Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Florence, SC

Overview of Medical Malpractice in Florence, SC

Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider’s actions, or lack of actions, fall below what’s known as the “standard of care.” This standard refers to what a reasonably careful healthcare professional would have done under similar circumstances. When providers fail to meet this standard and cause harm, they may be legally responsible.

In Florence, medical malpractice can occur at any healthcare facility, including McLeod Regional Medical Center and MUSC Health Florence. When medical professionals make mistakes, it can lead to serious consequences for patients and their families. Medical malpractice can be caused by misdiagnosis, surgical errors, incorrect treatment, or many other types of negligence. If you’ve been harmed due to a healthcare provider’s negligence, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced Florence medical malpractice attorney to understand your legal rights and options.

Common Injuries Caused by Medical Malpractice

Medical mistakes can cause life-changing injuries. Some of the most common injuries caused by medical malpractice include:

Birth Injuries: Babies can suffer injuries during delivery, like cerebral palsy or nerve damage, often leading to lifelong disabilities.
Brain Injuries: Lack of oxygen, surgical errors, or medication problems can cause brain injuries, resulting in memory loss, impaired mobility, or speech difficulties.
Surgical Injuries: Operating errors can lead to infections, internal damage, or the need for additional surgeries.
Medication Overdoses: Taking too much of a drug can harm vital organs, cause seizures, or even lead to death.
Infections: Hospital-acquired infections, such as MRSA or sepsis, can be extremely dangerous and sometimes fatal.

These injuries can lead to long-term problems like permanent disability, the need for continuous medical care, the inability to work, and overwhelming emotional and financial stress. If you’ve suffered any of these injuries due to medical malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation for your damages.

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Common Causes of Medical Malpractice in Florence

Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis occurs when a doctor fails to correctly identify a condition. It’s one of the most common errors and can delay critical treatment. Misdiagnosis can lead to treatable illnesses worsening or even becoming life-threatening. It can also result in patients undergoing unnecessary treatments that cause additional harm.

Surgery Errors

Surgical errors include performing an operation on the wrong body part or leaving surgical tools inside a patient. These errors can lead to serious infections, additional surgeries, and lasting physical damage. The physical and emotional recovery from surgical errors can take months or even years.

Treatment Errors

Giving the wrong treatment or failing to provide necessary care can worsen a patient’s original condition or create new health problems. Patients may face extended hospital stays and a much longer recovery period as a result. Treatment errors are often preventable and can have life-altering consequences.

Obstetrics Errors

Mistakes during pregnancy, labor, or delivery can cause harm to mothers or babies. These errors can result in lifelong injuries like cerebral palsy or other birth-related complications. Families often experience overwhelming emotional and financial strain from caring for a child with special needs due to medical malpractice during childbirth.

Medication Errors

Prescribing the wrong medication or incorrect dosage can trigger severe allergic reactions, overdoses, or ineffective treatment, potentially leading to permanent disability or death. Medication errors are often preventable and can be devastating for the patient and their loved ones.

Anesthesia Errors

Problems related to giving anesthesia, such as administering too much or too little, can cause brain damage, heart complications, or even death. Survivors of anesthesia errors may suffer from long-term cognitive and neurological issues, including memory problems and difficulty with basic motor functions.

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What Should You Do If You Believe You Have a Medical Malpractice Claim?

If you think you’ve been harmed by medical malpractice, there are important steps to take:

Find Another Doctor for a Second Opinion: You need an independent evaluation of your condition and treatment. A second opinion can also help you understand if mistakes were made and what care you need moving forward.
Request Copies of Your Medical Records: These will be vital evidence in your case. Having full access to your records gives your attorney the tools to build a stronger claim.
Stay Off Social Media: Avoid posting about your injury or treatment online, as this can be used against you. Even casual updates can be misinterpreted and harm your credibility.
Limit Communication with Involved Parties: Don’t talk directly to the doctor or hospital about your potential claim. Anything you say could be used later to minimize or dismiss your case.
Keep a Journal of Symptoms and Medical Visits: Documenting your health journey can strengthen your case. Detailed notes about pain levels, treatments, and emotional struggles can show the true impact on your daily life.
Contact an Experienced Attorney: A Florence medical negligence lawyer can review your case and guide you through the process. An attorney can handle the legal side of things while you focus on healing.

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Why Medical Malpractice Cases Matter

Medical errors aren’t rare. Nationally, they’re a significant concern, with some studies placing medical errors as the third leading cause of death in the United States. In South Carolina, concerns remain. The state was ranked 32nd for doctor disciplinary rates by its medical board. Medical malpractice is a serious issue in Florence, and having an experienced attorney on your side can help you pursue justice and compensation for the harm you’ve suffered.

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Choosing the Right Car Accident Attorney

Selecting the right attorney is critical to achieving the best outcome for your case. Consider the following factors when choosing a car accident lawyer in Hanahan:

Experience: Choose a lawyer with extensive experience handling car accident cases and a proven track record of successful outcomes.
Reputation: Look for online reviews and client testimonials to gauge the attorney’s reputation and professionalism.
Communication: Choose an attorney who communicates clearly and regularly, keeping you informed about the progress of your case.
Fees: Ensure you understand the lawyer’s fee structure upfront. Many car accident lawyers work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case.

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Mr. Meehan was very professional.

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How Medical Malpractice Cases Are Proven

Florence is home to several respected medical facilities, including McLeod Regional Medical Center and MUSC Health Florence. As healthcare services expand in Florence, so do the risks of medical errors. After being harmed, victims must file medical malpractice lawsuits here within the statute of limitations for malpractice, which is generally three years from the date of injury or discovery. Filing too late could mean losing your chance to seek justice.

Filing a successful medical malpractice case involves several steps:

Establishing the Standard of Care: Your attorney will show what level of care a competent healthcare provider should have provided.
Showing the Breach: Your case must prove the healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care, which is known as a “breach of duty in healthcare.”
Proving the Breach Caused the Injury: It’s not enough to show a mistake happened. The error must be linked directly to the harm you suffered.
Demonstrating Losses: Finally, you must prove you suffered actual losses like physical injury, lost wages, or emotional distress.

Gathering strong evidence, like medical records, expert opinions, and witness statements, is key to building a successful case. Expert medical testimony can play a crucial role in helping you establish that the provider’s actions were below the standard of care.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I suspect malpractice after being treated in a Florence medical facility?

If you suspect you’ve been hurt by malpractice, the first thing to do is seek medical help from a different provider. Getting a second opinion can confirm if something was done wrong. Keep a record of everything, including your appointments, treatments, and symptoms. Then, gather copies of your medical records. Finally, contact a Florence medical malpractice attorney who can help review your situation and explain your legal options.
Can I pursue a malpractice case in Florence if I signed a consent form before treatment?

Yes, you can. A consent form means you agreed to the risks involved in a procedure, but it does not give healthcare providers permission to be careless. If your doctor made a preventable error, you can still have a valid claim. Signing a form does not excuse medical negligence or free providers from responsibility.
Can I sue a government-run hospital or clinic in Florence for malpractice?

You can sue a government-run hospital, but it can be more complicated. There are special rules and shorter deadlines, so it’s important to act quickly. A Florence medical negligence lawyer can help you understand these rules and work to get you the compensation you deserve.
How long do I have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Florence, SC?

In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the injury or the discovery of the injury to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. It’s important to act quickly and not let the statute of limitations expire.