Thousands of surgical procedures are performed every day in Washington and across the country. Although many of these procedures are considered minor or routine, there are risks involved any time a person undergoes an operation. Any minor mistake or missed step from the surgeon can have life-altering consequences for the patient.
Lawsuit filed after surgical errors
A lawsuit filed in another state claimed that a man was left paralyzed from the waist down due to a doctor’s negligence. The lawsuit claimed that the man was in a motorcycle accident and ended up going through two spinal surgeries. According to the lawsuit, the man’s surgeon did not order an MRI before performing the initial surgery, which would have shown if there were any problems with the man’s spinal cord and tissue surrounding his injuries. After the surgery, the plaintiff claimed that he lost all sensation and motor function in his lower extremities.
Jury sides with plaintiff
Allegedly, the man underwent a second surgery but afterward he continued to experience a loss of motor function and sensation. The lawsuit alleged that the man’s injuries could have been avoided had his doctor performed the necessary tests. The plaintiff claims he has been a paraplegic ever since and now requires a wheelchair. Reportedly, the jury sided with the plaintiff and awarded him $17 million.
There is no such thing as a minor surgery. Risks are involved with every single procedure. Unfortunately, the patient has to live with the impacts of mistakes made by a medical provider. Any person in Washington who has suffered injuries as the result of medical negligence can take action by speaking with a trusted attorney. Damages from a successful lawsuit can help victims pay medical expenses and recover lost wages.