Its not uncommon for hospitals, clinics and other medical facilities in Kentucky to experience high patient volumes and be filled to near capacity levels. In an effort to open up rooms and see more patients, providers will often be in a rush to discharge patients, which can lead to negligence. A man in another state filed a medical malpractice lawsuit over allegations that he was discharged from a hospital with a piece of a catheter lodged in his body.
The lawsuit said the man visited the hospital to be treated for an aneurysm. According to claims, the man was discharged only three days after his procedure, only to return to the hospital after he experienced difficult swallowing. The man remained hospitalized for nearly a week after and, during that time, a catheter was inserted into his body, the lawsuit said.
After he was discharged the second time, the man said he again returned to the hospital with abdominal pain and discomfort. This time, he was diagnosed with impacted bowels and again discharged, the lawsuit alleged. The plaintiff claimed that he visited another hospital the next day where he learned that a piece of a catheter was lodged in his abdomen. The plaintiff seeks $2 million in damages.
Successful treatment and recovery takes time. Mistakes will always happen when providers are in a hurry and try to rush patients out the door. Those in Kentucky who have been affected by medical malpractice could benefit from discussions with an experienced legal representative. Damages from a successful claim could help victims who are under a mountain of medical expenses.