Medical malpractice in Florida is a serious concern. From surgical errors to misdiagnoses, the repercussions of medical negligence can be life-altering for victims and their families. The complexities surrounding these cases make it essential to understand the statistics and legal landscape, especially if you or a loved one has suffered due to medical negligence in Florida.
Medical Negligence Key Statistics
Medical malpractice is more prevalent than many realize, with errors occurring in a significant percentage of medical procedures. According to recent data from 2024, approximately 1 in 3 care providers face medical malpractice lawsuits at some point in their careers. These cases can stem from various errors, including misdiagnoses, surgical mistakes, or prescription errors. In fact, medical errors contribute to a staggering 251,000 deaths annually, making it the third leading cause of death in the United States.
Misdiagnosis is one of the most common types of medical malpractice, accounting for 32% of claims, particularly related to conditions like cancer and vascular diseases. Surgeons, however, face the highest volume of claims due to the complexity of their procedures, and unfortunately, surgical errors make up 25% of medical malpractice cases.
A recent fatal surgical error made national news in August 2024. During what was supposed to be a routine splenectomy at Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast Hospital in Florida, 70-year-old William Bryan tragically died after the surgeon, Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky, mistakenly removed his liver instead of his spleen, leading to fatal blood loss. William’s widow, Beverly Bryan, is now suing both the hospital and surgeon for gross negligence. Dr. Shaknovsky had a similar error in 2023, which raises serious concerns about both his competency and the hospital’s oversight. This case highlights the devastating consequences of medical errors and the importance of holding medical professionals accountable.
Medical Malpractice in Florida
Florida ranks as one of the states most affected by medical malpractice, sitting in the seventh position overall. With over 7,445 adverse incident reports, the medical malpractice claims in Florida have resulted in a staggering $13.4 billion in payments to those affected, adjusted for the cost of living. This places Florida among the top ten states in the nation for malpractice payments, demonstrating a significant impact on patients and healthcare providers alike.
To put this into perspective, New York leads the country with a whopping $39.1 billion in total malpractice payments, followed by Pennsylvania and California. It is evident that medical malpractice is not merely an isolated issue but a pervasive concern across the United States, especially in states like Florida.
The demographic data regarding who files these claims is also telling. Women over 40 are more likely to pursue legal action against healthcare providers. Moreover, male doctors face more lawsuits than their female counterparts, which raises questions about the dynamics within the medical profession and how it relates to patient outcomes.
As we delve deeper into the leading causes of medical malpractice, it becomes clear that understanding these trends is crucial for both patients and legal representatives.
Leading Causes of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can result from various types of negligence, with some causes more prevalent than others:
- Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: This is the leading cause of medical malpractice claims, particularly in outpatient settings. Misdiagnosis, especially of life-threatening conditions like cancer or heart disease, often leads to missed treatment opportunities, unnecessary interventions, and, tragically, fatalities.
- Surgical Errors: Surgeons are frequently sued for mistakes during operations, including errors like operating on the wrong site, leaving surgical instruments inside patients, or causing severe internal damage. These errors can lead to long-term disability or even death.
- Childbirth Injuries: Negligence during pregnancy or childbirth can result in serious, life-altering conditions for both mother and child, such as cerebral palsy or other physical injuries. These cases often arise from failures in prenatal care or mistakes during delivery.
- Medication Errors: Medication errors, including wrong dosages or incorrect prescriptions, affect millions of people annually and account for a significant portion of malpractice claims. These mistakes can lead to severe complications or fatalities, particularly among vulnerable populations like the elderly or those with chronic conditions.
Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Medical malpractice cases are complex and often emotionally charged, requiring experienced legal counsel to navigate. Florida medical malpractice lawyers play a critical role in helping victims and their families seek justice. For example, in a case handled by Panter, Panter & Sampedro, a family received a $2 million settlement after a man tragically died due to an undiagnosed aortic aneurysm in a Florida emergency room. Despite multiple pleas for a doctor, the patient was left unattended for hours before collapsing. Legal experts successfully demonstrated negligence, securing justice for the grieving family.
Another landmark case involved the wrongful death of a Florida mother due to untreated ischemic bowel syndrome. Attorneys from Panter, Panter & Sampedro fought tirelessly in court, securing a multimillion-dollar verdict for the victim’s family, ensuring that the doctors involved were held accountable.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical negligence, do not hesitate to seek the expertise of qualified Florida medical malpractice lawyers who can guide you through the legal process. At Panter, Panter & Sampedro we are dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring that justice is served. For more information, visit our page on Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyers.
Sources:
https://www.mdlinx.com/article/top-causes-of-medical-malpractice/lfc-3889
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/medical-malpractice/medical-malpractice-cases-by-state/
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/personal-injury/medical-malpractice-statistics/
