Although not widely publicised, negligence in health care is one of the leading causes of death and injury in Kentucky and across the United States. When patients undergo medical procedures, they place their trust and lives in the hands of skilled and well-trained physicians. Unfortunately, not all doctors are as careful as they should be. A recent medical malpractice lawsuit details the possible consequences of negligent care.
The lawsuit was filed by the stepson of a man who is now permanently comatose due to alleged negligence. According to the civil claim, the physician was performing open-heart surgery on the patient. A nurse who says she was present during the surgery testified during the trial that the physician encountered complications during the surgery and ordered her to close the chest of the patient while the physician left the operating room to attend a business meeting.
The nurse claims that, prior to the surgery, she overheard the physician talking about a business meeting that he wanted to attend. The nurse said that she feels the surgery was rushed so the physician could go to the meeting. Allegedly, the patient lost so much blood during the procedure that his brain was starved for oxygen, rendering him in a comatose state for life.
Modern technology along with more stringent laws and regulations have done wonders to improve overall patient safety. Tragically, medical malpractice still occurs at an alarming rate and contributes to thousands of deaths and injuries every year. Those in Kentucky that have experienced injuries or the loss of a family member from medical malpractice may be able to pursue legal action. A successful lawsuit could provide just relief to those affected by such a traumatic experience.
Source: The Fresno Bee, “Witness says Fresno doctor left operating room“, Pablo Lopez, Jan. 17, 2018