Jacksonville Failure to Treat Lawyer

Ready to Hold Medical Professionals Liable

When we visit a doctor, hospital, or healthcare provider, we trust that they will evaluate our condition, provide a proper diagnosis, and deliver the necessary treatment. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. One of the most devastating forms of medical malpractice is failure to treat, which occurs when a medical professional neglects to provide appropriate care after recognizing—or having the opportunity to recognize—a patient’s medical condition.

At Edwards & Ragatz, P.A., we understand the pain, stress, and financial burdens that come with being denied timely and adequate treatment. If you or a loved one suffered harm because a medical provider failed to treat your condition, our Jacksonville failure to treat attorney is here to help you pursue justice and compensation.

Call (904) 295-1050 for a free consultation.

What is Considered Failure to Treat?

Failure to treat occurs when a healthcare provider recognizes—or should reasonably recognize—a patient’s medical problem but fails to provide the necessary care. This may involve ignoring symptoms, delaying care, refusing treatment, or not referring the patient to an appropriate specialist.

It is not enough that a patient feels dissatisfied with their care. To establish medical malpractice, it must be shown that:

1. A doctor-patient relationship existed.
2. The provider breached the standard of care by failing to treat the condition appropriately.
3. The failure to treat caused injury, worsening of the condition, or death.

Essentially, if a competent doctor under similar circumstances would have treated the condition and prevented harm, failure to treat may be considered medical malpractice.

Common Examples of Failure to Treat

Failure to treat can take many forms in medical practice. Some common examples include:

• Failure to order necessary tests – A doctor may notice symptoms but fail to order diagnostic tests like bloodwork, MRIs, or X-rays.
• Failure to provide follow-up care – Patients may be discharged prematurely without appropriate monitoring.
• Failure to treat infections – Ignoring or downplaying signs of infection can lead to life-threatening complications.
• Failure to refer to a specialist – If a doctor lacks the expertise to treat a condition but fails to refer the patient to a specialist, this may be malpractice.
• Failure to treat chronic conditions – Neglecting ongoing care for conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension.
• Failure to respond to emergencies – Ignoring urgent symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or neurological deficits can be fatal.

These failures can lead to worsening illnesses, unnecessary complications, permanent disability, or even wrongful death.

Common Causes of Failure to Treat

Several systemic and individual factors can contribute to failure to treat, including:

• Overworked medical staff – Hospitals with high patient loads may result in rushed, incomplete care.
• Poor communication – Miscommunication between medical staff can lead to overlooked symptoms or missed diagnoses.
• Inadequate training or inexperience – A provider may lack the knowledge needed to identify or treat a condition.
• Bias or assumptions – Sometimes doctors dismiss patient concerns, assuming symptoms are not serious.
• Administrative errors – Lost paperwork, test results, or electronic record mistakes may result in lack of follow-up.

Regardless of the cause, patients should not have to suffer the consequences of medical negligence.

Failure to Treat Claim FAQs

How do I know if I have a failure to treat case?

If your condition worsened because a doctor failed to provide appropriate treatment, you may have a claim. An attorney can review your medical records to determine if negligence occurred.

What damages can I recover in a failure to treat case?

You may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, and in some cases, wrongful death damages if a loved one passed away.

How long do I have to file a failure to treat claim in Florida?

In Florida, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is typically two years from when the negligence was discovered or should have been discovered. However, exceptions apply, so it is important to consult a lawyer as soon as possible.

Will I need expert testimony to prove my case?

Yes. Florida law generally requires testimony from qualified medical experts to establish that your provider breached the standard of care.

What if the hospital claims my condition was untreatable?

Even if your condition was serious, if timely and proper treatment could have improved your outcome, the provider may still be held liable.

How a Jacksonville Failure to Treat Attorney Can Help

Proving failure to treat requires strong evidence, including medical records, expert testimony, and documentation of the harm suffered. An experienced attorney at Edwards & Ragatz, P.A. can:

• Investigate the circumstances of your medical treatment
• Consult with medical experts to establish negligence
• Collect and analyze evidence to prove your claim
• Pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages

Our firm understands Florida medical malpractice law and has the resources to fight against hospitals, insurance companies, and defense lawyers on your behalf.

Contact us today to get started on your claim.