Can I Sue a Negligent Surgeon for Poor Post-Operative Care?
Surgeries are complex procedures that involve a degree of risk. While complications may occur during an operation, they can also develop during surgical recovery. Without proper care and monitoring, patients can suffer excessive bleeding, infections, or other life-threatening conditions.
Surgeons are responsible for informing patients of proper post-operative care instructions to minimize surgical risks and doing their part to prevent or intervene when complications occur. Patients who suffer injuries during surgical recovery may ask, “Can I sue a negligent surgeon for poor post-operative care?” Here, medical malpractice lawyers at Foley Law Firm, which serves the Scranton, Stroudsburg, and Wilkes-Barre, PA, area discuss risks associated with post-surgical neglect and whether or not a medical malpractice lawsuit can be filed.
What Is Post-operative Care?
Post-operative care is the phase of treatment that begins when surgery is complete. Post-operative care first starts in the hospital, while a patient recovers from their procedure and wakes up from the effects of anesthesia. During this phase of post-operative care, medical professionals should monitor patient vitals and look for signs that a patient is developing complications or having difficulty recovering.
Post-operative care continues after a patient returns home to heal. Patients should be given adequate instructions on how to care for wounds and promote ongoing recovery. During this phase of treatment doctors may monitor patients through post-surgical checkups. Post-operative care is not complete until a patient no longer needs exams or treatment related to their surgery.
Examples of Poor Post-operative Care
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for patients to receive poor post-operative care. Examples of poor post-surgical care include failing to:
- Monitor patient vitals
- Maintain a sterile recovery environment
- Examine a patient for signs of infection
- Prescribe medication necessary for surgical recovery
- Properly clean or change bandages
- Diagnose blood clots or detect internal bleeding
- Discover an allergic reaction
- Promptly respond to signs of cardiac arrest or stroke
- Provide thorough post-operative care instructions
- Warn patients of post-operative risks, such as deep vein thrombosis, and signs of complications
Injuries Related to Post-operative Neglect
Recovery is a vital stage of surgery. Poor post-operative care increases the risk of surgical complications. Some of the injuries associated with neglect during the post-operative phase of treatment include:
- Infection, including sepsis (an infection of the blood)
- Excessive bleeding
- Blood clots
- Deep vein thrombosis, which can lead to a pulmonary embolism
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia or medication
- Shock (a significant loss in blood pressure)
Can I Sue for Medical Malpractice?
Medical professionals involved in the post-operative stage of treatment may be liable for medical malpractice. To establish medical malpractice the patient must demonstrate that medical professionals failed to deliver the accepted standard of care by neglecting proper protocol or procedures. Our lawyers investigate medical malpractice claims and collect evidence, such as medical records and expert testimony, to prove liability and quantify the cost of our client’s losses.
Contact Us
Individuals who suffer complications related to poor post-operative care may be due compensation for related economic and non-economic losses. To discuss the details of your case with the medical malpractice lawyers at Foley Law Firm, contact our practice and request a case review at your earliest convenience.
