Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Physicians spend years with school, residency, and in specialty areas to ensure they have the education and experience to provide quality patient care. Unfortunately, some may not meet the required standards under Florida law, committing serious doctor errors that cause harm or even fatalities. The losses can be substantial, so it is a relief to know that you have options through a medical malpractice claim.
However, the legal process is complex due to the statutory requirements, technical subject matter, and other factors. Our attorneys at Freidin Brown, P.A. are dedicated to tackling challenges, so we will fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for your losses. Please contact us to set up a complimentary consultation with a St. Petersburg doctor error lawyer, and read on for a legal summary.
Overview of Florida Med Mal Laws
Mistakes by physicians fall under the state statute on medical negligence, which has a very specific meaning in the practice of law. You must prove that your doctor failed to meet the applicable standard of care when delivering treatment. The standard refers to what is generally acceptable by medical professionals, and your physician is compared to another with the same level of skill, training, and care. Examples of doctor error include:
- Mistakes with prescribing medication
- Neglect in conducting physical exams
- Failure to order appropriate tests or lab screenings
- Surgical mistakes
- Misdiagnosis
Get Justice for Medical Negligence – Call Our St. Petersburg Lawyers Today!
Things to Know About Doctor Error Claims
One important fact for med mal claims is that they are subject to a deadline. Florida’s statute of limitations is 2 years, and you cannot recover any compensation if it expires. You could have up to 4 years if you did not discover the physician’s mistake right away. Some additional points are also crucial:
- The first step in a med mal case is trying to work out a settlement with the provider’s insurance company
- If the insurer will not agree to a fair amount to settle, you will have to file a lawsuit in court before the statute of limitations expires
- Many physicians who work in hospitals are independent contractors, creating challenges if you attempt to pursue the facility
How a Lawyer Helps with Your Case
The biggest advantage of retaining a St. Petersburg doctor error attorney is that you level the playing field with the insurance company. Plus, Freidin Brown, P.A. will assist with:
- Gathering evidence to prove the mistake is a deviation from the standard of care
- Completing forms for an insurance claim
- Negotiating settlement with the insurance company
- All litigation tasks, such as handling prefiling requirements, drafting the complaint, dealing with discovery, and many others
You and your staff are simply the best. Jonathan I would like to say I proud of the manner in which you conducted yourself toward my family matter. You are my mentor and someone that I look up to. . . . I will always remember you and would highly recommend you to any family and friends. We appreciate everything you did for us. Staying with us. Being patient with us. And, most importantly believing in us. Our family will forever have a feeling of gratitude for all that you have done. I have tremendous respect and appreciation for Phil Freidin. He is a powerful and kind lawyer. He has proven to me that he genuinely cares about his clients; however, he is a force to be reckoned with in the conference and court rooms. Jonathan impressed me with his professionalism and expertise! Jonathan and Lizy handled my Medical Malpractice case with skill and secured a favorable outcome! They were responsive and kept me informed throughout my process. I highly recommend them to my Family and Friends! They were not even able to take on my case, but the person who did my intake and the lawyer I spoke to were incredibly validating, kind, and helpful. I appreciated the care and time they gave me even when I did not become a client. Jonathan, Phil, and the rest of the Freidin Brown attorneys were both professional and compassionate. They were always responsive to my family and me, and they have a deep dedication to their clients. I highly recommend the great lawyers at this firm! My experience with Freidin Brown was above my expectations. Philip Freidin took my case and settlement to finish line with amazing results. I highly recommend this Law Firm. Our family was referred to Freidin Brown by another attorney who could not handle our case and from day one we felt like we were in good hands. Johnathan Freidin was always available and willing to answer any questions we had. We are extremely happy with the results of our case and would recommend this team in a heartbeat. Had the pleasure of working with Andrew this year. He was very knowledgeable, but most importantly, he asked questions and listened to truly understand MY needs. Would definitely use this team again.
A St. Petersburg Doctor Error Lawyer Will Assist with Legal Remedies
You can count on our team at Freidin Brown, P.A. to handle these and other important tasks involved with your med mal case. To learn more about your rights and the legal process, please contact our office to speak to a Florida doctor error lawyer. We can schedule a free case evaluation to review your situation and advise you on what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Doctor Error
Our firm can answer FAQs about doctor error cases in St. Petersburg, including:
What should I do if a doctor error happened during my treatment at a St. Petersburg hospital?
The first step is securing complete medical records from the facility where treatment occurred, including physician notes and orders. At hospitals such as Bayfront Health St. Petersburg or affiliated outpatient clinics, records may be spread across departments. A St. Petersburg doctor error attorney at Freidin Brown, P.A. can request and preserve these records before access becomes restricted.
Can a doctor be liable for failing to follow up on abnormal test results at a St. Petersburg hospital or clinic?
Yes. Ordering a test is only part of the duty of care. If abnormal results were not reviewed, communicated, or acted upon, that failure can constitute negligence. In St. Petersburg cases, follow-up breakdowns often occur between hospital testing and community-based physician offices.
How does independent contractor status affect doctor error cases in St. Petersburg?
Many physicians practicing at St. Petersburg hospitals are not hospital employees. This affects who can be named in a claim and how insurance coverage applies. If this distinction is missed early, it can limit recovery. Proper identification of provider roles is critical, so talk to a medical malpractice lawyer at our firm for a free case consultation.
Can poor documentation by a doctor in St. Petersburg strengthen a malpractice claim?
Yes. Incomplete, inconsistent, or vague charting can undermine a doctor’s defense. In St. Petersburg doctor error cases, documentation gaps often reveal that critical assessments were not performed. These issues become central when reconstructing what actually happened.
