When they need surgery, patients in Baltimore must trust their surgeons and the rest of the operating team with their lives. While there are no guarantees that an operation will succeed, we rightfully expect the medical professionals involved to act with reasonable care to prevent mistakes that could jeopardize our health. Unfortunately, sometimes that trust is broken, and the consequences can be severe, ranging from painful injuries and disabilities to tragic loss of life.
The impact of surgical negligence
Surgical errors, such as accidentally leaving an instrument inside the patient’s body or operating on the wrong body part, can profoundly impact a patient’s life. When a procedure goes wrong due to negligence, the individual may face a long, difficult recovery. They could need to undergo revision surgery to undo the previous surgical team’s errors. Additional surgeries and medical treatments can leave a physical toll and potentially cost a fortune. Meanwhile, your quality of life suffers, or you must grieve the loss of a beloved spouse, parent or child.
Fortunately, Maryland law seeks to prevent victims and their families from suffering financial catastrophe on top of the medical malpractice they have gone through. Victims may be entitled to compensation for various damages, including the cost of revision surgery, ongoing medical care, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
A local example of surgical negligence
A recent jury verdict in a heartbreaking case illustrates the potential severity of surgical negligence. A jury in Baltimore awarded $8.3 million to the family of a man who died after an accidental bowel perforation during surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although the award is subject to Maryland’s cap on noneconomic damages, the verdict stands as a testament to the gravity of such medical errors and the community’s recognition of the family’s loss.
The man’s family sought justice for their loved one and, through medical malpractice litigation, found some sense of closure.
Seeking justice and closure
For those who have suffered as a result of a surgical error, the path to recovery is not only physical but also legal. A medical malpractice attorney can provide guidance and support in pursuing rightful compensation. These legal professionals understand the complexities of medical malpractice cases and work to ensure that victims and their families receive the justice they deserve.