Frederick "Rick" Hasty is a highly distinguished trial attorney focusing on medical malpractice defense, catastrophic litigation, premises liability and insurance bad faith. With a legal career spanning over four decades, Rick has developed a reputation for providing high-quality, aggressive, and cost-effective legal representation to insurance carriers and healthcare providers and professionals throughout Florida, from Key West to Jacksonville.
He is highly skilled in the full lifecycle of complex litigation, from pre-suit screening and risk evaluation through mediation, trial, and the appellate process. His deep understanding of the healthcare industry allows him to navigate the intricate medical and legal issues inherent in malpractice claims, including those involving hospitals, surgical centers, and mental health professionals.
Rick’s extensive trial experience is complemented by his role as a thought leader. He has lectured to more than 7,000 healthcare providers nationwide and served as exclusive Florida counsel for the American Red Cross Blood Services regarding transfusion-transmitted diseases. He is AV® Preeminent™ rated by Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest level of professional excellence and ethical standards. Rick is also an AM Best Recommended Insurance Attorney for both Medical Malpractice and General Liability.
Education:
- J.D., Walter F. George School of Law, Mercer University
- Moot Court Board; President of Trial Lawyers Club
- B.A., The University of Florida
Professional Affiliations:
- International Association of Defense Counsel; Medical Malpractice Committee
- Florida Bar Health Law Section
- Florida Hospital Association, Tort and Insurance Practice Section
- American Bar Association Health Law Committee
- Defense Research Institute
- Dade County Defense Bar Association
- Florida Medical Malpractice Claims Council, General Counsel (8 Years)
Honors & Distinctions:
- AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell; AV Preeminent Rated Judicial Edition, Highest Possible Rating in Both Legal Ability & Ethical Standards, Martindale-Hubbell
- Who’s Who in America
- AM Best’s Medical Malpractice & General Liability
- Top Lawyers, South Florida Legal Guide
- Legal Elite
Speaking Engagements:
Lectures include multiple presentations broadcasted statewide, in-person and online lectures attended by over 7,000 health care providers. Topics include Cardiology in the ER, Catastrophic Cases, Physician Credentialing by Hospital Co-Workers, HMO Liability, Agency, & Vicarious Liability, Trial Practice, Medical Malpractice, Trends in Theories of Recovery, How to Cross Examine Medical Examiners, General Risk Management for Healthcare Providers, Actions for Transfusion Associated AIDS, and Systems for AIDS Victims.
- AIG Health Care Systems (Broadcasted Nationwide)
- International Association of Defense Counsel (Mid-Winter Meeting, 1993)
- Doctors Hospital
- South Miami Hospital
- Baptist Hospital Systems
- Miami Jewish Health Systems, Inc.
- Leon Medical Centers
- Dade County Medical Association
- Cuban Bar Association
- University of Miami Law School
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
- Florida Dental Association
- PACU Nurses Association Statewide Annual Meeting
- Tenent Hospital, Hilton Head, South Carolina
- Miami Jewish Health Systems
- Florida Medical Malpractice Council Annual Meeting
- Florida Academy of General Dentistry
Representative Experience:
- AIG Healthcare Specialty Panel, Appointed One of Eleven AIG Specialty Panel of Counsel to try or assist with cases nationwide; handled cases in Tennessee, Louisiana, Georgia, North Carolina, Nevada, & Florida
- Representation of Clients before Florida Licensing Boards: Board of Medicine, Board of Nursing, Board of Psychology, Board of Dentistry, Board of Addiction Treatment, Board of Chiropractors, Board of Optometry, & Board of Osteopathy.
Community Involvement:
- 12 Good Men, Ronald McDonald Charities of South Florida
- American Red Cross Blood Services, Appointed As Only Florida Counsel for AIDS Epidemic & Transfusion Transmittal of Disease
- American Red Cross Blood Services for Southern Florida, Decade of Exemplary Service Award
- Moot Court Judge, University of Miami Law School