Lakeland Medical Malpractice Lawyers

Why Do You Need a Lakeland Medical Malpractice Lawyer?

Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider's negligence causes injury or harm to a patient. Such negligence can include misdiagnosis, medication and surgical errors, and infections resulting from substandard care. A qualified Lakeland medical malpractice lawyer can help you secure financial compensation for your losses.

Those who have been injured by medical malpractice have likely had their lives turned upside down. Dealing with financial difficulties, loss of time, and stress on top of your original medical illness can be extremely challenging. The harm to your physical health may also be permanent and non-reversible. At such a time as this, you deserve proven assistance to help improve your life as soon as possible.

We at Osborne, Francis & Pettis know all too well the devastating effects medical malpractice can have on an individual’s life. As such, we are dedicated to advocating for justice and compensation on behalf of our clients and their families in Lakeland, Florida, and beyond.

To speak with a local Lakeland medical malpractice lawyer right away, contact us at (561) 293-2600 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation. We are on hand to discuss the possible compensation available to you and provide valuable information about your legal rights and options moving forward.

What Kind of Monetary Settlement Can a Lakeland Medical Malpractice Attorney Help You Obtain?

Your Lakeland medical malpractice attorney can assist in securing a settlement that covers:

• Medical expenses: Your medical malpractice lawyer can help you obtain financial compensation that includes the cost of medical treatment and related expenses, such as medication, surgery, hospital stays, and therapy.
• Lost wages and loss of future income: If your injuries make it so you are unable to work, or if you lose the ability to generate wages in the future, your attorney can argue for damages that reimburse you in full.
• Pain and suffering damages: These types of damages are designed to compensate you for losses stemming from physical pain and emotional suffering caused by medical malpractice. These can be complex, but an experienced attorney will be able to calculate these accurately.
• Punitive damages: In some situations, punitive damages may be available. These are intended to punish the violator for their misconduct and deter future instances of malpractice.
• Wrongful death costs: If a death has resulted on account of medical malpractice, your attorney may be able to file for wrongful death damages that cover related costs. Such expenses can include funeral costs, loss of household support and income, and the deep emotional pain of losing a loved one’s companionship.

Every medical malpractice case is unique, and the compensation you may receive depends on the specific facts and circumstances. Also, the skill and experience of the attorney handling your case can influence your damages award, so it’s important to select the right lawyer for your case.

An experienced attorney from Osborne, Francis & Pettis will work with you to formulate the appropriate strategy and course of action and can help you pursue the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to under the law.

What Types of Injuries Does a Lakeland Medical Malpractice Attorney Handle?

A Lakeland medical malpractice attorney can handle cases for a broad range of losses and injuries resulting from medical malpractice or medical product liability. The following are examples of medical malpractice injuries our attorneys regularly litigate:

• Misdiagnosis, delayed diagnosis, or failed diagnosis: If a doctor or other medical professional misdiagnoses, delays in a diagnosis, or fails to diagnose an illness, it can pose serious risks to the patient. These may include missed treatment opportunities, unnecessary pain and suffering, shortened lifespan, and even death.
• Errors in surgery: Surgical errors can happen when a surgeon commits a crucial mistake during surgery. Examples include damaging organs and tissues, leaving surgical implements inside the patient, or operating on the wrong part of the body.
• Birth/neonatal injuries: Birth injuries can take place during the childbirth process and may cause serious harm to the newborn infant and/or mother. Birth injury examples include Erb's palsy, cerebral palsy, and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Various neonatal ICU injuries can also be subject to medical malpractice litigation. A common example is necrotizing enterocolitis in newborn babies due to improper or defective infant formula feeding.
• Medication and anesthesia errors: Medication errors can occur when a doctor or healthcare provider prescribes a dangerous drug, applies the wrong dosage, or is negligent in monitoring a patient's medication regimen. This can result in serious harm to the patient, or even death. Anesthesia errors can happen when a doctor or nurse administers the wrong amount of anesthesia, causing serious injury or death.
• Severe Infections: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) can be common in a hospital or other clinical facility. They can occur when a patient is exposed to any type of bacteria or pathogen, which can cause serious harm or death.

The above is not a complete list — these are just some of the main examples of injuries that a malpractice attorney can handle. If you believe that you or a loved one has been injured on account of medical negligence or malpractice, it is in your best interest to consult with a Lakeland malpractice attorney as soon as you are able. That way, we can fully evaluate your case while the events are still fresh and the evidence to support your claim can be obtained.

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What Does a Lakeland Malpractice Attorney Do for Your Case?

The following are various tasks your Florida malpractice lawyer can accomplish for your case:

• Investigate the incident and injury: A malpractice lawyer will thoroughly investigate the injury and its surrounding circumstances to determine whether medical malpractice may have occurred. The investigation may include reviewing medical records, interviewing witnesses, and meeting with medical experts.
• Determine liability: Once your lawyer has gathered all the necessary evidence and documentation, we will determine who is potentially liable for your injuries or medical condition. Liable parties can include doctors, surgeons, nurses, healthcare providers, hospitals, or other medical employees.
• Calculate costs: Your attorney can review all important files and documents to determine the compensation you are owed for your injuries. This also includes complex factors to calculate such as salary and life expectancy.
• Negotiate the ideal settlement amount: A skilled malpractice lawyer can successfully negotiate a settlement with the liable parties or any insurance agents on your behalf. A comprehensive settlement may cover medical expenses, lost work wages, pain and suffering costs, and other losses. Many medical malpractice cases are settled out of court, which can save time and resources on the legal process.
• File a lawsuit: If the other side refuses to settle out of court, your lawyer can pursue litigation against the other parties. However, over 95% of personal injury claims are settled before a verdict is reached in court. While a lawyer can provide advice on which avenue to pursue, the choice to settle or pursue a lawsuit is ultimately up to you.
• Represent you in court: In the event that litigation does become necessary, a medical malpractice lawyer can provide representation in court. They can formulate a strong trial strategy and argue your case in front of a judge and jury. Trials can take longer, but a jury or judge can often award far higher compensation amounts than most pre-trial settlements.

At Osborne, Francis & Pettis, our malpractice lawyers can provide crucial legal representation and invaluable guidance throughout the entire legal process. We will fight tirelessly for your rights and help you achieve the highest amount of compensation you are entitled to.

We also understand that holding the proper parties accountable can help prevent future instances of medical malpractice from being repeated.

Contact Experienced Lakeland Malpractice Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured due to medical malpractice in Lakeland or the greater Florida area, don't hesitate to reach out to our team of experienced medical malpractice lawyers. We have successfully dealt with the complex nature of these cases and are dedicated to helping our clients obtain the justice they deserve.