When a child is admitted to a Florida children’s hospital, parents place their trust in doctors, nurses, and hospital staff to provide the best possible care. Unfortunately, medical errors can and do happen—even in specialized pediatric facilities. When negligence leads to harm, parents may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim under Florida law.
Understanding Pediatric Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or harm. In children’s hospitals, these cases can involve a wide range of mistakes, including:
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Failure to diagnose or misdiagnosis: Delayed recognition of infections, congenital conditions, or neurological issues.
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Medication errors: Incorrect dosages, wrong medications, or allergic reactions overlooked by staff.
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Surgical mistakes: Operating on the wrong site, leaving surgical instruments in the body, or anesthesia errors.
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IV and medication infusion injuries: Improperly monitored IVs can cause infiltration, extravasation, or tissue damage.
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Negligent monitoring: Inadequate observation of vital signs or ignoring signs of distress in newborns or pediatric patients.
Because children’s bodies react differently to medication and treatment, even a minor oversight can lead to severe, long-term harm.
Common Florida Children’s Hospitals Where Malpractice May Occur
Florida is home to several leading pediatric hospitals—such as Nicklaus Children’s Hospital (Miami), Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (St. Petersburg), and UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital (Gainesville)—but no facility is immune to human error. Parents should know that medical malpractice can happen anywhere, from large teaching hospitals to smaller regional children’s units.
Signs Your Child May Have Been a Victim of Malpractice
Parents should stay alert to warning signs of possible negligence, including:
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Unexpected complications after a procedure or surgery
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Conflicting or unclear medical explanations from staff
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Sudden or unexplained changes in your child’s condition
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Evidence of delayed or missed treatment
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Worsening symptoms despite care
If your intuition tells you something is wrong, it’s worth seeking an independent medical review and legal consultation.
Legal Rights and Next Steps for Parents in Florida
Florida law gives parents the right to pursue compensation for a child’s medical injuries caused by negligence. This may include damages for:
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Past and future medical expenses
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Pain and suffering
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Long-term disability or disfigurement
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Loss of future earning capacity
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Emotional distress for both parent and child
Under Florida Statute §766, parents must comply with strict pre-suit investigation and notice requirements before filing a malpractice lawsuit. An experienced Florida medical malpractice attorney can guide you through these procedural steps and ensure your claim meets all legal standards.
Why Pediatric Malpractice Cases Are Unique
Children’s malpractice claims require specialized medical experts—often in neonatology, pediatric surgery, or critical care—to establish the standard of care. Additionally, damages must account for the child’s entire future, including medical needs, special education, and quality-of-life impacts.
Because of these complexities, families should work with a law firm experienced in pediatric medical negligence litigation in Florida.
Protecting Your Child’s Future
If you believe your child was injured due to medical malpractice at a Florida children’s hospital, act quickly. Early investigation can help preserve medical records, secure expert reviews, and strengthen your claim.
A compassionate, skilled Florida medical malpractice lawyer can help you uncover the truth, hold negligent providers accountable, and seek the justice your child deserves.
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.
