Thanks to social media, Americans are starting to hear more and more about common medical errors that have been covered up by some of the most prestigious doctors and hospitals in the country. A quick search of medical malpractice revealed stories of surgeons transplanting organs without first checking the blood types of the donors to the recipients as well as operating on the wrong body part. One hospital in Rhode Island had surgeons who operated on the wrong side of the brain three different times in one year. Other surgeons have left surgical tools inside the patients’ bodies and have even performed the wrong operation on the wrong person.
One victim told his story to CNN after a 12 inch by 12 inch surgical sponge was left in his body after surgery. He experienced intense pain and swelling during the months the sponge was in his body. Because it was left for so long, the sponge had begun to rot and had perforated his intestines. Another victim profiled on CNN was completely awake during her surgery to have an ovary removed. She reports feeling “searing pain” as surgeons sliced her open but was helpless to stop the surgery because she was completely paralyzed by the anesthesia. The hospital later confirmed that there was a leaky valve and the victim only received approximately 5% of the dosage she should have gotten.
Not unlike a car accident or an animal attack, medical malpractice often leaves victims disabled, traumatized and scarred for life. Some patients become victims of wrongful death. Families are often left in a state of shock and with stacks of medical bills and no possible way to pay them.
While surgical mistakes get the most press, medical malpractice occurs in many different types of care. The most common types of of medical mistakes are listed here:
- Misdiagnosis
- Childbirth Injuries
- Medication Errors
- Anesthesia Errors
- Surgery Errors
If you believe you have been a victim of medical malpractice, call The Thomson Law Firm for a free consultation. (540) 777-4900
