Failure to Address Post-Surgical Complications

Most surgical procedures carry some degree of risk. In many instances, this includes the possibility that complications could arise once the surgery is complete. While many issues that result from surgery respond well to treatment, they nonetheless must be addressed promptly, and the failure to address post-surgical complications can cause lasting injuries. If you sustained losses due to post-surgical issues that were not dealt with, you might be able to pursue medical malpractice claims against the doctors responsible for your care, and you should meet with an attorney. The seasoned Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys of Arfaa Law Group have ample experience handling cases against healthcare providers in the Maryland courts, and if you hire us, we will diligently pursue the best outcome available in your case.

There are numerous complications that can arise following surgery, including pulmonary issues like pneumonia, embolism, and pneumothorax. If left untreated, pulmonary issues can result in a lack of oxygen, brain damage, permanent harm to the lungs, and death. Shock is also a complication that can develop following surgery. Essentially, shock is a sudden drop in blood pressure that results in reduced blood flow throughout the body, which can cause organ damage and may be fatal if not promptly addressed. Internal hemorrhaging can occur as well and can also be fatal. Finally, wound infections can arise if surgical sites are not kept clean.

Doctors have an obligation to monitor their patient’s health following surgery so that they can identify and treat any surgery-related concerns. If a doctor neglects to do so, their failure to address post-surgical complications may be considered malpractice. To prove a defendant should be liable for malpractice, a plaintiff will most likely have to prove the defendant’s negligence. In other words, they must show that the defendant had a duty to comply with the standard of care, which is the care that a competent doctor who practices in the same specialty as the defendant would render when faced with the same set of facts. The plaintiff also needs to prove that the defendant breached the standard of care. Usually, expert testimony is needed to establish both the standard of care that applies and to explain how the defendant deviated from the standard.

Next, the plaintiff must show that the defendant’s breach of the standard of care directly caused them to suffer quantifiable losses. This is typically proven through expert testimony as well. Finally, expert testimony may be needed to establish the extent of the plaintiff’s losses and to explain what treatment they will need in the future.

If the plaintiff presents a winning case, they may be granted compensation for the cost of any past or future medical treatment, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. They may also be granted damages for the intangible harm they suffered as a result of the defendant’s negligence, which may include mental distress, anxiety, depression, suffering, and pain. If the plaintiff was married when the harm occurred, their spouse may also be able to recover compensation for loss of consortium. It is important to note that anyone considering pursuing claims for a doctor’s failure to address post-surgical complications must act promptly, as there are strict deadlines for when such claims must be pursued.

Concerning symptoms that come up after a surgical procedure should be treated immediately, as the failure to address post-surgical complications can result in permanent injuries. If you were hurt by your doctor’s carelessness, you might be owed compensation, and you should talk to an attorney. The trusted Baltimore lawyers of Arfaa Law Group are proficient at navigating the complexities of medical malpractice cases, and if we represent you, we will zealously advocate on your behalf. We frequently help people pursue medical malpractice claims in Baltimore, where our office is located. You can contact us by calling (410) 889-1850 or by using our form online to set up a free and confidential consultation.