Comparative Fault in Malpractice Cases

(1) Notwithstanding anything in law to the contrary, in an action for damages for personal injury or wrongful death arising out of medical negligence, whether in contract or tort, when an apportionment of damages pursuant to this section is attributed to a teaching hospital as defined in s. 408.07, the court shall enter judgment against the teaching hospital on the basis of such party’s percentage of fault and not on the basis of the doctrine of joint and several liability.

(2) In an action for damages for personal injury or wrongful death arising out of medical negligence, whether in contract or tort, when an apportionment of damages pursuant to s. 768.81 is attributed to a board of trustees of a state university, the court shall enter judgment against the board of trustees on the basis of the board’s percentage of fault and not on the basis of the doctrine of joint and several liability. The sole remedy available to a claimant to collect a judgment or settlement against a board of trustees, subject to the provisions of this subsection, shall be pursuant to s. 768.28.

DISCLAIMER – Some of these Florida malpractice laws are exactly like they were first written years ago, but others have been amended several times over the years.  They can be amended again at any time.  For some of these laws you apply the version that existed at the time the malpractice occurred, but for others you apply the version of the law that exists at the time you file your case, or at the time your case gets to trial.  It can be tricky knowing which ones to use. We are showing you these Florida laws to help educate you about medical malpractice issues, but you should always consult an experienced Florida medical malpractice attorney before relying on these provisions. 

These articles only apply in Florida. If you live in another state, please contact an attorney in your state for more information about the rules that apply to you.