Tampa Bariatric Surgery Complication Lawyer
Filing a Claim Against a Surgeon or Medical Group
Bariatric surgery can help control excessive eating and promote weight loss when done correctly. If a part of the surgery is mishandled, though, the patient could be put in extreme danger and face lingering complications.
There are two types of bariatric surgery. These include:
- Gastric banding surgery – An inflatable band is placed around the upper portion of the stomach to shrink the trouble area.
- Gastric by-pass surgery – In this weight-loss surgery, a small pouch is created that will “bypass” the other parts of the stomach.
Are you suffering from various side effects after undergoing bariatric surgery? It might not be typical issues often associated with many surgeries. It could be the signs of medical malpractice that caused your surgery to become dangerous.
Call 813-228-7070 and connect with the Tampa bariatric surgery complication lawyers of Gunn Law Group. We have a reputation for taking complex medical malpractice cases that other law firms won’t – and finding a way to win for our clients. Whether you are just now wanting to explore your legal options, or another law firm has already turned you down due to the difficulty of your case, we would be honored to hear from you.
Initial consultations are free for inquiring medical malpractice clients. Schedule yours now.
Long-Term Risks of Bariatric Surgery
It is natural for any surgery to carry a risk of complication. It is not acceptable, though, for those risks to be worsened or enabled due to a medical provider’s egregious mistakes. While working on your bariatric surgery malpractice claim, part of our focus will be working with medical experts to show that your symptoms and complications now were caused by medical malpractice, not an expected or predictable issue.
During bariatric surgery, severe complications can arise, such as:
- Excessive internal bleeding
- Infection
- Gastrointestinal leaks
- Blood clots
- Malnutrition
After bariatric surgery, you could experience the following complications:
- Brain Damage
- Low blood sugar levels
- Chronic dizziness or nausea
- Ulcers
- Bowel obstruction
- Full body weakness
- Hernias
Some bariatric surgery patients will need to undergo additional surgeries to correct issues caused by the first procedure, such as is often the case with hernias. Going into surgery a second time brings its own serious risks of complication and unfairly puts the patient back into inherent danger that should have been avoided entirely.
Gastric Bypass Malpractice FAQs
Here are some answers to commonly asked questions our firm receives regarding recovery in a bariatric surgery malpractice case.
What are Some Instances of Medical Negligence in a Bariatric Surgery?
There are numerous scenarios in which a patient undergoing gastric bypass could be a victim of medical malpractice. With the nuances involved, it will likely be difficult to prove whether the case qualifies as malpractice or not. Here are some examples of medical malpractice in a bariatric surgery:
The physician did not ensure that the patient met the criteria established by the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.
Leakage from the locations of the lacerations from the surgery are another possible indication of medical malpractice. Although leakage could also indicate that the patient was too active during recovery, it can also show that malpractice occurred.
Development of additional problems post surgery is also another possible indication of malpractice. Some issues that can result outside of the scope of “side effects” include blood clots, trouble breathing, kidney stones, and excessive pain.
Surgical instruments left inside of the body is a likely sign of medical malpractice. The cost of having these tools removed from the body can likely be included in the compensation package.
What Type of Compensation Is Available for Gastric Bypass Malpractice Plaintiffs?
If the surgeon or another physician is found liable in a gastric bypass malpractice case, the victim may receive compensation for their injuries. The damages you can receive financial recovery for include:
- Medical expenses related to treating the complications, including extra surgery and hospital expenses
- Lost wages from missed work while you were recovering from the condition
- Pain and suffering recompense
How Much Does a Gastric Sleeve (inpatient) Cost in Tampa?
According to MDsave, a Gastric Sleeve (inpatient) in Florida costs from $14,590 to $19,305. Shopping, comparing prices, and saving is possible for those on high deductible health plans or without insurance.
In spite of the fact that most health insurance companies cover bariatric procedures – bariatric surgery coverage is determined by the specific plan’s bariatric surgery benefits.
Our patients are strongly urged to contact their health insurance providers and verify their bariatric surgery insurance coverage.
How Can I Prove My Case in Court?
Proving any medical malpractice case as the plaintiff is not an easy battle. The court must be shown (with evidence) that you, as the injured party:
- Had a working relationship with the surgeon.
- Were reasonably expecting a type of care at the time and under the circumstances in which you were seen by the medical professional.
- Did not receive this standard of care from the surgeon because of something that the doctor did wrong or neglected to do.
- Are suffering from an injury as a result of the lack of care that the surgeon provided to you.
- Evidence must be collected and shown to the judge and jury, who will then determine whether the surgeon is guilty of malpractice.
As the victim, your best chance of a successful claim will be obtained through the preservation of evidence and clear documentation of your working relationship with the surgeon, as well as any other medical records illuminating your subsequent injuries.
Call our Florida bariatric surgery lawsuit attorneys at 813-228-7070 today.