When patients trust doctors, surgeons, medical staff, and medical facilities, they expect care that meets accepted medical standards. Unfortunately, medical mistakes can and do occur, sometimes resulting in devastating injuries, permanent disabilities, or even death. Two recent medical malpractice cases have drawn national attention and serve as sad reminders that patients and families must understand their legal rights when they suspect negligent medical care caused harm.
Houston Plastic Surgeon – With Ties To the DMV – Now Faces Multiple Malpractice Lawsuits
A recent ABC13 Houston investigation reported that Houston plastic surgeon Dr. Dare Ajibade is facing four medical malpractice lawsuits filed within one year. According to the report, the lawsuits involve allegations of serious complications following cosmetic procedures, including one patient’s death, another patient’s alleged permanent brain injury, and claims of significant scarring and burns.
One case is particularly relevant to Virginia. According to ABC13, Susan Easley underwent liposuction at a Virginia facility. The report states that she later died in Washington, DC, where the medical examiner reportedly determined she suffered a “sudden cardiac death in the setting of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease following laser-assisted liposuction with autologous fat transfer.” ABC13 further reported that a lawsuit filed on behalf of her family alleges the procedure lasted more than six hours, involved an excessive dosage of lidocaine, and that she was discharged prematurely. The surgeon has denied the negligence allegations. Because these matters remain in litigation, the allegations have not been proven in court. However, these cases highlight the risks associated with surgical procedures and the value of adequate patient evaluation, monitoring, informed consent, and post-operative care.
These claims could involve several categories of malpractice, including surgical malpractice, improper treatment, and failure to alert patients of known risks. A complete legal and medical investigation would be necessary before reaching any conclusions regarding liability.
Florida Jury Awards $2.1 Million in Medical Malpractice Case
Another recent case resulted in a substantial jury verdict after a Florida patient alleged negligent medical care caused significant harm.
According to a report from West Orlando News, a Florida jury awarded approximately $2.1 million to a victim of medical malpractice after hearing evidence regarding the medical treatment provided and the death that followed.
The story says, “The case stemmed from the death of a woman who sought emergency medical care after experiencing symptoms that were caused by an acute pulmonary embolism. Despite presenting signs at the emergency room, the pulmonary embolism went undiagnosed and untreated. She later died while undergoing surgery to remove her gallbladder.”
Large verdicts such as this reflect the serious and long-lasting consequences that medical negligence can have – whether it be on a patient’s health, quality of life, ability to work, etc., or the direct impact it has on the victim’s loved one when the patient dies as a result of the negligence.
While every case is unique and verdicts do not guarantee outcomes in other cases, this result illustrates an important reality: when medical providers fail to meet the accepted standard of care, injured patients or the victim’s family may have the right to seek compensation.
What Types of Medical Malpractice Are There?
Most malpractice claims fall into the categories below:
Improper Treatment
If your physician treats an illness or injury in a manner that no reasonably competent doctor would, that may constitute malpractice. Even when the correct treatment is selected, errors in how that treatment is administered can lead to a viable malpractice claim.
Failure to Diagnose
If a doctor misses a diagnosis—or makes an incorrect diagnosis—that most other physicians would have identified, the patient would have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. In law, this violates the standard of medical care.
Failure to Alert a Patient of Known Risks
Doctors must obtain informed consent by warning patients about known risks associated with a procedure or treatment. Failure to adequately disclose those risks would support a malpractice claim.
Surgical Malpractice
Examples include operating on the wrong body part, performing surgery outside the designated surgical area, or committing preventable surgical errors that cause injury.
Failure to Refer to a Medical Specialist
Complex medical conditions almost always require specialized care. In certain circumstances, physicians have a duty to consult with or refer patients to specialists when the patient’s condition falls outside of their area of expertise. When such a failure results in a delayed diagnosis and treatment with a permanent impairment, there is a factual basis for a medical malpractice case.
Medical Malpractice in DC or Maryland? Contact The Lapidus Law Firm
Medical malpractice cases are often complex and require extensive investigation. If you or a loved one suspects medical negligence caused an injury, speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Whether you suspect a misdiagnosis, surgical error, or a failure to obtain informed consent for any medical or surgical procedure, or another form of medical malpractice, The Lapidus Law Firm is prepared to help.