Trial-Tested Representation For Medical Malpractice Victims And Their Families
The hospital is often the first place people go after being injured. Unfortunately, some of the most devastating injuries are those that occur while under the care of a doctor or hospital. Medical malpractice results in an untold number of injuries and deaths each year. It also erodes the trust that the public places in the medical system.
If you’ve been seriously injured by a negligent medical provider, contact George C. Kezemides, P.A., today. I bring more than two decades of experience to each case, and my practice is primarily devoted to fighting for the injured in the Tampa area. Earlier in my career, I worked as an insurance defense attorney, and that has given me an insider’s perspective on how insurers attempt to absolve themselves and their policyholders of liability. I will work tirelessly to help you seek accountability and compensation.
Medical Malpractice Can Occur At All Levels Of Care
There is potential for malpractice throughout the health care system. Common types of malpractice claims include allegations related to:
- Surgical errors (operating on the wrong body part, instruments left inside the body, etc.)
- Medication errors (wrong drug, wrong dose, improper administration)
- Misdiagnosis of or failure to diagnose conditions like cancer, heart attack and stroke
- Failure of a nurse, doctor or other medical provider to monitor patients during critical times
- Anesthesia errors
- Birth injuries and errors during labor and delivery
- Diagnostic errors, including misinterpretation of test results
- Premature discharge of a patient, leading to further injury or illness
Sadly, many medical errors prove to be fatal. Whether you were harmed personally or lost a loved one due to physician or hospital negligence, my firm is ready to help you seek accountability and compensation.
What You Need To Prove In A Malpractice Lawsuit
There are four elements plaintiffs need to prove in a malpractice lawsuit. They include:
- The provider owed you a duty of care. This means there was a doctor-patient relationship, and the provider was obligated to give you the care and treatment associated with such a relationship.
- The provider breached the duty of care. Your physician delivered substandard care. They made decisions inconsistent with what other reasonable physicians would have decided under the same circumstances.
- You suffered harm. You were physically injured or a loved one was killed. In instances where a physician makes an error but it doesn’t cause harm, there is no case.
- Negligence was the cause of your harm. You must show that your injuries and losses were the direct result of the provider’s negligence.
Elements two and four are the hardest to prove. In many cases, your attorney will need to consult expert witnesses – often other medical providers – who can explain what the expected course of action should have been and how the physician deviated from it. I maintain a strong network of medical professionals who can serve as expert witnesses and are comfortable taking the stand in court when needed.
Answers To Common Questions About Medical Malpractice
Below, I’ve answered some of the questions prospective clients most often ask regarding physician negligence and medical malpractice.
Is any bad medical outcome evidence of medical malpractice?
No, it is not. Each individual body is so complex and impacted by so many factors that a patient could suffer serious injury or death even if doctors did everything right. Medical malpractice occurs when a patient’s injury or death can be specifically linked to a provider’s negligence. This generally means that a physician made a treatment decision in conflict with the care that a reasonable physician would have provided under the same circumstances.
Can any personal injury attorney represent me in a medical malpractice lawsuit?
Legally speaking, the answer is yes. Practically, however, the answer is no. Medical malpractice litigation is a niche subset of personal injury. Providing effective representation involves a significant investment of time and research. It also requires the attorney to understand and effectively communicate complex medical concepts.
Only certain personal injury lawyers have the time, patience, resources or tenacity to give your case the work and attention it deserves. I am one such attorney.
How much time do I have to take legal action in response to medical malpractice?
The statute of limitations in Florida is short in cases of medical malpractice. Your case must be filed no later than two years after the harm was discovered (or could reasonably have been discovered). There are some exceptions to this two-year window, however.
If two years have already elapsed, consider speaking with an attorney to determine if your case may still be actionable. If you are currently within the window, do not delay in seeking legal advice from an experienced attorney.
How will I know if I have a medical malpractice case?
Making that determination on your own can be difficult, partly because doctors and hospitals are very careful to never say anything that could potentially expose them to liability. As a result, patients and their families are often left without answers to even the most basic questions.
The best way to learn whether you have a case is to contact an experienced attorney like me. My firm offers free initial consultations so that you can explore your legal options without cost or obligation. I also take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you won’t pay any legal fees until and unless I help you recover compensation.
Take Advantage Of A Free Case Evaluation
George C. Kezemides, P.A., is based in Tarpon Springs and serves clients throughout the greater Tampa area. To tell me your story and learn about your legal options, contact my office for a free consultation. You can reach out online or call 727-490-9303.