Articles Posted in Medical Malpractice

Most people are surprised to learn that the physicians treating them in a hospital emergency room are often not hospital employees. Instead, they are typically independent contractors. An independent contractor is a person or entity that provides services under the terms of a contract rather than as a regular employee. These individuals work on an as-needed basis, often through their…

Since 1990, Florida has enforced a statute commonly referred to as the “Free Kill” law. Codified at Section 768.21(8) of the Florida Wrongful Death Act, this provision creates a glaring exception in an otherwise remedial framework intended to support grieving families. The legislative intent behind the Wrongful Death Act, as stated in Section 768.17, is…

Since 1990, Florida has maintained a statute that has come to be commonly referred to as the “Free Kill” law. The statute, section 768.21(8), is located in the damages portion of the Wrongful Death Act. The legislative intent of the Wrongful Death Act is set forth in section 768.17: It is the public policy of…

Republicans control all phases of lawmaking at the state level in Florida. This has been the case since the election of Jeb Bush as governor in 1998, complementing their majorities in the Florida House and Senate. Presently, they rule by supermajority in the Legislature, meaning they don’t have to negotiate with members of other parties…

In every negligence action for injuries or wrongful death the plaintiff must establish (1) a duty owed by the defendant; (2) the defendant’s breach of the duty; and (3) and that said breach proximately caused the damages claimed. In negligence actions Florida courts follow the more likely than not standard of causation and require proof…

It is common for health and disability (lost wages) insurance companies to pay benefits to their insureds who have been injured through the negligence of others. Most of the insurance policies contain language granting the insurance company a right of reimbursement for the money it has paid out from the proceeds recovered by the insured…

The difficulties and limitations associated with medical negligence claims are many. The list includes: Medical malpractice claims have a shorter statute of limitations than ordinary negligence claims — two years versus four years. See § 95.11(4)(b) and § 95.11(3)(a). Prospective medical malpractice plaintiffs must comply with complex and costly presuit requirements, as set forth in…

I have railed at length in this blog against a Florida law that allows medical providers alone to avoid the same legal liability everyone else faces for causing the negligent loss of life. The offensive statute is section 768.21(8), Florida Statutes, which is part of Florida’s Wrongful Death Act. Section 768.21, entitled “Damages,” describes who…

Civil disputes arising from death due to negligence are governed by statutes 768.16-768.26, known as the “Florida Wrongful Death Act.” Section 768.17 sets forth the legislative intent of the Act: “It is the public policy of the state to shift the losses resulting when wrongful death occurs from the survivors of the decedent to the…

Most people are surprised to learn that most hospital emergency room physicians are not hospital employees. Instead, they are independent contractors. “An independent contractor is a natural person, business, or corporation that provides goods or services to another entity under terms specified in a contract or within a verbal agreement. Unlike an employee, an independent…