Why are Florida Medical Malpractice Cases Growing?

Some recent statistics pertaining to medical malpractice in Florida are staggering:

• The cost of settling and defending medical malpractice claims in Florida is 2.9 times the national average.
• The number of claims has been increasing in Florida at an average annual rate of 3.3 percent since 2011.
• In 2014, the average amount for medical malpractice claims that resulted in a payment to the claimant was $299,800 in Florida. The nationwide average was $242,000.

What’s causing these dramatic increases to occur?

While the increase has been going on for some time, some may say that the Florida Supreme Court’s declaration that the caps on non-economic damages of wrongful death claims are unconstitutional and an erosion of the limits on claim filing and awards – tort reform.

MalpracticeAttorneys.com believes that the damages awarded to the victim of malpractice should be decided by a fair and impartial  judge or jury  and not by a state legislature.

Florida Medical Malpractice

Where are the sources of these malpractice cases?

Hospitals –  Hospital errors, including diagnostic errors, delayed surgeries, infections are only some of the areas where patients suffer because of negligence or malpractice.

Doctors – While most doctors strive to deliver quality care, it is true that even the most highly trained doctors can be careless and make mistakes. Doctors and other healthcare professionals are held to a higher standard of conduct and must be held responsible for their actions.

Nursing Homes – Nursing home residents, of which Florida has many, are dependent upon doctors, nurses and nursing home staff for their care. Neglect and mistreatment are common occurrences in nursing homes and those incidents must be documented and victims are entitled to compensation for injuries, pain, and suffering.

The proliferation of malpractice cases will be blamed by many on, once again, the attorneys. But for anyone who has suffered because of medical malpractice, a skilled attorney is a blessing. There is no clear-cut answer as to why malpractice is growing, but as long as there are victims, they are entitled to their rights and to have a voice in our system of justice.

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