When a hospital or doctor admits a mistake was made in Jacksonville, Florida, patients and families are often left wondering what to do next — file a complaint, pursue a lawsuit, or both. The right path depends on whether you were harmed, whether the error fell below the accepted standard of care, and what outcome you’re looking for.
Can You Sue a Hospital if They Admitted to an Error?
If a medical error caused you serious harm, you may have the right to pursue a medical malpractice claim. Even if a hospital or healthcare provider acknowledges that a mistake occurred, an admission of an error does not automatically establish medical malpractice.
To pursue compensation, the error generally must represent a deviation from the accepted medical standard of care that caused you harm, not just an unfortunate outcome. The circumstances surrounding the mistake, including who made it and whether the hospital may be legally responsible for that person’s conduct, can also affect whether you have a claim against the hospital.
What Is the Difference Between a Medical Complication and a Doctor’s Mistake?
A medical complication is a known or possible adverse outcome that can occur even when a healthcare provider follows the appropriate standard of care. A doctor’s mistake, on the other hand, involves an error in diagnosis, treatment, medication, surgery, or another aspect of a patient’s care.
However, a mistake does not automatically amount to medical malpractice. To support a malpractice claim, the provider’s conduct generally must fall below the accepted standard of care and cause the patient harm.
An experienced medical malpractice attorney can review your medical records, hire experts, and determine whether your injuries may have resulted from negligence.
How To File a Complaint Against a Doctor in Florida
Complaints against individual physicians and other licensed healthcare professionals in Florida are generally handled by the Florida Department of Health through its Medical Quality Assurance division. To file a complaint, you can:
- Visit the Florida Department of Health’s complaint portal
- Select the appropriate healthcare profession
- Complete the applicable complaint form
- Describe the conduct or medical care involved
- Provide relevant documents or supporting information
- Submit the complaint according to the Department’s instructions
Complaints against hospitals, nursing homes, and certain other healthcare facilities are generally handled by the Agency for Health Care Administration. Florida’s Health Care Complaint Portal can direct you to the appropriate agency if you are unsure where to file.
Filing a complaint is separate from pursuing a medical malpractice claim. A complaint may lead to regulatory action, while a malpractice lawsuit seeks compensation for injuries caused by medical negligence.
How Long Do I Have To File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Florida?
Deadlines in medical malpractice cases are strict and unforgiving, and they can vary depending on when the negligence occurred and when it was discovered. Waiting to speak with an attorney can shrink the time available to build your case.
If you’re also wondering what your case might ultimately be worth, our overview of the average medical malpractice settlement in Jacksonville, Florida, is a useful starting point — but don’t wait to get an evaluation of your specific case.
Why Jacksonville Patients and Families Trust Baggett Law
Medical malpractice cases are complex, and insurance companies and hospital defense teams fight them aggressively. When you hire our firm, you get:
- A thorough review of your medical records by our legal team
- Access to quality medical experts to evaluate the standard of care
- Direct communication throughout your case
- Aggressive negotiation strategies
- Trial-ready representation when a fair resolution isn’t offered
- No attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers is prepared to handle the challenges that can arise throughout a medical malpractice case. Our team works to build a strong claim, pursue fair compensation, and keep clients informed throughout the legal process.
Contact Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Jacksonville Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you believe a doctor’s mistake caused you or a family member serious harm, please contact the Jacksonville and Ponte Vedra medical malpractice law firm of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Duval County, St. Johns County, and the surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
9471 Baymeadows Rd #105,
Jacksonville, FL 32256
(904) 396-1100
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
121 W Forsyth St Suite 1000,
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 822-4225
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
480 Town Plaza Ave #130,
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
(904) 675-1167