Larkin Community Hospital South Miami is a for-profit teaching hospital that provides a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, internal medicine, surgery, and psychiatric treatment. While many patients receive appropriate and effective care, there have been reported instances where medical errors have resulted in serious injuries or even death. If you or a loved one suffered harm due to suspected negligence at Larkin Community Hospital South Miami, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit under Florida law.
Common Types of Medical Malpractice at Larkin Community Hospital
Medical malpractice can take many forms, particularly in a hospital setting. Common allegations of negligence at facilities like Larkin Community Hospital include:
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Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Failing to timely diagnose a stroke, heart attack, sepsis, or cancer can result in devastating consequences.
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Surgical Errors: Mistakes such as performing the wrong procedure, operating on the wrong body part, or leaving surgical instruments inside the patient.
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Medication Errors: Administering the wrong medication or dosage, or failing to check for drug interactions or allergies.
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Anesthesia Errors: Overdosing, underdosing, or failing to properly monitor a patient during surgery.
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Infections and Poor Sanitation: Hospital-acquired infections like MRSA or sepsis due to inadequate infection control protocols.
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Nursing Negligence: Failing to monitor patients, ignoring symptoms, or improperly inserting IV lines or catheters.
How to Prove Medical Malpractice in Florida
To successfully bring a medical malpractice claim in Florida, a patient must prove:
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A provider-patient relationship existed at the time of the alleged negligence;
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The medical provider breached the standard of care expected of a reasonably prudent healthcare professional;
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The breach caused the patient’s injury; and
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Damages resulted (e.g., additional medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or death).
Under Florida Statutes Chapter 766, expert testimony is required to establish that the standard of care was violated.
Pre-Suit Requirements in Florida Malpractice Cases
Florida law imposes strict pre-suit requirements before filing a medical malpractice lawsuit. These include:
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Obtaining a verified written medical opinion from a qualified expert;
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Serving a Notice of Intent to Initiate Litigation on all prospective defendants;
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Engaging in a 90-day pre-suit investigation period during which the hospital and its insurers may respond or offer settlement.
Failure to comply with these procedural steps can result in dismissal of the case.
Larkin Community Hospital South Miami’s Legal Responsibility
Hospitals in Florida can be held directly and vicariously liable for medical malpractice. Larkin Community Hospital South Miami may be liable for:
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Negligent hiring, training, or supervision of staff;
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Failing to maintain safe and sanitary conditions;
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Errors made by employed doctors, nurses, or medical technicians;
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Allowing unqualified providers to treat patients.
Whether the hospital is responsible depends on the specific facts of each case, including whether the negligent provider was an employee or independent contractor.
What to Do if You Suspect Malpractice
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or unexpected outcome after treatment at Larkin Community Hospital South Miami:
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Request and review your medical records immediately;
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Consult with a qualified Florida medical malpractice attorney;
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Act quickly—Florida generally imposes a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the incident or discovery of the injury.
Speak to a Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Medical malpractice cases are complex, especially when large hospitals and insurers are involved. An experienced Florida medical malpractice attorney can help investigate your case, consult with medical experts, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you believe you or your loved one was harmed by negligent care at Larkin Community Hospital South Miami, contact us today for a free consultation. We are here to help you hold negligent providers accountable.
Have you or someone you know been injured as a result of medical 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.
