When patients seek care at hospitals like Mercy Hospital in Miami, they trust that the medical staff will deliver safe and competent treatment. Unfortunately, hospital negligence can and does happen—often with life-altering consequences. If you or a loved one suffered harm due to medical negligence at Mercy Hospital, you may have grounds for a Florida medical malpractice lawsuit.
This blog explains how hospital malpractice occurs, common types of negligence seen at Mercy Hospital, and the legal options available under Florida law.
What Is Hospital Malpractice?
Hospital malpractice occurs when the institution—through its employees, systems, or administrative policies—fails to meet the standard of care owed to patients. In Florida, a hospital may be held liable for:
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Negligent hiring or supervision of staff
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Failure to maintain safe facilities or equipment
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Inadequate policies and procedures
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Errors by nurses, technicians, or other hospital employees
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Delays in diagnosis or treatment due to administrative failures
Hospitals can be directly liable for these failures or vicariously liable for the negligent acts of their employees.
Common Examples of Hospital Negligence at Mercy Hospital
Mercy Hospital, part of the HCA Florida Healthcare system, is one of Miami’s most prominent acute care hospitals. While many patients receive quality treatment there, others have experienced preventable harm due to:
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IV infiltration or extravasation injuries
Improper IV placement or failure to monitor IV sites can cause serious tissue damage. -
Surgical errors
Miscommunication in the operating room or failure to follow safety protocols can lead to wrong-site surgeries or retained foreign objects. -
Emergency room negligence
Delayed diagnoses, failure to order appropriate tests, or discharging patients too soon are frequent grounds for ER malpractice claims. -
Failure to monitor patients post-surgery
Inadequate post-operative care can result in infections, blood clots, or other complications. -
Miscommunication between departments
Hospitals are complex systems. A breakdown in communication can have devastating consequences for patients.
Can You Sue Mercy Hospital for Malpractice?
Yes, but several legal elements must be met under Florida law. To prevail in a malpractice claim against Mercy Hospital, a plaintiff must establish:
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A duty of care owed by the hospital or its staff;
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A breach of that duty (e.g., negligence);
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That the breach caused injury to the patient;
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Damages resulting from the injury (medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, etc.).
Additionally, medical malpractice claims in Florida are subject to a strict pre-suit screening process under Chapter 766, Florida Statutes. This includes:
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Obtaining a verified written medical expert opinion,
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Serving a notice of intent to initiate litigation,
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Observing a 90-day investigation period before filing suit.
Statute of Limitations in Florida
Medical malpractice lawsuits in Florida must generally be filed within two years of the date the injury was discovered—or reasonably should have been discovered—but no more than four years from the date of the incident. Exceptions may apply in cases involving fraud or minors.
Why Legal Help Matters
Suing a hospital like Mercy Hospital involves navigating complex statutes, hospital policies, insurance defense strategies, and medical evidence. Working with an experienced Florida medical malpractice attorney ensures your claim is thoroughly investigated, properly filed, and supported by strong medical expert testimony.
Contact a Miami Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you believe you or a loved one has been the victim of hospital malpractice at Mercy Hospital in Miami, do not wait. Contact a Florida medical malpractice lawyer who can help you explore your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Have you or someone you know been injured as a result of hospital malpractice? Contact Florida Hospital and Medical Malpractice Lawyer J.P. Gonzalez-Sirgo by dialing his direct number at (786) 272-5841, calling the main office at (305) 461-1095, or Toll Free at 1 (866) 71-CLAIM or email Miami Attorney Gonzalez-Sirgo directly at jp@yourattorneys.com or by text at (305) 929-8935.
