Indian River County Hospital Negligence Lawyer

When you seek treatment at a hospital, you place enormous trust in the doctors, nurses, and staff caring for you. Most of the time, that trust is deserved. But when mistakes happen, the consequences can be life-changing. At Ullian Trial Law, we understand how confusing and overwhelming it can be to determine whether your injury was the result of unavoidable complications or preventable errors, and we’re here to help. Contact a dedicated South Florida hospital negligence lawyer from Ullian Trial Law for your initial consultation today.

Common Examples of Hospital Negligence

Hospital negligence can take many forms, but some errors are more frequently seen in malpractice claims than others. Some of the most common examples of hospital negligence that we see are as follows:

• Failure to properly diagnose or delayed diagnosis: Not recognizing a condition in time to provide effective treatment.
• Medication errors: Administering the wrong drug, the wrong dose, or failing to check for dangerous interactions.
• Surgical mistakes: Performing the wrong procedure, operating on the wrong body part, or leaving surgical instruments inside a patient.
• Improper anesthesia administration: Giving too much or too little anesthesia, failing to monitor the patient’s vital signs, or missing clear warning signs of distress.
• Inadequate infection control: Not following sterilization protocols, leading to preventable infections.
• Failure to monitor patients: Neglecting to observe a patient’s condition after surgery or during hospitalization, resulting in missed complications.
• Emergency room mismanagement: Miscommunication, overcrowding, or poor triage decisions that delay treatment for critical conditions.
• Labor and delivery errors: Mistakes that harm the mother or baby, including failing to act on signs of fetal distress.
• Improper discharge or follow-up: Sending a patient home too soon or without necessary instructions or referrals.
• Negligent hiring or supervision: Employing unqualified staff or failing to ensure proper training and oversight.

How Do I Know if a Hospital is Liable for My Injuries?

Medical negligence is a healthcare provider’s breach of the accepted professional standard of care, directly causing harm to the patient. In hospital negligence cases, liability can rest with the hospital itself, its employees, or both. The key factor is the relationship between the negligent party and the hospital.

If a nurse or technician employed by the hospital made the error, the hospital is generally liable under the legal principle of “vicarious liability.” However, many doctors working in hospitals are independent contractors. If the negligent party is an independent physician, the hospital may not automatically be responsible, unless it can be shown that the hospital’s policies, credentialing, or supervision contributed to the error.

Under Florida Statutes Chapter 766, before filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, a claimant must first conduct a pre-suit investigation and serve a notice of intent to initiate litigation. This process requires obtaining an expert medical opinion stating that there is reasonable evidence of malpractice.

Additionally, Florida imposes a two-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims, starting from the date the injury was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered, with a maximum of four years from the date of the incident (subject to certain exceptions for fraud or concealment).

Steps to Take if You Suspect Hospital Negligence

If you believe you were harmed by hospital negligence in Indian River County, acting promptly can make a significant difference in protecting your rights. The steps you should take after an instance of hospital negligence are as follows:

1. Seek immediate medical attention: Your health is the most important thing. If you suspect negligence, consult another qualified healthcare provider right away for an independent evaluation.
2. Request copies of your medical records: Patients have the right to access their medical records. Obtain them as soon as possible to preserve evidence.
3. Document your experience: Write down everything you remember, including dates, names of staff, and details of conversations or treatments.
4. Preserve physical evidence: Keep any discharge papers, prescriptions, or medical devices related to your care.
5. Contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney: Hospital negligence claims in Florida are complex and require expert review before filing.
6. Avoid discussing your case with hospital representatives: Their goal is to minimize liability. Direct all communications through your lawyer.
7. Follow your new doctor’s treatment plan: This helps your recovery and also prevents the defense from claiming you worsened your condition by not following medical advice.
8. Be mindful of deadlines: The statute of limitations can expire quickly. Your attorney will ensure all legal time limits are met.

Contact a Vero Beach, Florida Hospital Negligence Lawyer

At Ullian Trial Law, we are committed to holding hospitals accountable when patients suffer avoidable harm. Our team understands the medical and legal complexities of these cases, and we work with respected medical experts to build strong, evidence-based claims. We also recognize the emotional toll that negligence can take on you and your family, which is why we provide compassionate, attentive representation every step of the way. If you suspect that hospital negligence caused your injury, simply contact a seasoned Indian River County hospital negligence lawyer from Ullian Trial Law today.