Trusted Overdose Error Law Firm in Florida
At Freedland Harwin Valori Gander, we represent individuals and families throughout Florida who have suffered serious injuries or lost loved ones due to medication overdoses caused by medical negligence. Our attorneys understand the devastating impact these errors can have and are committed to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable.
Written and edited by our team of expert legal content writers and reviewed and approved by Daniel Harwin
- Content last updated on:
- June 30, 2026
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Our Florida Medication Overdose Attorneys?
- How Our Lawyers Can Help You Prove a Medication Overdose Malpractice Claim
- What Evidence Is Needed To Prove A Medication Overdose Case?
- What Damages Can I Recover In A Medication Overdose Lawsuit?
- How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Medication Overdose Attorney?
- Who Can Be Held Liable For A Medication Overdose?
- How Long Do I Have To File a Medication Overdose Lawsuit in Florida?
- How Do Medication Overdose Errors Happen?
- Contact FHVG for a Free Medication Overdose Case Evaluation
What Is a Medication Overdose?
A medication overdose occurs when a patient receives more medication than the body can safely tolerate. While some overdoses happen outside of healthcare settings, many occur because of preventable medical errors.
Healthcare providers are responsible for prescribing the appropriate medication, calculating the correct dosage, reviewing patient histories, identifying contraindications, and monitoring patients for adverse reactions. When those responsibilities are neglected, patients can suffer severe injuries or death.
Medication overdoses can occur in:
- Hospitals
- Emergency rooms
- Surgical centers
- Nursing homes
- Rehabilitation facilities
- Pharmacies
- Physician offices
- Home healthcare settings
Many overdose cases involve medications that require careful monitoring due to their potency and risk profile.
Meet Our Florida Medication Overdose Attorneys
Michael Freedland
Michael Freedland is an award-winning trial lawyer and a national leader in medical malpractice litigation. He has obtained more than $100 million in compensation for his clients, and his work frequently captures the attention of national media outlets.
Daniel Harwin
Daniel Harwin is a national leader in medical malpractice litigation who is regularly featured in the media. He has won numerous state and national awards, including Medical Malpractice Lawyer of the Year by Daily Business Review. The Courtroom Video Network has named him “one of Florida’s leading lawyers.”
Deborah Gander
Deborah Gander is a board-certified civil trial lawyer who has secured over $100 million in verdicts and settlements. She has been named to the Daily Business Review “Verdicts Hall of Fame” twice and has received the America’s Top 100 Attorneys Lifetime Achievement Award.
Track Record of Success
We have won more than $2.6 billion in successful case results, including the following:
JURY VERDICT
We won this verdict for the family of a 54-year-old man who died in the hospital due to narcotic overdose and lack of monitoring. FHVG established this doctor failed to take proper precautions and ask the right questions.
SETTLEMENT
We obtained a settlement for the family of a 47-year-old woman whose death resulted from the use of a dangerous pharmaceutical drug. Our lawyers showed the manufacturer knew of the dangerous side effects and did not provide a proper warning.
SETTLEMENT
We recovered this settlement for a woman who suffered a serious side effect from a dangerous pharmaceutical drug. Our lawyers established that the manufacturer did not properly test for side effects and warn of dangers.
SETTLEMENT
We negotiated this settlement for the family of a man who died from cardiopulmonary arrest caused by an overprescribed pain medication.
Client Testimonials
We consistently receive positive reviews from our clients, such as the following:
I found it very easy to work with Freedland Harwin Valori Gander’s office, and their staff was amazing. If I had questions, they would quickly answer them. My case was a couple of years in the works, but with their skill and knowledge, it was so worth it in the end. If you need an attorney to fight for you I would highly recommend Michael Freeland and his team of attorneys.
– Joseph P., Google
FHVG handled my medical malpractice case. They were kind, compassionate, always answered questions, concerned & did the very best for all involved. I couldn’t have had attorneys with more expertise than them! I am grateful for all they did throughout the entire process. I would encourage anyone needing attorneys for these types of claims to contact Freedland Harwin Valori Gander because you will be very glad you did! They are truly the best!
– Rhonda L., Google
Michael Freedland is a top-notch attorney who definitely goes to battle for medical injuries. I was amazed at my award and have been able to do wonderful things. Thank you so much. I can’t leave out his caring and helping team. I would definitely recommend Freeland Harwin Valori.
– Sandi C., Google
free consultation anytime, anywhere.
ALL FIELDS REQUIRED
- ANESTHESIA & PACU ERRORS
- BIRTH TRAUMA
- EMERGENCY ROOM MISTAKES
- FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE OR MISDIAGNOSIS – CANCER
- FAILURE OR DELAY IN DIAGNOSIS OF SEPSIS
- FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE AND TREAT GESTATIONAL DIABETES
- FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE BREAST CANCER
- FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE HEART ATTACK
- FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE OR TREAT AORTIC DISSECTION
- FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE PNEUMONIA
- FAILURE TO DIAGNOSE PULMONARY EMBOLISM
- FAILURE TO TREAT STROKE
- HOSPITAL MALPRACTICE
- INTRAVENOUS INFILTRATION
- MEDICATION ERRORS
- MEDICATION OVERDOSE
- MISDIAGNOSIS
- NEGLIGENT FETAL MONITORING
- OB/GYN ERRORS
- PLASTIC SURGERY ERRORS
- PREOPERATIVE CLEARANCE ERROR
- RADIOLOGY ERRORS
- SPINE SURGERY MISTAKES
- STILLBIRTH & MISCARRIAGE MALPRACTICE
- SURGERY CENTER ERRORS
- SURGICAL ERRORS
- TYPES OF MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWSUITS
CASE RESULTS
TESTIMONIALS
How Our Lawyers Can Help You Prove a Medication Overdose Malpractice Claim
It is never a good idea for people to represent themselves in complex medical malpractice claims. Not hiring an experienced attorney can make it extremely difficult to file and prove your claim and negotiate a fair settlement from a hospital or pharmacy’s insurance company.
Instead of making the claims process more difficult than it has to be, contact the Florida medical malpractice attorneys at Freedland Harwin Valori Gander, PL. We have years of experience and proven results that can give you peace of mind even in the most complicated overdose lawsuits.
We Can Help You with the Four Elements of a Claim:
- The defendant owed you a duty of care, such as where a doctor or nurse owes a patient a duty of care.
- The defendant breached his/her/its duty of care. For example, by prescribing too much medication or the wrong medication.
- The breach of duty caused the medication injury such as a medication overdose.
- The plaintiff suffered damages as a result of the breach.
Throughout our representation, our team can investigate the cause of the medication mistake, interview witnesses, hire experts, access electronic medical records, and gather any existing evidence of malpractice. We will speak directly with major insurance companies on your behalf, negotiating higher settlements or taking your claim to trial if necessary for better results. Our medical malpractice attorneys in Fort Lauderdale and Coral Gables have extensive experience handling medication error claims and going up against some of the most well-known pharmaceutical companies in the country. Contact us online or at (954) 467-6400 to discuss the future of your claim today.
If you’re looking for an aggressive and responsive firm, these guys are it. Cases are handled quickly and professionally, but they make sure to get you top dollar. They have the resources to fight the biggest insurance companies. Any time I’ve ever called Michael Freedland, I’ve personally gotten a call back quickly from him, not a secretary or case manager.
– Randall, Google
Several heavily advertised ‘big’ firms for MedMal thought our case was too weak. Dan Harwin and colleagues were ready, unbelievably thorough, and relentless, and our settlement was 60 percent higher than their original estimate. Fierce advocates and continued friends after all has been said and done.
– Daniel C., Google
Common Causes of Medication Overdoses
Medication overdoses often result from human error, communication failures, or breakdowns in healthcare systems.
Common causes include:
Incorrect Dosage Calculations
Healthcare providers may miscalculate medication dosages based on a patient’s:
- Weight
- Age
- Medical condition
- Kidney function
- Liver function
Even a small mathematical error can result in a dangerous overdose.
Medication Administration Errors
Nurses and healthcare staff may accidentally:
- Administer too much medication
- Give medication too frequently
- Deliver medication through the wrong route
- Fail to verify dosage instructions
These mistakes can have immediate and severe consequences.
Pharmacy Errors
Pharmacists may dispense:
- Incorrect medication strengths
- Wrong medications
- Incorrect instructions
- Improperly labeled prescriptions
Patients often have no reason to suspect that the medication they receive is incorrect.
Failure to Review Medical Records
Before prescribing medication, healthcare providers should evaluate:
- Existing prescriptions
- Allergies
- Medical history
- Drug interactions
Failure to perform these reviews can significantly increase overdose risks.
Duplicate Prescriptions
In complex healthcare systems, multiple providers may prescribe medications without coordinating treatment plans.
This can lead to accidental overdoses involving:
- Opioids
- Sedatives
- Blood pressure medications
- Anticoagulants
- Psychiatric medications
Which Medications Are Most Commonly Involved in Overdose Claims?
While any medication can become dangerous when administered improperly, certain drugs are frequently involved in malpractice claims.
These include:
- Opioid pain medications
- Morphine
- Fentanyl
- Oxycodone
- Hydromorphone
- Insulin
- Blood thinners
- Chemotherapy medications
- Anesthesia drugs
- Sedatives
- Antipsychotic medications
- Cardiac medications
Because these medications can affect breathing, heart function, and neurological activity, overdose errors often become medical emergencies.
If you believe a medication overdose was caused by medical negligence, contact FHV Legal today for a free consultation.
Way beyond my expectations. Their hard work and professionalism overwhelmed me when discussing a settlement. It was 19 times higher than what I had thought it would be.
– Larry T., Google
Ray Valori and his colleagues helped us through a very difficult time immediately following the death of a young family member. They expediently and cost-effectively secured for us the maximum compensatory damages available from the insurance companies involved. And they did so with the highest degree of professionalism and compassion.
– Atul J., Google
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Medication Overdose Attorney?
Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t charge any upfront fees. Instead, we collect a percentage of your compensation as our fee. If we fail to recover compensation for you, you pay nothing. This fee structure ensures that the cost of hiring a lawyer is based on the outcome of your case, aligning our interests with yours.
What You Need to Know About Medication Overdose Medical Malpractice Claims
Not every overdose automatically constitutes medical malpractice. Some medications carry known risks even when administered correctly.
However, healthcare providers may be legally responsible when their negligence causes an overdose that should have been prevented.
To pursue a claim, victims generally must show:
- A healthcare provider owed a duty of care.
- The provider failed to meet accepted medical standards.
- The failure caused the overdose.
- The overdose resulted in injury or death.
These cases often require detailed investigation and expert medical analysis.
Signs a Medication Overdose May Have Been Preventable
Families often suspect something went wrong when unexpected complications occur shortly after treatment.
Potential warning signs include:
- Sudden respiratory failure
- Unexplained cardiac arrest
- Excessive sedation
- Loss of consciousness
- Seizures
- Organ failure
- Severe neurological symptoms
- Unexpected death following medication administration
When these events occur in hospitals or healthcare facilities, a thorough investigation may reveal preventable errors.
Real-World Example of a Medication Overdose Error
Consider a patient recovering from surgery at a Florida hospital.
The patient is prescribed a powerful opioid for post-operative pain management. During a shift change, a nurse accidentally administers several doses too closely together. The patient’s oxygen levels begin to fall, but monitoring protocols are not followed properly.
By the time medical staff recognize the problem, the patient has suffered a prolonged oxygen deprivation injury resulting in permanent brain damage.
Cases like these illustrate how multiple small mistakes can combine to create catastrophic outcomes.
How to Know When You Should Contact a Lawyer for a Medication Overdose
You should consider speaking with an attorney if:
- A loved one died after receiving medication
- A hospital overdose caused serious injury
- A physician prescribed an unsafe dosage
- A pharmacy dispensed incorrect medication strength
- Medical providers failed to monitor a patient appropriately
- You suspect records have been altered or withheld
- Healthcare providers cannot adequately explain what happened
The sooner an attorney can investigate, the better the opportunity to preserve critical evidence.
How Freedland Harwin Valori Gander Investigates Overdose Cases
Medication overdose claims are often highly technical and require extensive review.
Our legal team works to identify:
What Medication Was Given
We review medical charts, physician orders, pharmacy records, and administration logs.
Who Was Responsible
Multiple parties may contribute to an overdose, including:
- Physicians
- Nurses
- Pharmacists
- Hospitals
- Healthcare systems
- Nursing homes
Whether Standards of Care Were Violated
Independent medical experts help determine whether providers acted negligently.
The Full Scope of Damages
We evaluate:
- Current medical costs
- Future care needs
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability-related expenses
- Wrongful death damages
Trial Preparation
FHV Legal prepares every case for potential trial from the beginning.
Healthcare institutions recognize when a law firm has the resources and courtroom experience necessary to pursue complex medical malpractice claims.
Contact FHVG for a Free Medication Overdose Case Evaluation
If you are injured because a negligent health care provider gave you too much medication, our medication overdose lawyers can help you recover the maximum compensation available. Contact us online today or call (954) 467-6400 to schedule your free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medication Overdose Claims
What is considered a medication overdose?
A medication overdose occurs when a patient receives more medication than is medically safe, resulting in harmful symptoms, injury, or death.
Can a hospital be liable for a medication overdose?
Yes. Hospitals may be liable when employees, policies, staffing shortages, communication failures, or other institutional issues contribute to an overdose.
Can pharmacists be responsible for overdose injuries?
Yes. Pharmacists may be liable if they dispense the wrong medication strength, incorrect dosage instructions, or fail to identify dangerous medication conflicts.
How do I know if an overdose resulted from negligence?
A medical malpractice attorney can investigate records, consult experts, and determine whether accepted medical standards were violated.
What injuries commonly result from medication overdoses?
Common injuries include brain damage, respiratory failure, cardiac complications, organ failure, permanent disability, and wrongful death.
