Sadly – really bizarre things can happen in the hospital. Among the most shocking and inexplicable (and these actually happened) – amputation of the wrong limb, open heart surgery on the wrong patient, brain surgery on the wrong part of the brain, surgical instruments left in the body cavity after surgery, and allowing the patient to become fully conscious during surgery are just a few examples of terrible medical errors and malpractice.
2 Ways to Protect Yourself from Medical Malpractice
The latest report on Connecticut hospitals by the state’s Department of Public Health shows that surgical mistakes in 2011 — the most recent year for which data was available — jumped by 62% while the incidence of hospital injuries or even deaths related to surgeries also climbed.
If you or a loved are facing a surgical procedure – you need to know what to do to protect yourself.
1. Meet With Your Surgeon Ahead of Time
Make sure you meet with your surgeon to discuss your surgery in detail. Ask lots of questions – and make sure you know exactly what is going to take place during the surgery and how recovery will be handled.
2. Be Sure You Understand the Medications You Will Be Given
Make sure you understand exactly which medications are chosen for you and why – and make sure you get clear instruction on their use once you leave the hospital.
What If I Still Fall Prey to Medical Malpractice?
There are a number of other factors that contribute to medical malpractice and medical error. One is the increasing use of temporary staff by hospitals. While temporary employees can be less expensive – according to a John Hopkins' study, they are also twice as likely to make a mistake. Another issue for hospitals is the tired and overworked staff. Fatigue plays a major role in medical errors. Again – one study found that tired medical staffs are twice as likely to make a serious medical error.
If you are ever the victim of medical malpractice call a qualified Connecticut medical malpractice lawyer. A knowledgeable Connecticut medical malpractice lawyer can help to ensure that your rights are protected.
For more than 55 years, the medical malpractice lawyers at RisCassi & Davis have been working hard to protect our clients.
What’s more, all of our medical malpractice lawyers have been honored by inclusion in the 2012 New England Super Lawyers and Rising Stars… and the Hartford law firm of RisCassi and Davis is “Top Listed” in the 2013 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® with the most listed attorneys representing injury victims in personal injury law in Hartford. The firm is also ranked a Tier 1 law firm in Hartford in Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs by U.S. News-Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms.” Click here to learn more about the honors and recognition we have received.
We have a great team dedicated to medical malpractice cases. The consultation is free and there is absolutely no obligation. Our offices are in Hartford but we are available to meet with you in your home or office if that is easier for you. Please contact us if we can help you.