Do You Need an Expert Witness for a Medical Malpractice Claim?

Medical malpractice happens frequently throughout the United States. Doctors, surgeons, pharmacists, physical therapists, and other medical professionals can be held accountable, financially, for their actions when they are negligent and cause harm. Even though most medical malpractice cases that go to trial will ultimately settle in favor of the medical provider, victims of medical malpractice should not shy away from speaking with an attorney if they believed provider errors harmed them.

In Florida, victims of medical malpractice can meet with the Tampa medical malpractice attorneys at Fulgencio Law to review their cases. If it makes sense to move forward with filing a claim, your attorney will advise you on your options, what to do, and what to expect.

Expert Witnesses and Medical Malpractice Claims in Florida

Medical malpractice can occur in many settings. From hospitals to pharmacies and to nursing homes, when a medical professional treats you with a lesser standard of care than would be reasonably used in the same situation by another medical professional and you are harmed, it is likely you suffered your injuries as a result of medical malpractice.

Medical malpractice cases are often very difficult and complicated types of personal injury claims. A poor or undesirable outcome of medical treatment or procedure does not mean that a patient was the victim of a medical malpractice event. It is a high standard to show that when harm was suffered it was because of negligence or oversights on the part of a medical provider.

This is why it is often necessary to prove a victim’s claims of medical malpractice that an expert medical witness is used. An expert within the same medical field would have legitimate and trusted opinions detailing that the treatment or procedure that was administered to a patient was not appropriate or would never be done by other medical providers. An explanation and breakdown of where the mistakes were made and what should have been done if a patient was cared for correctly can make a big difference in a medical malpractice claim. In fact, it is extremely challenging to win a medical malpractice case without an expert medical witness providing testimony.

While not mandatory, due to the complexity that comes with medical malpractice in Florida, it is best to have an attorney representing your interests that has training and experience with medical malpractice and who knows Florida medical malpractice laws.

The aftermath of a medical malpractice incident could mean lifelong damages and impairments for a patient. Medical malpractice can also be deadly. Victims that suffered great losses may be entitled to a large financial settlement or award.

Speak with a Florida Medical Malpractice Attorney Today

In conclusion, filing a medical malpractice claim does not require an expert witness, but due to the strength of their testimony, it is often necessary. 

If you have questions about medical malpractice in Florida or if you believe you have a claim and would like help with it, please call the Tampa personal injury attorneys at Fulgencio Law today to schedule a free consultation at (813) 463-0123.