In 1999, the Institute for Medicine published research that stated that up to 98,000 deaths were caused by medical errors ― and such errors cause more than 1,000,000 injuries in the United States every year. In 2010, researchers at Harvard University noted that such errors are common and that there is little evidence of widespread improvement.

Medical malpractice, also known as medical negligence, occurs when your doctor or health care provider fails to treat, diagnose, monitor or care for you in accordance with the accepted standard of care for those suffering under similar circumstances. If you or someone you love has been injured due to a health care provider’s mistake, a Florida medical practice attorney may be able to assist you in being properly compensated.

Compensation for your injuries can include economic damages as well as non-economic damages. Economic damages include loss of past wages and future earning capacity, as well as medical expenses. If a loved one has passed away, you may be entitled to loss of companionship and funeral expenses as well.

Non-economic damages include compensation for pain and suffering and disability as well as loss of enjoyment of life and loss of consortium. In 2011, the Florida legislature decided to cap non-economic damages for medical malpractice cases. In general, the cap for non-economic damages is now $500,000 for a case against a practitioner and $750,000 against a non-practitioner. If the medical negligence causes serious injury or death, the caps are doubled.

If you or your loved one was injured due to medical negligence, an Orlando medical malpractice attorney can assist you in getting fair compensation. Our attorneys at Payas, Payas & Payas, LLP, will personally advise and guide you throughout the process.