Florida, with its bustling healthcare landscape, has witnessed a substantial amount of medical malpractice cases, resulting in significant settlements that underscore the importance of accountability in the medical profession.

In the vast and complex realm of healthcare, trust is the cornerstone upon which the patient-physician relationship is built. However, when that trust is breached, the consequences can be severe, leading to legal battles that seek justice for those who have suffered due to medical negligence. 

In this article, we have documented the top 10 medical malpractice settlements in Florida to showcase what is possible for patients and families. Each case is a testament to the challenges faced by average individuals, navigating the intricate web of legal proceedings to find closure and compensation for the harm inflicted upon them. 

If you are in need of representation for a Florida medical malpractice case, contact Osborne & Francis at (561) 293-2600 for a free consultation. We have locations in Boca Raton, Orlando, and Lakeland, and are available to handle cases throughout the Sunshine State.

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The Top 10 Florida Medical Malpractice Settlements

Here is a rundown of the top 10 medical malpractice settlements in Florida:

1. $220 Million: This case of Maya Kowalski against Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital was featured in the Netflix documentary “Take Care of Maya.” The hospital was found guilty of all charges, which included wrongfully committing Maya and cruelly separating her from her mother.
2. $216.7 Million: A Florida jury awarded one of the largest medical malpractice payouts in United States history for a misdiagnosis of stroke symptoms.
3. $33.15 Million: A birth injury case involving professional negligence and failure to treat. The case involved a doctor who failed to perform an emergency C-section in the E.R. because he was having a phone call with his stockbroker instead. The physician then lied and changed medical records in an attempt to hide his guilt.
4. $21.5 Million: Failure to diagnose causing personal injury due to professional negligence. A patient was diagnosed with incurable breast cancer in a clinic error, only to later be told that she did not have breast cancer at all.
5. $20 Million: A jury awarded a Boca Raton family in a medical malpractice case for the wrongful death of husband Joshua Hamby, who died after being administered numerous doses of the highly potent opioid painkiller Dilaudid.
6. $15.9 Million: Delayed diagnosis involving a woman who suffered multiple amputations as the result of a medication delay and hospital negligence.
7. $13.9 Million: A failure to warn case in which an 80-year-old patient was blinded after cataract surgery — he was not adequately warned of the risks involved in the procedure.
8. $7.9 Million: A Miami-based doctor was ordered to pay after a patient suffered a preventable stroke due to what attorneys called "assembly line medicine." The patient was taken off a preventative drug she’d been safely consuming for 15 years, triggering a debilitating injury five months later. 
9. $7.5 Million: This is an Osborne & Francis victory for our client who became quadriplegic after neck surgery. Our investigation revealed that a medical product was used improperly at the time of the surgical procedure, causing compression of the spinal cord and permanent injury.
10. $4 Million: Another achievement by the attorneys here at Osborne & Francis for a baby who suffered a brain injury during birth. This settlement is vital for the family’s ability to care for their child's medical needs for the rest of his life.

Average Medical Malpractice Settlements — Florida

There is no “average” payout for a medical malpractice case in Florida, as settlement amounts vary widely based on the specific circumstances of each case. The complexity of medical malpractice cases, the severity of injuries, the degree of negligence, and other factors all contribute to the variability in settlement amounts.

In general, medical malpractice settlements can range from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Some cases may settle for relatively smaller amounts, especially if the damages are less severe, while others involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death may result in substantial settlements.

To get a more precise understanding of the medical malpractice settlement you can expect in Florida, it's advisable to consult with legal professionals experienced in litigating medical malpractice cases. We can help you assess the specific details of your case, describe relevant legal precedents, and provide insights into the potential value of a claim. 

By factoring in considerations such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages, the attorneys from Osborne & Francis will work tirelessly to maximize the compensation you need. Contact our Florida offices by calling (561) 293-2600 for a free, fully confidential consultation regarding your rights and legal options.

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What Do the Largest Medical Malpractice Settlements in Florida Cover?

Medical malpractice settlements can play a crucial role in providing support and assistance to families affected by instances of medical negligence. 

Here are several ways in which these settlements can help:

• Medical Expenses: Settlements often cover medical expenses incurred due to the malpractice, including additional treatments, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Lost Income: Families may receive compensation for any lost wages or future earning capacity resulting from the victim's inability to work due to the malpractice.
• Rehabilitation and Therapy: Settlements can fund ongoing rehabilitation and therapy needed for the physical or psychological recovery of the affected individual.
• Quality of Life Improvements: Funds from settlements can be used to enhance the overall quality of life for the affected person, such as making necessary home modifications, acquiring medical equipment, or obtaining ongoing care.
• Closure and Justice: While no amount of money can fully compensate for the pain caused by medical malpractice, settlements can bring a sense of closure to the affected families. Holding the responsible party accountable through legal means can provide a degree of justice.

Medical malpractice settlements in Florida can help secure the financial future of your family, especially if the patient harmed requires long-term care or if there are ongoing medical needs.

Additionally, these settlements may also bring attention to systemic issues within the healthcare system, prompting improvements, enforcement, and reforms to prevent future occurrences of medical negligence. 

By pursuing legal action, families contribute to the accountability of healthcare providers and institutions, which can potentially prevent similar incidents from occurring and help save lives.

Contact Osborne & Francis About Florida Settlements for Medical Malpractice

In the labyrinth surrounding healthcare legal cases, the top 10 medical malpractice settlements in Florida stand as poignant reminders of the human cost when trust in healthcare is betrayed. 

The ramifications of medical negligence extend far beyond the courtroom. These settlements not only symbolize a pursuit of justice, but also serve as beacons of hope for those who have endured the consequences of preventable harm.

If you are in need of legal help after a medical negligence injury, contact our Florida personal injury attorneys right away at (561) 293-2600. We are here to support affected families, help patients, and deliver the best possible results for your future. By reaching out today, you take a step toward healing, closure, and rebuilding your life with dignity and resilience.