Focusing Our Legal Practice On Retinopathy Of Prematurity Blindness
With over 30 years of practicing law, Richard M. Shapiro is one of few attorneys in the country emphasizing newborn blindness caused by medical mistakes in his legal practice. Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of blindness in children. However, while the condition itself is not preventable, timely recognition and ROP treatment of this curable disease can virtually eliminate the risk of severe vision loss or total blindness. Doctors, nurses and pediatric ophthalmologists—doctors specializing in premature infant eye care—must be properly trained and have substantial experience in recognizing the warning signs of ROP. Consequently, failing to act on these signs or perform timely and adequate screenings is medical malpractice. Should a serious injury occur, qualified and experienced legal representation should be sought immediately.
A Career Devoted to Causes
Through his years of experience litigating and trying these extremely complex and lengthy cases, attorney Richard M. Shapiro can uncover the evidence to prove when someone on the medical team failed to diagnose or treat your child’s ROP in time to prevent permanent vision loss or blindness. He can hold those parties responsible for missing the window of opportunity for treatment and cure.
Growing up in a family of renowned doctors, Richard M. Shapiro intimately understands the inside story of medical care and those charged with the responsibility of providing quality care. Furthermore, as a young man, Richard worked as a medical research assistant with his father, Dr. Robert Shapiro.
As a medical malpractice attorney, Richard’s cases now focus almost exclusively on injury to the brain, spinal cord (paralysis) and blindness. Richard continues to use the knowledge gained through academic experience to help the children injured by medical professionals, and gain compensation where appropriate for the child’s family. Simply stated, healthcare is “big business” today. Profit over proper patient care is far too prevalent in today’s society. The ultimate goal of Shapiro Law Group is to literally put itself out of business, and that eventually, the healthcare industry will promulgate adequate safety measures to ensure that no child falls between the cracks, that no children suffer blindness due to delay in treatment.
Fighting to Make a Difference
Recognized nationally in trial advocacy and AV Preeminent® rated, Richard M. Shapiro has specialized knowledge in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) litigation. Thus, he understands the standard of care expected by the medical community and has an extensive history of achieving favorable recoveries for clients. This includes an award in excess of $10 million for medical errors causing injuries to a young girl named Jessica. Richard recalls how Jessica suffered and died from the actions of a negligent doctor, leaving the little girl paralyzed and blind, and cutting short her beautiful life. As a result of cases like this, his passion and experience drive Richard to strive for excellence.
His dedication to ending blindness caused by retinopathy of prematurity is the result of a lifetime spent fighting for children. In fact, legal efforts like Richard’s have led to changes in policies and procedures at hospitals and their insurance carriers. However, we still have more work to do.
Education and Accolades
Upon graduating with a B.A. from the University of South Florida, Richard M. Shapiro received his J.D. from the Southwestern University School of Law. Richard is in Who’s Who in American Law and served as President of both the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers and the Southern Trial Lawyers Organization. Additionally, for many years, he served on the Board of Governors for the American Association for Justice. As an AV-rated lawyer, Richard M. Shapiro has achieved the highest peer rating for ethical standards and professional ability.
Locate an Attorney with Experience
It is very important that you hire an attorney who specifically focuses on ROP blindness in newborns. This type of litigation requires special attention to medical documents, connections with skilled professionals and the experience to realize when the hospital made a mistake. Our law firm offers free consultations and contingency fees, and we advance all the court costs so you pay nothing up front. We believe all families affected by this condition deserve access to a qualified ROP attorney.