When Medical Errors Harm Children: Florida Pediatric Malpractice Attorneys

Medical errors involving children are heartbreaking and can result in lifelong consequences. When these errors happen, parents turn to experienced legal professionals to secure justice and compensation for their child’s suffering. At Paul | Knopf | Bigger, a pediatric malpractice attorney is dedicated to holding negligent medical providers accountable. If your family has been impacted by pediatric malpractice, contact us today for a free case evaluation or call us at (800) 434-4327.

Pediatric Malpractice: What It Is and How It Affects Families

Pediatric malpractice occurs when healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and specialists, fail to meet the standard of care for a child, resulting in injury or harm. Unlike adult medical malpractice cases, pediatric malpractice requires a unique understanding of children’s medical needs and the long-term effects of negligence.

Some common examples of pediatric malpractice include:

• Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of serious conditions like cancer or meningitis.
• Surgical errors, such as leaving instruments inside the body or operating on the wrong site.
• Medication errors, including incorrect dosages or prescribing harmful medications.
• Failure to monitor a child during critical procedures.

These mistakes can lead to permanent disabilities, developmental delays, or even wrongful death. Families coping with these tragedies deserve a compassionate pediatric malpractice attorney to fight for justice.

Why You Need a Pediatric Malpractice Attorney

Medical malpractice cases are complex, especially when they involve children. The injuries often require extensive medical treatment, specialized therapies, and long-term care. A knowledgeable pediatric malpractice attorney understands the intricate nature of these cases and has the resources to build a strong claim.

At Paul | Knopf | Bigger, we work tirelessly to:

• Investigate the details of your case, including reviewing medical records and consulting expert witnesses.
• Determine liability and hold the responsible parties accountable.
• Calculate the full extent of damages, including medical bills, future care costs, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
• Advocate for a fair settlement or represent your family in court if necessary.

We understand the emotional toll of pursuing legal action while caring for an injured child. Our team is here to guide you through every step of the process.

Types of Pediatric Malpractice Cases We Handle

At Paul | Knopf | Bigger, our attorneys specialize in a wide range of pediatric malpractice cases, including:

Birth Injuries

Birth injuries, such as cerebral palsy, Erb’s palsy, or brain damage, often result from negligent prenatal care, improper use of delivery tools, or failure to perform timely C-sections. These injuries can have lifelong consequences for the child and their family.

Misdiagnosis and Delayed Diagnosis

Failing to diagnose or misdiagnosing conditions like appendicitis, meningitis, or congenital heart defects can result in delayed treatment and severe complications. A pediatric malpractice attorney will work to prove that the delay in care directly caused your child’s suffering.

Surgical Errors

Even minor surgeries can have significant consequences when errors occur. From improper anesthesia administration to post-operative infections, surgical mistakes can jeopardize a child’s health.

Medication Errors

Children require precise medication dosages due to their smaller size and developing systems. Errors in prescribing or administering medication can lead to serious, sometimes fatal, complications.

Failure to Treat

When healthcare providers fail to recognize or act on symptoms, children can suffer needlessly. A failure to treat common conditions like jaundice, sepsis, or respiratory distress can escalate into life-threatening emergencies.

The Role of Expert Witnesses in Pediatric Malpractice Cases

Proving negligence in pediatric malpractice cases often requires testimony from medical experts. These professionals help establish how the healthcare provider deviated from the standard of care and how that negligence directly harmed your child. At Paul | Knopf | Bigger, we collaborate with leading pediatricians, surgeons, and other specialists to build a compelling case.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Families impacted by pediatric malpractice may face overwhelming financial burdens. A successful legal claim can provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses: Past, present, and future costs related to your child’s care.
• Rehabilitation and therapy: Physical, occupational, and speech therapy for long-term recovery.
• Lost earning potential: If the child’s ability to work is compromised due to their injuries.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the emotional trauma endured by your child and family.
• Punitive damages: In cases of egregious negligence, the court may award additional damages to punish the at-fault party.

Our experienced team at Paul | Knopf | Bigger ensures that no aspect of your case is overlooked, maximizing the compensation you deserve.

How to Choose the Right Pediatric Malpractice Attorney

Selecting the right attorney is critical to the success of your case. Here’s what to look for:

• Experience: Choose a law firm with a proven track record in pediatric malpractice cases.
• Resources: Ensure the attorney has access to medical experts, investigators, and other professionals to strengthen your case.
• Compassion: The legal team should be empathetic to your family’s needs and dedicated to achieving justice.

At Paul | Knopf | Bigger, our decades of experience and unwavering commitment to our clients make us the premier choice for families in Florida. We have successfully represented families against some of the largest medical providers and insurance companies, securing significant verdicts and settlements.

Take Action Today: Let Us Help You

If your child has been harmed by medical negligence, you don’t have to face this journey alone. The compassionate team at Paul | Knopf | Bigger is here to fight for justice on your behalf. Time is of the essence in pediatric malpractice cases, as Florida law imposes strict deadlines for filing claims. Don’t delay in securing the legal representation your family deserves.

Complete our free case evaluation form or call us at (800) 434-4327 today. Let us help you hold negligent medical providers accountable and secure the financial resources your child needs for a brighter future.

Sources:

• National Library of Medicine (PubMed)
  A study published by the National Library of Medicine highlights the prevalence of medical errors in pediatrics and their impact on patient safety. The research underscores the importance of addressing these errors to improve health outcomes.
  Source: PubMed.gov
• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)
  The AHRQ provides detailed resources and studies on medical errors, patient safety, and healthcare quality in the United States. They focus on pediatric care as part of their efforts to improve healthcare systems nationwide.
  Source: AHRQ.gov
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  The CDC offers comprehensive data on preventable healthcare-associated injuries, including those involving children. Their information highlights the risks posed by surgical complications, medication errors, and improper medical practices.
  Source: CDC.gov