When one least expects it, seeking medical attention and care may become necessary in some cases, such as when an individual falls and suffers a fracture or has another type of accident. Falls, accidents requiring medical care and other injuries can happen at any time, without notice to anyone. When such incidents occur, most people can rest assured that hospitals and doctors can tend to their needs. However, doctors are human and human beings can make errors. Particularly when doctors make mistakes such as failing to diagnose a condition, the patient may suffer harm due to negligence and may be entitled to compensation.
Connecticut residents may find it interesting to learn of a recent lawsuit wherein a couple filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against not only a doctor, but also the hospital, after the wife’s leg had to be amputated following a post-surgery infection. The alleged incident occurred two years ago when the woman suffered a fall down some stairs. Following the fall, she underwent surgery for a fractured leg. However, an infection arose approximately a month following the surgery. The couple alleges that the fracture, which originally brought them in for medical care, and the wound infection never actually healed.
Approximately six months after the fall, the woman’s leg had to be amputated below the knee. The couple alleges that the hospital and doctor were negligent in their care and failed to perform the necessary tests. Specifically noted in their lawsuit is the allegation that prior to surgery, they failed to perform a CT scan, did not adequately evaluate the patient for the specialized surgery that the woman underwent, misdiagnosed the injury, i.e., the patient’s facture, and did not take the fracture into consideration in the diagnosis. Thus, they claim that the negligence on part of the doctor and hospital led to delayed care. Furthermore, they allege that because the necessary steps to adequately diagnose the condition were not taken, the risk of the patient developing infection increased, which eventually led to an amputation of the woman’s leg.
Among other things, the couple is seeking compensation for future medical expenses stemming from the leg amputation, lost wages, loss of earning potential, disfigurement and emotional trauma. Healthcare providers have an ongoing duty to ensure that a reasonable standard of care is provided to patients, which include not delaying care and making informed medical decisions. However, despite all the extensive training a doctor may have, they can still make mistakes. Anyone who believes that they have suffered harm due to a negligent healthcare provider may be entitled to compensation. Every case is different and it is important to discuss one’s legal options with a medical malpractice attorney.
Source: The West Virginia Record, “Couple blames hospital for leg amputation,” Melody Dareing, June 24, 2014
