Virginia Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Malpractice Lawyer
Recent advances in medical science have led to great improvements in the safety and precision possible in surgeries. In fact, many procedures can now be completed with a minimally invasive technique known as arthroscopy. This allows surgeons to perform their procedures with only a small incision.
However, even with these small incisions on the shoulder, there is a potential for complications. Any surgery involves risk of infection and procedures attempted on the shoulder may seriously impact the functionality of that joint for the rest of the patient’s life. When this is the case, and the complication comes about as the result of doctor error, that injured person has the right to demand compensation.
A Virginia arthroscopic shoulder surgery malpractice lawyer may be able to help. They understand Virginia’s laws concerning doctor competence and how to pursue malpractice claims. They also work with established experts in the medical field to evaluate cases and to present powerful evidence in court.
The Duties of Doctors
All doctors and other medical professionals undergo decades of training and continuing education to practice their craft. However, this does not mean that these people cannot make mistakes. A mistake that leads to the exacerbation of an existing condition, or causes a new one, may qualify as malpractice.
Virginia law specifically states the standard to which medical professionals must care for their patients. Code of Virginia §8.01-581.20 states that all practitioners must meet a “…degree of skill and diligence practiced by a reasonably prudent practitioner in the field of practice of specialty.” In simple terms, this means that doctors must be expected to perform their duties to an average level of skill considering all the circumstances of the case.
When applied to arthroscopic shoulder surgery procedures, these are always performed in a hospital under supposedly sterile conditions. The surgeon should have adequate staff to assist and have access to the necessary technology. There is little reason to expect serious complications. However, because of doctor negligence or carelessness, complications may arise nonetheless.
It is the responsibility of the plaintiff in the case to prove this negligence to a jury. To do so, a plaintiff must hire a medical expert to evaluate the case and testify in court. This is because only an expert can speak as to how the defendant doctor committed malpractice. A Virginia arthroscopic shoulder surgery malpractice lawyer could help clients to make these necessary connections in the medical community.
Ways that a Poor Shoulder Surgery Could Affect a Patient
Arthroscopic shoulder surgeries are billed as a minimally invasive way for doctors to repair shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff tears, labrum injuries, and bursitis. However, even with the relatively small incision involved in these procedures, the potential for complications to arise still exists.
Because the patient is typically under anesthesia at the time of surgery, a person’s circulation and cardiovascular health may be negatively affected. Poorly administered sedatives may also result in heart or brain problems.
The site of the incision may also become infected. Making matters worse, that infection may manifest inside the shoulder itself causing permanent damage.
Finally, the shoulder itself may suffer complications after the procedure. The surgery may damage the internal workings of the joint or the procedure may aggravate the nerves or cartilage found within. When this is the case, the shoulder may be worse off than before the surgery. A Virginia arthroscopic shoulder surgery malpractice lawyer could help clients to evaluate their medical care and to pursue negligent doctors or hospitals for compensation.
Speak with a Virginia Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery Malpractice Attorney Today
It can be an intimidating prospect to take on a negligent doctor or hospital after poor care leads to an injury. People may feel that they do not have the resources or energy to pursue such a complex undertaking. While medical malpractice cases are complex, an attorney could help you to keep everything organized, to consult with experts, and to pursue your claim in court.
Arthroscopic surgery is supposed to be the safest way to perform a necessary medical procedure. Yet even with advances in medical science, accidents do happen. If this accident is severe enough to cause a new injury, that patient has the right to be compensated. A Virginia arthroscopic shoulder surgery malpractice lawyer may be able to help.
However, potential clients should act quickly as Code of Virginia §8.01-243 states that all claims for personal injury must be in court within two years of the date of injury. Contact an attorney today to see how they could help you.
