A surgical procedure is a step-by-step process. Patients in Washington who go in for surgery trust that they are in the hands of skilled and capable surgeons and medical providers. However, a mistake or missed step in the surgical process can lead to serious or fatal injuries for the patient. Even if the procedure seems routine, any surgery will require full attention and acute care from all providers involved in the process.
Alleged malpractice
In another state, a complaint was recently filed after a patient reportedly suffered severe injuries due to errors that were made during a cosmetic surgical procedure. The patient went in for a face-lift surgery and, according to claims, the patient’s blood pressure dropped dramatically during the procedure. The complaint said the physician used three separate anesthetics, which can cause hypotension, but gave no justification for using three anesthetic agents.
Severe injuries
Allegedly, the patient’s blood pressure fell more than 25% of his normal baseline during the procedure. The complaint said that the doctor should have been aware of this possibility. The complaint also alleged that the doctor did not monitor the patient sufficiently and failed to record the patient’s fluid levels, urine output or carbon dioxide levels. According to the complaint, the patient suffered a severe brain injury, a heart attack and kidney failure due to prolonged hypotension during the procedure.
Any mistake made by a medical provider during surgery, no matter how minor, can have life-altering consequences for the patient. Those in Washington who have suffered injuries or the loss of loved ones due to surgical errors or medical malpractice have options available to ease their pain and suffering. By contacting an experienced attorney and filing a lawsuit, victims and families could obtain much-needed compensation to help them get through this traumatic event.