Securing Fair Compensation For Surgical Injuries In Maryland
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a surgical error, you may be facing unexpected medical complications and additional treatments. During this challenging time, it’s important to know that you are not alone, and there are steps you can take to seek compensation for your suffering.
Don’t worry. Our surgical injury lawyers at Fah Attorneys are here to support you. We understand the complexities of surgical injury cases and are committed to helping you initiate the legal process. Our experienced attorneys will work diligently to investigate your case, gather necessary evidence and advocate for your rights.
Understanding Surgical Injury In Maryland
A surgical injury refers to harm that occurs during or after a surgical procedure. Intraoperative injuries happen during the surgery itself, such as accidental cuts or damage to organs. Postoperative injuries occur after the surgery, such as infections or complications from improper care.
If you are filing a surgical injury claim, it is also crucial to distinguish between preventable injuries and accepted complications. Preventable injuries often arise from negligence, where a medical professional fails to provide the standard level of care. Meanwhile, some complications are considered accepted risks of surgery, which patients are informed about and consent to before the procedure.
To establish a case of malpractice, you must prove the following elements:
- Duty: The health care professional has an official duty of care to the patient.
- Breach: The provider breached that duty through negligence.
- Causation: The breach directly caused the injury.
- Damages: The injury led to specific damages, such as medical costs or pain and suffering.
In surgical injury malpractice cases, damages are divided into economic and noneconomic categories. Economic damages cover tangible costs like medical bills, rehabilitation, prosthetics, home modifications, and lost wages or earning capacity.
Noneconomic damages address subjective impacts, including pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment. In some cases, courts may also award compensation for punitive damages to punish egregious conduct.
Common Types Of Surgical Injuries
These injuries can occur in various forms, each with its own potential impact on a patient’s health and recovery. Here is a list of common types of surgical injuries that patients might encounter:
- Nerve damage
- Organ perforation or laceration
- Vascular injury and uncontrolled bleeding
- Infections and sepsis from sterile-field breaches
- Anesthesia-related injuries
- Retained surgical items
- Burns or pressure injuries from cautery pads
- Blood clot complications
- Postoperative complications
Understanding these types of injuries can help patients recognize potential issues and seek timely medical and legal assistance if needed.
What Patients Want To Know About Surgical Injury In Maryland
When dealing with surgical injuries, it’s natural to have many questions about the signs, symptoms and legal steps involved. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help guide you through this challenging time:
What are the signs or symptoms of a surgical injury?
Signs of a surgical injury can vary but may include unexpected pain, swelling, redness or discharge at the surgical site, fever, or difficulty in recovery.
How long after a surgical injury do you have to file a case?
In Maryland, you have five years from the date of the injury or its discovery to file a claim. That said, there are certain exceptions that may lead to a later deadline.
It is crucial to consult with an attorney to determine the exact deadline for your specific case.
Talk To Our Maryland Surgical Injury Attorneys Today For Legal Support
At Fah Attorneys, we aim to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, and pain and suffering. Let us be your trusted partner in seeking the justice and peace of mind you need to move forward. Call our Maryland law office at 301-960-5443 or complete this form to set up an appointment.