Orthopedic Surgery Malpractice in Florida
Orthopedic surgery treats injuries and conditions affecting bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, and sometimes it’s the only way to get back on your feet. Whether it’s fixing a torn ligament or replacing a hip or knee, these procedures are no walk in the park. They require skill and accuracy. Most surgeries go well, but sometimes mistakes happen. If a mistake arises from negligence, you might have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Read on to learn more!
What Is Orthopedic Malpractice?
Orthopedic malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider, such as a surgeon or physician, fails to meet accepted care standards and their mistake leads to harm. This can happen before, during, or after surgery. Orthopedic procedures are pretty complicated, so even small errors can cause major, sometimes permanent, problems.
Orthopedic surgeons are trained to handle musculoskeletal issues, but errors in judgment, inattention, or failure to follow proper procedures can have serious consequences.
Common Examples of Orthopedic Surgical Errors
Orthopedic surgery malpractice can take many forms. Some common mistakes include:
- Operating on the wrong body part
- Improperly setting or stabilizing broken bones
- Leaving surgical tools or materials inside the patient
- Placing implants such as screws or joint replacements incorrectly
- Performing surgery in unsanitary conditions
Diagnostic mistakes are also common. For example, misreading imaging tests can lead to incorrect treatments or unnecessary surgeries, and if doctors take too long to diagnose ligament tears or fractures, it can make recovery tougher and worsen the injury.
If a mistake could have been prevented, it is considered negligence and can give rise to a malpractice claim.
Injuries Caused by Orthopedic Malpractice
Negligence during orthopedic surgery can leave patients with lasting injuries, such as:
- Nerve damage or chronic pain
- Infections or sepsis
- Blood clots and other complications
- Loss of mobility or function
- Poor healing or the original condition getting worse
Sometimes, patients end up permanently disabled or need more surgeries to fix the first mistake. There are also cases where people lose a limb, are left dealing with problems from joint replacements, or have bones that never heal properly because of the wrong treatment.
When Do You Have a Medical Malpractice Claim?
Not every surgical problem is considered malpractice. In Florida, you usually need to show:
- You had a doctor-patient relationship
- The provider didn’t meet accepted standards
- That failure directly caused your injury
- You suffered measurable damages because of the injury
Florida law also requires patients to undergo a medical expert review and to provide notice before filing a lawsuit. That’s why having an attorney who understands both the medical and legal sides of these cases is crucial.
Protecting Your Rights After a Surgical Error
If you think a surgical mistake harmed you or someone you love, it’s vital to act promptly. Get a second medical opinion, document your symptoms, and preserve all your medical records. All these steps can help your case.
Orthopedic malpractice cases can get complicated. Fortunately, with the right legal support, you can pursue and recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you or someone close to you suffered problems after orthopedic surgery, you don’t have to go at it alone. Contact a skilled Tampa medical malpractice lawyer at Gunn Law Group today. We will review your case and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
