Florida Diabetes Mismanagement Lawyers
Diabetes is a chronic and potentially life-threatening condition that requires careful management by medical professionals. When healthcare providers fail to diagnose, treat, or properly educate patients about diabetes, the consequences can be severe, leading to organ failure, nerve damage, heart disease, and even death.
At Fogg Law Group, we represent patients who have suffered due to diabetes mismanagement by doctors, hospitals, and healthcare providers. If you or a loved one experienced complications due to negligent medical care, you may be entitled to compensation.
What Is Diabetes Mismanagement?
Diabetes mismanagement occurs when a doctor, nurse, or healthcare provider fails to provide the standard level of care, leading to preventable complications. Proper monitoring, medication, and patient education are essential for managing diabetes safely. When medical professionals fail to take appropriate action, patients suffer avoidable harm.
To prove a diabetes mismanagement case, we must establish that:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed.
- The healthcare provider acted negligently, failing to provide the proper standard of care.
- The negligence caused serious complications or harm.
- The patient suffered damages as a result.
Common Types of Diabetes Mismanagement
1. Failure to Diagnose Diabetes
Early diagnosis is critical for diabetes management. When doctors misdiagnose diabetes as another condition or fail to test blood sugar levels, patients may develop severe complications before receiving treatment.
- Type 1 diabetes misdiagnosed as the flu or stress.
- Type 2 diabetes overlooked in high-risk patients.
- Gestational diabetes ignored, increasing risks for mother and baby.
A delayed diagnosis can lead to irreversible organ damage, nerve problems, and life-threatening blood sugar imbalances.
2. Medication Errors
Doctors must prescribe the correct dosage and type of insulin or oral medications based on a patient’s needs. Medication mistakes can result in:
- Severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) from excessive insulin or medication.
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) from inadequate insulin or incorrect prescriptions.
- Adverse drug interactions that worsen diabetes symptoms.
- Medication errors can cause seizures, coma, or death if not corrected immediately.
3. Lack of Blood Sugar Monitoring
Diabetes patients require regular blood sugar checks to prevent dangerous fluctuations. Medical negligence occurs when:
- Hospitals fail to monitor diabetic inpatients, leading to extreme blood sugar spikes.
- Doctors do not schedule regular A1C tests to track long-term glucose control.
- Nurses or caregivers fail to provide insulin at scheduled times.
Without proper blood sugar monitoring, patients risk developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS).
4. Poor Communication & Patient Education
Doctors have a duty to educate patients on diabetes management, including:
- Dietary guidelines and carbohydrate management.
- Exercise and its effects on blood sugar.
- Early warning signs of diabetic complications.
- Proper insulin administration and blood sugar testing techniques.
If a doctor fails to explain these critical details, patients may unknowingly make life-threatening mistakes in managing their condition.
Consequences of Diabetes Mismanagement
Negligent diabetes care can lead to serious, life-threatening complications, including:
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
DKA occurs when the body lacks insulin, leading to a dangerous buildup of ketones in the blood. This life-threatening condition can cause:
- Severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
- Rapid breathing and confusion.
- Coma or death if untreated.
DKA is often preventable with proper insulin therapy and blood sugar monitoring.
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)
HHS is a serious complication in type 2 diabetes where blood sugar levels become extremely high (above 600 mg/dL). It can lead to:
- Severe dehydration and shock.
- Seizures or stroke.
- Organ failure or death.
HHS usually occurs due to missed diagnoses, poor medication management, or lack of proper hospital care.
Long-Term Complications of Poor Diabetes Management
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to:
- Heart Disease & Stroke – High blood sugar damages blood vessels, increasing heart attack and stroke risk.
- Kidney Failure (Diabetic Nephropathy) – Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, requiring dialysis or transplant.
- Blindness (Diabetic Retinopathy) – High glucose levels damage blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision loss or blindness.
- Nerve Damage (Diabetic Neuropathy) – Poorly controlled diabetes can cause chronic pain, numbness, and foot ulcers.
- Amputation – Severe infections or ulcers may require surgical amputation of toes, feet, or legs.
Diabetes complications are preventable with proper medical care. If a doctor’s negligence allowed your condition to worsen, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Diabetes Mismanagement?
Several healthcare providers may be responsible for failing to properly manage a patient’s diabetes, including:
- Primary Care Doctors – Failure to screen, diagnose, or monitor diabetes properly.
- Endocrinologists (Diabetes Specialists) – Negligence in prescribing insulin, adjusting medications, or managing complications.
- Hospitals & Emergency Rooms – Failure to treat diabetic crises (DKA, HHS) in a timely manner.
- Nurses & Caregivers – Negligence in administering insulin, checking blood sugar, or educating patients.
Our firm investigates medical records, medication history, and hospital procedures to identify all liable parties.
Compensation for Victims of Diabetes Mismanagement
Victims of medical negligence in diabetes care may be entitled to:
- Medical Expenses – Covering hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and long-term care.Lost Wages – Compensation for time missed from
- work or loss of earning ability.
- Pain and Suffering – Physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
- Wrongful Death Damages – Families who lost a loved one due to diabetes mismanagement may recover funeral costs and loss of financial support.
Florida Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims
Under Florida law:
- Medical Malpractice Claims – Must be filed within two years from when the patient discovered or should have discovered the negligence (Florida Statutes § 95.11).
- Wrongful Death Claims – Must be filed within two years from the date of death.
- Exceptions – If a healthcare provider concealed the mistake, the statute may be extended.
If you miss these deadlines, you may lose your right to compensation.
What to Do If You Were a Victim of Diabetes Mismanagement
1. Request Your Medical Records – Obtain records of diagnoses, treatments, and prescriptions.
2. Document Symptoms & Complications – Keep track of missed diagnoses, medication errors, and treatment failures.
3. Seek a Second Medical Opinion – A specialist can confirm medical negligence.
4. Consult a Medical Malpractice Lawyer – An attorney can investigate your case, gather expert testimony, and file a lawsuit.
Contact Fogg Law Group for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one suffered complications due to diabetes mismanagement, we will fight for justice and compensation. Call 1-561-616-3000 or contact us online for a free consultation.