West Palm Beach Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Medical malpractice litigation is the cornerstone of the legal practice at Gary Roberts & Associates, P.A. As one of the few law firms in the country to include among its attorneys a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer, a Board-Certified Neurosurgeon, and a Registered Nurse, we possess the depth of medical knowledge and trial skills necessary to handle the most complex cases of medical errors and surgical mistakes. Our West Palm Beach medical malpractice lawyers have been called upon to consult in challenging medical malpractice cases throughout Florida and across the United States.
- Anesthesia Malpractice
- Birth Injury
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Heart Attack Malpractice
- Medication Mistakes & Prescription Errors
- Midwife Medical Malpractice
- Plastic Surgery Malpractice
Florida Medical Malpractice Law
In an attempt to limit the liability of doctors for their medical mistakes, the Florida legislature has adopted a complicated and confusing scheme regarding how much money an injured patient can recover in a case of medical malpractice. Generally speaking, an injured person is limited to a maximum of $500,000 for noneconomic damages, which cover losses associated with pain and suffering, physical impairment, mental anguish, disfigurement, the loss of the capacity to enjoy life, and other “nonfinancial” losses. However, it is possible to receive up to $1,000,000 in noneconomic damages in limited circumstances, such as when:
- The malpractice has put the patient in a permanent vegetative state
- The malpractice resulted in death
- The harm was particularly severe and catastrophic so that it would be unjust not to increase the award
Examples of catastrophic injuries in the last category above would include paralysis caused by permanent spinal cord injury, severe brain injury, amputation, severe burns, blindness, and loss of reproductive organs or infertility.
The confusion does not end there. Florida law makes a distinction between medical malpractice caused by “practitioners,” in which case the above limits apply, and medical errors caused by “non-practitioners,” which raises the caps from $500,000 to $750,000 and from $1,000,000 to $1,500,000. Finally, this area of the law is constantly in flux as the Florida Supreme Court is frequently called upon to address whether these caps are reasonable or unconstitutional.
Our Medical Expertise
As lawyers who concentrate their practice in personal injury and medical malpractice in West Palm Beach, the attorneys at Gary Roberts & Associates, P.A. have a distinct advantage in settlement negotiations, trial preparation and litigation. Our staff includes a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer as well as attorneys with medical backgrounds, including a Board-Certified Neurosurgeon. This combination allows us to not only handle the most difficult and challenging medical issues in a case of medical malpractice, but also to deliver forceful and persuasive arguments in any matter involving personal injury or wrongful death, where the cause of the injury and the extent of the damages are often key issues in the resolution of the case.
Effective Representation in Medical Malpractice and More
Our medical expertise is important and relevant to more than just cases of medical malpractice or accidents involving TBI or paralysis. For instance, every car crash injury involves an examination of the injury to determine the extent of the damage done, the long-term outcome and the need for future medical care and expenses. Our medical expertise enables us to prepare and present a persuasive case on the issue of damages, and to engage in effective cross-examination of the witnesses and arguments put forward by the defense and their insurance company lawyers.
Contacting Certified Specialists for Your Personal Injury or Wrongful Death Matter
Having the knowledge, skill, training and expertise to fully understand all the legal and medical complexities in a given case is what sets our firm apart from other personal injury lawyers in West Palm Beach. Give us a call at 561-686-1800 or contact us online to find out how we can help you recover the full amount of compensation for your injuries that are due to you.
Contacting a West Palm Beach Medical Malpractice Lawyer
A central component of medical malpractice trials is the use of medical professionals to serve as expert witnesses in the case. This is necessary to demonstrate that the appropriate level of care was not provided and that the harm the patient suffered was due to the medical errors. Our unique combination of medical and trial expertise enables us to convey expert testimony to the jury in an understandable fashion and to cross-examine defense doctors and their experts incisively and effectively. If you or a loved one has been harmed by medical malpractice, contact Gary Roberts & Associates for a free consultation with an experienced West Palm Beach medical malpractice lawyer.
