Best Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Gainesville

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Gainesville, Florida?

  For non-emergency matters, individuals can dial 352-955-1818 to reach the Gainesville Police Department.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Gainesville, Florida?

  Obtaining police reports in Gainesville can be done via telephone, online, or in person. To request a report by phone, dial 352-393-7565. For online requests, you can use the following links:

  • incident reports: http://www.gainesvillepd.org/Virtual-Front-Desk/Online-Reporting/Get-Your-Report/Incident-Report
  • traffic crash reports: http://www.gainesvillepd.org/Virtual-Front-Desk/Online-Services/Incident-Traffic-Report/Incident-Report-Copy If you prefer to make an in-person request, visit the Gainesville Police Department situated at 413 NW 8th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32601.

• In Gainesville, what is the accepted medical standard of care?

  Medical professionals themselves establish the medical standard of care that Florida law requires of healthcare providers in Gainsville. This standard can vary depending on the circumstances, such as the patient's medical condition, medical history, geographic location, and age. When treating or performing procedures on patients, healthcare professionals must consider these factors in order to deliver a quality of care that is on par with what similar healthcare professionals would do in the same situation.

• Are there any limitations on the amount of non-economic damages awarded in medical malpractice cases in Gainesville?

  In previous years, Florida implemented a limit on the amount of non-economic damages that medical malpractice victims could receive. Non-economic damages cover aspects like pain and suffering or emotional distress. The range of these caps ranged from $500,000 to $1 million, depending on the specific situation. The Florida Supreme Court, however, overturned this damages cap in 2017. As a result, victims of medical malpractice in Gainesville, like victims of car or motorcycle accidents, are now eligible to receive full compensation.

• Can you pursue compensation if your loved one dies due to medical malpractice in Gainesville?

  Yes. If a family member dies as a result of medical malpractice, you have the right to seek compensation on their behalf in Gainesville. The personal representative of the deceased can file a lawsuit to recover various awards for the estate, beneficiaries, and survivors. These may include reimbursement for medical, funeral, and burial expenses and compensation for lost wages, benefits, companionship, protection, parental guidance, instruction, support, and emotional suffering experienced by the surviving family members.

• Why is it financially risky to agree to an initial settlement in your medical malpractice case in Gainesville?

  Accepting a settlement may not solve your financial problems and could make them worse. If your medical condition worsens after accepting an inadequate settlement offer, you usually cannot pursue additional compensation through a civil lawsuit in Gainesville. Insurance adjusters often target vulnerable individuals, which is unfair. Your condition might hinder your ability to make informed decisions about your financial future. It is often advisable to seek assistance from a legal professional to navigate the complexities of insurance settlements.

• What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Gainesville?

  In Gainesville, you have a two-year time limit to file a lawsuit for injuries or death resulting from medical malpractice. Before going to court, you need to serve a notice of intent to sue the healthcare provider, which must include a sworn statement from a medical professional validating your claim. This initiates a 90-day settlement process, pausing the statute of limitations. If no agreement is reached during this period, you can proceed with legal action.