When we seek medical care, we trust that the healthcare professionals treating us will provide competent, attentive care. While doctors often receive the spotlight in medical malpractice cases, nurses play a vital role in patient care—and when they make mistakes, the consequences can be just as severe. In Florida, nursing negligence can form the basis for a medical malpractice claim if it leads to a patient’s injury or death.
What Is Nursing Negligence?
Nursing negligence occurs when a nurse fails to act in accordance with the accepted standards of care, resulting in harm to a patient. This can include:
-
Medication errors (wrong dose, drug, or patient)
-
Failure to monitor vital signs
-
Inadequate patient assessments
-
Improper use of medical equipment
-
Failure to report changes in a patient’s condition to a doctor
-
Neglecting to follow physician orders
When Does It Become Medical Malpractice?
For nursing negligence to rise to the level of medical malpractice under Florida law, four elements must be proven:
-
Duty of Care – The nurse had a legal obligation to provide competent care.
-
Breach of Duty – The nurse failed to meet the appropriate standard of care.
-
Causation – This breach directly caused the patient’s injury.
-
Damages – The patient suffered harm as a result.
If these elements are present, the injured party may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Common Scenarios in Florida Hospitals and Clinics
Florida hospitals are busy, high-pressure environments. Understaffing and long shifts can lead to mistakes. Some common examples of nursing negligence in Florida include:
-
Administering the wrong medication in emergency rooms
-
Failing to prevent bedsores in nursing homes
-
Not responding promptly to a patient’s distress signal
-
Allowing patient falls due to lack of supervision
Statute of Limitations in Florida
In Florida, medical malpractice claims must generally be filed within two years of the incident or from when the injury was (or should have been) discovered. There are exceptions, but missing this window can prevent recovery entirely.
What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Negligence
If you believe you or a loved one has been harmed due to a nurse’s negligence:
-
Seek immediate medical attention to address any ongoing health issues.
-
Request copies of all medical records.
-
Document everything you remember about the incident.
-
Contact an experienced Florida personal injury attorney to evaluate your case.
Speak with a Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyer
We help victims of nursing negligence navigate complex medical malpractice claims. We work with medical experts to investigate what went wrong and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation and protect your rights before time runs out.
Have you or someone you know been injured as a result of nursing negligence? 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.
