Malpractice?

Unlike standard personal injury claims, medical malpractice cases require specific elements of proof. At MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers, we work with top medical experts to establish:

  1. A Doctor-Patient Relationship – Proof that the provider had a duty to treat you under accepted medical standards.
  2. A Breach of Duty – Evidence that the provider acted negligently or failed to provide appropriate care.
  3. Causation – Demonstrating that the breach directly led to your injuries.
  4. Damages – Establishing measurable losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Is the Statute of Limitations in Florida for Medical Malpractice Cases?

If you believe you have been a victim of medical negligence, you must act quickly. Florida law generally allows victims two years from the date of discovery of malpractice to file a lawsuit. However, certain exceptions may apply, such as cases involving minors or fraudulent concealment of negligence. At MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers, we carefully assess the details of each case to determine the best legal strategy before the deadline expires.

What Differentiates MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers?

Choosing the right law firm can make all the difference in securing the justice and compensation you deserve. MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers stands apart because we have recovered hundreds of millions in compensation for our clients, ensuring they receive financial relief for their suffering.

We are also regionally ranked by US News and World Report as a Best Law Firm in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law and Personal Injury Litigation, a testament to our commitment to excellence, and several of our attorneys have been recognized as Best Lawyers® Award recipients, reflecting our firm’s exceptional legal representation.

Do You Have to Pay Upfront for a Medical Malpractice Case?

One of the biggest concerns clients have is the cost of legal representation. At MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers, we handle medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis for payment, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. This ensures that every victim, regardless of financial situation, has access to experienced legal representation without any out-of-pocket expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Malpractice

How Long Does a Medical Malpractice Case Take?

Medical malpractice lawsuits can take months or even years to resolve. The timeline depends on factors such as the complexity of the case, the willingness of the defendant to settle, and the court's schedule. MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers fights aggressively to expedite the process while ensuring you receive the maximum compensation available.

Can I Sue a Hospital Instead of an Individual Doctor?

Yes. In some cases, hospitals can be held liable for medical malpractice, particularly if negligence resulted from inadequate staff training, poor policies, or an error by an employed doctor or nurse.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive?

Victims of medical malpractice may be entitled to compensation for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Medical expenses, including future care
  • Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
  • Wrongful death damages for surviving family members

Take Action by Contacting MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers

If you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence, you deserve justice. Don’t wait until it’s too late. At MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers, we provide aggressive representation and compassionate support for victims throughout Florida, including Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Carrollwood, and all other cities across the state. Our experienced team is ready to evaluate your case, hold negligent medical professionals accountable, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Call us today for a free consultation and let us help you take the first step toward recovery.

maney | gordon trial lawyers is a national law firm headquartered in tampa, florida, with offices throught the united states.
Downtown Tampa Office: 101 E. Kennedy Blvd., Suite 1700, Tampa, FL 33602
Copyright © 2025 MANEY | GORDON Trial Lawyers. All Rights Reserved.
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