Can You Sue Your Doctor After Suffering Surgical Complications?

If you require surgery, your doctor will likely inform you of the major risks involved. However, despite this information, there may be other complications that occur in the aftermath. Infections, post-surgical illness, and bleeding may occur, and if they cause you serious medical issues you may consider filing a lawsuit against your doctor. If so, there are several questions you may want to ask an attorney before you proceed.

What if Infection Sets in? 

If an unexpected infection occurs after a surgery, whether you can sue your doctor will likely depend on the cause. Some infections may happen even if the surgical instruments were properly disinfected or if you have a compromised immune system that makes an infection more likely. Your attorney may have to investigate whether the cause was because of the actions of your doctor.

What if I Experience Nerve Damage? 

If your doctor did not discuss nerve damage as a possible side effect of your surgery and you begin to experience it later on, you may be able to build a lawsuit. However, it is important to remember that you will likely have the burden of proof if you take the case to court. You may want to describe your experience with anesthesia to your lawyer, as improper administration may cause long-term nerve damage.

What if I Need Additional Surgeries? 

Surgical complications may cause the need for additional medical procedures. For example, if you suffer from an infection, another surgery may be required to correct the issue, especially if the problem is in your organs. You may be able to sue for the cost of the second surgery if you can prove the infection was caused by your doctor’s negligence.

How Can I Prove Medical Negligence? 

When you discuss a surgical procedure with your doctor, he or she will probably have you sign a consent form that outlines most of the major risks associated with your operation and that you understand them. However, even if not all complications were listed, it may be difficult to sue your doctor for malpractice. Other factors may affect your case, such as the state of your health before the surgery, any chronic health issues you might suffer from, and your ability to heal. Your attorney may have to gather proof of negligence before you can take your case to court.

Experiencing surgical complications can be difficult, especially when they cause long-term pain and suffering and you believe others were responsible. Contact a medical malpractice attorney, like a medical malpractice attorney, for advice and information about how to gather the necessary proof for a lawsuit.