How are nursing malpractice cases generally resolved in Florida?

In Florida, nursing malpractice cases are typically resolved through civil litigation, where plaintiffs seek damages for negligence. This process involves filing a lawsuit in a civil court, where the injured party (the plaintiff) must prove that the nurse's actions fell below the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm or injury.

In civil litigation, the burden of proof is placed on the plaintiff, and they must provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate the nurse's negligence and the resulting damages suffered. This legal framework allows for compensation that may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress, among other damages.

While administrative hearings can play a role in addressing violations of nursing practice standards, they do not typically resolve malpractice claims regarding patient harm, which are precisely what the civil courts address. Criminal prosecution is reserved for actions that violate criminal law and do not pertain directly to malpractice claims, while mediation may occur in some disputes but without the formal structure of a legal proceeding, is not the primary method for resolving these types of cases in Florida.