Most people will have some type of medical procedure performed during their lifetime. While some types of surgery, such as open-heart or organ transplants, are expected to be more complicated and present a greater risk to the patient, you also expect the specialist performing the surgery to have the knowledge, skills, and dedication to their patients to perform in a professional manner that is in keeping with the standards of their profession.
Some people never have anything more serious than a tooth extraction or a tonsillectomy. These are simple procedures that are performed every day. The patient has little concern that there will be serious complications due to the malpractice of the medical professional. When complications do arise after a seemingly simple procedure, the patient should call a medical malpractice lawyer to determine if their condition is likely the result of medical malpractice. The attorneys from Alva & Shuttleworth explain that “anyone who has been injured due to medical malpractice should get the compensation they need to pay their medical bills and give them the resources and time they need to heal.”
Incorrect or Failure to Diagnose
One reason that a patient may suffer from a more serious condition following surgeryis that the procedure performed was not for the appropriate condition. Something may have been overlooked or the symptoms may have been misdiagnosed. The result is that the condition causing the patient’s distress has longer to progress and more difficult to treat. Medical professionals should never assume a diagnosis but should take the next step to diagnose and rule out other conditions that might cause similar symptoms.
Inadequate Post-Surgery Care
To some degree, every type of surgery is an invasive procedure. Regardless of the steps taken to prevent the introduction of bacteria into the body, there is always a potential for the patient to develop an infection. Depending on the specific procedure and the health of the patient, antibiotics may be prescribed prior to the procedure and/or afterwards to safeguard against infection. When the physician fails to monitor a patient’s condition and no steps are taken to prevent or treat a post-op infection, the result can be severe. A medical malpractice lawyer can determine from the medical records if the doctor is guilty of medical malpractice.
Retained Objects
We have all heard horror stories about surgical tools accidentally being left behind in the patient during surgery. It is the job of the surgical team to count every item used and make sure that each piece is accounted for once the surgery is complete. One miscalculation can result in sponges, clamps, or even scalpels or forceps being left behind.
The majority of healthcare providers are professionals who follow the rules and standards of their profession. For those who don’t, former patients can rely on the skills of a medical malpractice lawyer to get the compensation needed to recover. No one should have to pay the price for a health care provider’s poor judgement or negligence.