Can I Sue My Doctor for Failing to Refer Me to a Specialist?

If your doctor noticed something was wrong that was outside of their realm of expertise and failed to refer you to a specialist, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim if you were harmed by their negligence. To learn more about filing a claim, read on.

Doctors are legally bound to refer their patients to specialists if they can’t provide the necessary care to assist their patients. If you have been harmed as a result of your doctor’s negligence and failure to refer, you may qualify for financial compensation. To learn more about your legal options, continue reading and contact our Hillsborough County medical malpractice lawyer.

How can I take legal action against a doctor for failing to refer me to a specialist?

If your doctor has acted negligently and you were harmed as a result, the first step you should take is to reach out to an experienced Valrico personal injury lawyer. Your attorney will work to collect the necessary evidence to support your claim and satisfy the burden of proof needed to recover the compensation you require to heal. You and your lawyer will work to establish that you were the doctor’s patient and that they owed you a duty of care. Next, you and your attorney will work to prove that the doctor in question diverted from the standard line of treatment, therefore breaching the duty of care and causing your damages.

This process can be difficult. Doctors who are accused of medical malpractice will likely hire aggressive legal counsel to combat your claim. Their career could be at risk. This is why you require the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable law firm that has assisted countless individuals like yourself. Our legal team at The Frank Santini Law Firm is prepared to take on your case when you are ready.

What is the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims in Florida?

Most personal injury claims in Florida have a statute of limitations of four years. However, for a medical malpractice claim, you will likely have two years from the date you discover the injury or harm caused by a medical professional. However, there are some exceptions to this rule.

In certain cases where medical issues are not obvious at first, you may have four years from the date of the incident to file your medical malpractice claim. This is referred to as the statute of repose. Also, in rare cases where medical professionals and medical facilities intentionally attempt to cover up wrongdoing, the statute of limitations may be extended even further–up to seven years. However, these scenarios are rare.

If you believe that you are a victim of medical malpractice, it is best to file your claim as soon as possible. Give our firm a call today to get started.

Contact Our Firm

For a skilled Tampa personal injury lawyer you can trust, contact The Frank Santini Law Firm today for a free initial consultation.