Florida Medical Malpractice and Your Rights

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on December 26, 2014

When you have to see a doctor, the experience is scary. You might have been in an accident or have a serious disease. You’re putting your trust in the doctors and want to receive the best possible care.

In September of 2014, five current and former employees of the Orange Park Medical Center filed a lawsuit against the organization, according to media reports. They claim that they tried to report medical malpractice concerns to their bosses and those warning were not heeded. They believe patients’ health and safety were seriously compromised by the actions, and they want someone held accountable.

The suit is seeking $300 million. The group claims that practices at the hospital led to the deaths of several patients, several of whom were children. They claim that the hospital violated state and federal laws that assure quality care for patients.

No specific mistakes were made in the initial filing, but a judge has issued a nine-page report on several claims. The judge ordered the report sealed. There are claims, however, that the managers bullied employees into not reporting the mistakes. Attorneys for the employees say that the high-dollar figure of the lawsuit was brought to raise awareness about the issue.

The suit claims that doctors misdiagnosed patients’ illnesses, but that information was never placed into the medical record. It was claimed that the hospital administration was concerned that the record would create the potential for a future medical malpractice lawsuit.

The suit is in federal court because some of the former employees are claiming discrimination. It’s not exactly clear how many doctors or nurses were involved in the doctoring of medical records, but that is a serious claim. Often the key evidence in a medical malpractice suit is the medical records.

The hospital, of course, denies the claims. The hospital said it takes the highest priority to ensure patient safety and would not do anything that could potentially harm a patient. A spokesman said the hospital received a top grade from a rating agency.

If you or a loved one has been injured from medical malpractice, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. immediately at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) for a free initial consultation.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.