Maryland Attorney for Brain Damage Caused by Surgery
When preparing for a surgical procedure, no patient expects to emerge from the procedure with brain damage. However, if a surgeon did not take adequate precautions when performing the procedure, there are various ways that a person could suffer brain damage. If you or a family member sustained brain damage during a surgical procedure, you should consult with an experienced Maryland attorney for brain damage caused by surgery.
Rice, Murtha & Psoras has worked on a wide range of medical malpractice claims, and we would welcome the opportunity to represent you in your surgical error case. Our firm understands how a brain injury can impact a victim for the rest of their life, and we are here for you in your time of need. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your potential lawsuit, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291. You can also schedule your appointment online.
Common Causes of Surgical Errors that Cause Brain Damage in Maryland
Brain damage is often irreversible and could lead to lifelong health issues and possibly even death. When a patient undergoes surgery, they hope that their surgeon will act responsibly in order to ensure that the operation goes smoothly. If you suffered brain damage under any of the following circumstances, you should consider filing a lawsuit against the doctor that caused your injuries.
Anesthesia Errors
There are three forms of anesthesia, local, regional, and general, that may be administered depending upon the procedure the patient is undergoing. it is also important to note that each patient responds differently to anesthesia. That is why an anesthesiologist and other members of the surgical team need to be aware of a patient’s status at all times during surgery. For example, if a doctor fails to notice that a patient’s vitals have dropped during surgery, the patient could suffer brain damage due to this avoidable mistake.
Inadequate Blood Flow to the Brain
When a patient is undergoing a brain surgery, the medical staff must ensure that blood is steadily flowing to the brain. If the medical staff becomes distracted, and the patient’s brain does not receive adequate blood flow, it is possible that the patient could have damage to both halves of their brain. When this occurs, a patient could experience a number of issues like paralysis, or the patient could even enter a vegetative state.
In many surgeries, a patient must be intubated to ensure they are receiving sufficient oxygen during the procedure. Intubation is when a tube is placed into a patient’s windpipe to ensure the patient receives oxygen. However, if this tube is incorrectly placed or it is removed too soon, the patient may be deprived of vital oxygen.
Poor Post-Operative Care
After a surgery, it is crucial to monitor the patient for any changes. For example, if an anesthesiologist used too much anesthesia during the procedure, they should monitor the patient to ensure that their vital signs are not irregular.
In some cases, a patient may have to be admitted to the hospital to be closely watched. When this happens, it is important to place a patient in a wing of the hospital that understands how to support patients admitted after surgery. If a patient is placed on a floor where nurses only check vitals every few hours, this could make the difference in whether a patient suffers brain damage from a lack of oxygen or other complications.
There are other circumstances that can result in a patient suffering brain damage due to the negligent actions of a surgeon, anesthesiologist, or other medical practitioners. If you sustained brain damage during surgery, you should speak with an experienced Maryland medical malpractice lawyer that can speak to you about your options for damages.
Damages Awarded for Brain Damage Surgical Error Lawsuits in Maryland
A patient that suffered brain damage due to a surgical error can be awarded damages if they prevail in a medical malpractice lawsuit against the parties liable for their injuries. Compensatory damages are one form of damages available to plaintiffs who are successful in their malpractice lawsuits.
Compensatory damages can be split into two types: economic losses and non-economic losses. An economic loss is one that is tied to the loss of money and other negative financial implications that may arise due to an injury inflicted upon the plaintiff. A non-economic loss is one that considers subjective issues the plaintiff is dealing with due to the injury.
The following are compensatory damages that can be awarded to a plaintiff by the court for a medical malpractice claim:
- Emotional distress
- Loss of wages and future loss of wages
- Pain and suffering
- Past and future medical expenses
- Loss of consortium
This is not an exhaustive list. Our firm is here to help you fight for the damages you deserve after your injury.
Work with Our Experienced Maryland Lawyer for Brain Damage Caused by Surgery
If you or a family member suffered a brain injury during surgery, you should consult with an experienced Maryland lawyer for brain damage caused by surgery. Medical malpractice lawyer Randolph Rice has worked on a variety of malpractice claims in his 20-year career, and he would be honored to work with you on your case. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your brain injury lawsuit, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291. You can also contact the firm online.
