Failure to Address Post-Surgical Complications

Most surgeries involve some degree of risk. As such, doctors performing procedures should be aware of potential issues and vigilantly monitor patients to ensure no problems arise. Sadly, however, it is not uncommon for a doctor’s failure to address post-surgical complications to cause a patient to suffer grave harm. Physicians have a duty to protect the health of their patients, and if they fail to do so, they should be held accountable. If you were hurt by a negligent doctor, you may be able to recover damages in a medical malpractice lawsuit, and it is in your best interest to speak with an attorney. The capable Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers proudly help victims of medical negligence protect their interests, and if you hire us, we will advocate aggressively on your behalf. We frequently represent people in medical malpractice cases in Rochester, Syracuse, and throughout Upstate New York.

The failure to address post-surgical complications can lead to significant harm to patients. Unattended complications, such as infections, blood clots, or internal bleeding, can result in life-threatening conditions, prolonged recovery, and additional surgeries. For example, infections at the surgical site, if not promptly treated, may spread systemically, leading to sepsis, a potentially fatal condition. Blood clots, particularly deep vein thrombosis, can dislodge and cause pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal without immediate intervention. Additionally, undiagnosed complications like nerve damage or hernias can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, or long-term disability, severely affecting a patient's quality of life. The failure to address post-surgical complications can take a substantial psychological toll as well, as delayed recovery and ongoing health issues can lead to anxiety, depression, and a sense of diminished autonomy.

A doctor’s failure to address post-surgical complications can lead to significant physical, mental, and financial harm and, in many instances, can be grounds for pursuing medical malpractice claims. A plaintiff pursuing medical malpractice claims will generally argue that the defendant acted negligently. In New York, in order to demonstrate the negligence of a defendant in the medical profession, the plaintiff must show that the defendant owed them a duty and that they breached the duty in some manner. The duty a doctor owes a patient is to provide care that comports with what is considered the good and accepted practice of medicine. Any act or omission that deviates from this standard of care usually constitutes a breach.

Next, the plaintiff has to prove that the defendant’s breach of the duty owed directly caused the plaintiff to sustain measurable harm. This means that the plaintiff must show that, absent the defendant’s behavior, they would not have suffered injuries. In most cases, the plaintiff will need to rely on expert testimony to establish the standard of care, illustrate how the defendant failed to uphold the standard and connect the defendant’s breach to the plaintiff’s ultimate injuries. The plaintiff may also need expert testimony to quantify the plaintiff’s losses. A plaintiff who demonstrates a defendant’s fault may be able to recover compensation for their economic losses, including the cost of medical care, out-of-pocket expenses, and lost wages, as well as their non-economic losses, which can include suffering, mental anguish, and pain.

Post-surgical complications can cause severe and lasting harm if they are not promptly treated, and healthcare providers who allow such issues to go unaddressed should be held responsible for any harm arising out of their carelessness. If you or someone you love sustained losses due to a doctor’s mistakes, it is smart to confer with an attorney regarding what claims you could pursue. The experienced Syracuse medical malpractice attorneys of DeFrancisco & Falgiatano Personal Injury Lawyers can inform you of your rights and collect the evidence needed to offer you a strong chance of obtaining a favorable outcome. We frequently assist people in the pursuit of damages in medical lawsuits in Syracuse and in Rochester, and throughout Upstate New York. To set up a confidential and free conference, you can reach us through our online form or by calling us at 833-200-2000.