All surgeries carry some risk, but some carry more than others. Certain procedures carry high risks for complications and even death. But even when an injury or death occurs during or after high-risk surgeries, medical malpractice may still occur. Medical malpractice laws exist in order to protect patients from negligent medical treatment, even in high-risk situations.
Medical Malpractice Claims
Medical malpractice claims permit patients to recover damages based on negligent medical care. In medical malpractice claims, a plaintiff has to prove that the defendant owed a duty of care to the plaintiff, that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care, and that the plaintiff suffered injuries and damages as a result of the breach of the standard of care.
In order to win a medical malpractice claim, a patient has to show that a health care provider breached the standard of care. The standard of care is what other health care providers in the same specialty would use in the same or similar circumstances. Medical malpractice cases demand experienced attorneys and medical experts who can explain what the standard of care is and how it was breached. If a malpractice claim is successful, a plaintiff may be able to recover damages, not just for economic costs such as medical bills but also for noneconomic forms of harm, including lost income and mental anguish.
Most Deaths and Complications in Emergency Surgeries Result from Seven Surgeries
A recent study found that seven surgeries compromise most of the deaths, complications, and inpatient costs in emergency general surgeries. According to one news source, a review of over 400,000 procedures in the U.S. found they account for 80% of all deaths, 80% of complications, and 80% of inpatient costs. The high-risk surgeries were small bowel resection, appendectomy, laparotomy, partial colectomy, cholecystectomy, lysis of peritoneal adhesions, and operative management of peptic ulcer disease.
In terms of complications, the highest rates among the seven surgeries were in partial colectomies, small bowel resections, operative managements for peptic ulcer disease, and laparotomies. Some of the resulting complications included pneumonia, stroke, cardiac arrest, wound infection, septic shock, acute renal injury, and postoperative hemorrhage. In terms of risk of death, the highest rates arose in laparotomies. The review included a racially and ethnically diverse group of adults from 18 to 105 years old. The individuals also ranged in payer status and income. The study also found that the average cost of hospital admission was $13,241.
The study highlighted that patients who undergo these surgeries are at high risk. In addition, patients who undergo emergency procedures are eight times more likely to die post-operation than patients who undergo the same procedures in a non-emergency setting. Experts in the medical community commented that this study demonstrated the high risks of these surgeries, as well as a need to improve care particularly among these surgeries.
Have You Received Negligent Medical Care?
If you have suffered harm due to the conduct of a medical practitioner, whether in surgery or in another setting, you may be able to prove that medical malpractice was committed. The Chicago attorneys at Moll Law Group are committed to helping you pursue the money that you deserve. We file claims for individuals who have suffered injuries from a misdiagnosis, a surgical error, a birth injury, or another form of medical malpractice. To learn more and arrange for a free initial consultation, call us at 312-462-1700 or contact us through our online form.
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