With roughly 20,000 medical malpractice claims filed each year, malpractice claims are steadily on the rise. Even if you need to be seen by a medical professional, there is a risk of further complications due to a physician’s ineptitude or oversight. The odds of your health deteriorating further can make anyone think twice before stepping into an ER.
If you or a loved one has recently suffered an injury through a medical professional’s negligence, our medical malpractice lawyers at Marzella & Associates can help. Our legal team has helped numerous individuals recoup their losses following a medical error and is ready to assist you.
Infections
Whether it be due to a medical or surgical procedure, an infection can lead to a host of medical issues. An infection can be caused by improper sterilization of equipment or surfaces, contact with an ill patient, or contamination of a surgical wound. Medical staff should watch for signs of infection following a surgical procedure, including fever, redness or swelling at the incision site, chills, or fatigue. Although getting an infection is a known risk of surgery, many infections are preventable with appropriate interventions.
Nerve Injuries
Each year, it is estimated that as many as 25% of peripheral nerve injuries are caused by surgical procedures. If you experience tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation following surgery, you may have a nerve injury. While nerve damage may be as simple as the incorrect positioning of a patient on the operating table, it can have a variety of other causes. When a nerve injury results from medical intervention, it is called an iatrogenic nerve injury.
Any of the following may cause iatrogenic nerve injuries:
- Traction applied to a limb
- Retraction of soft tissue
- A buildup of pressure around your muscles (compartment syndrome), preventing oxygen and blood flow from reaching nerve tissue
- Inadequate pre-operative assessment (misdiagnosing the original injury)
- Distorted anatomy
- Improper visualization
Nerve injuries can prevent individuals from performing daily tasks, requiring them to undergo revision surgeries and physical therapy to regain prior strength. If you have reason to believe that a physician’s error caused your nerve injury, you should speak with a medical malpractice lawyer.
Internal Injuries
Although not as commonly discussed, internal injuries can occur through inadequate medical care. Internal injuries are most often seen when surgical intervention is required. This can occur if the surgeon nicks an artery or vein or perforates an organ. Even having the wrong medication administered can cause injury to internal organs and potential internal bleeding. Internal injuries can be life-threatening, causing hemorrhage (excessive bleeding), organ failure, and potential death. For those who survive, many are left with permanent disabilities.
Hiring Legal Representation for a Medical Malpractice Case
Often, patient injuries are classified as “never events.” A never event is a preventable medical error. Said another way, with appropriate measures in place, the medical mistake would not have occurred. Financial recovery depends on proving a provider’s liability and requires gathering convincing evidence. In a medical malpractice suit, this includes your medical records (i.e., medical history, provider’s notes, and medical imaging/laboratory testing), testimony of the surgical team or other medical professionals involved in your care, and expert witness testimony.
At Marzella & Associates, our medical malpractice team works with a network of highly acclaimed professionals. An expert witness often adds an invaluable perspective, allowing victims to recover lost wages, the full cost of medical bills, and damages for pain and suffering. By providing their expert opinion, our legal team can pinpoint your treating provider’s error or series of errors.
Reach Out to Our Medical Malpractice Attorneys
Medical negligence can have a serious impact on your health and personal relationships. If you or a family member has been injured due to a medical professional’s carelessness or oversight, our legal team would like to hear from you. At Marzella & Associates, our Harrisburg medical malpractice attorneys are committed to helping injured parties recover the entirety of their losses. Contact us online or call (717) 876-8681.