Orthopedic Surgery Errors
We have decades of experience handling medical malpractice cases involving orthopedic surgery errors. If you have been injured because of an orthopedic surgery error, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
What To Know About Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons specialize in the study, diagnosis and treatment of problems with or injuries to the musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones throughout the body. Most orthopedic surgeons focus their practice on a particular body part (e.g. foot and ankle) or patient age group (e.g. pediatrics). Orthopedic subspecialties include:
- arthroscopic surgery
- spine surgery
- sports medicine
- pediatric orthopedics
- joint replacement
- fracture care.
There are approximately 27,000 active orthopedic surgeons in the United States. After medical school, an orthopedic surgeon must complete a 1-year residency in general surgery followed by a 4-year residency in orthopedic surgery. According to a recent report prepared by the American Medical Group Association, the median salary for orthopedic surgeons in Tennessee is just over $476,000.00 per year.
Common Orthopedic Surgery Errors
Patients rely on orthopedic surgeons to perform both surgical and non-surgical care, including diagnosis of problems with bones and muscles and treatment of those problems through therapy, medication, and surgery. Where an orthopedic surgeon fails to order the appropriate test (such as an x-ray or MRI) or fails to properly treat a fracture or other condition, he or she may be liable for medical malpractice.
The most common orthopedic errors include:
- failure to diagnose fractures
- failure to properly follow an injury
- improper casting
- injury to nerves (during surgery)
- injury to the vascular system (during surgery)
- wrong site surgery.
The consequences of a doctor failing to diagnose an orthopedic injury can be serious and life-threatening. Some of the possible complications of a missed or delayed diagnosis include:
- Pain and disability. If an injury is not properly diagnosed, it can lead to chronic pain and disability. This can make it difficult to work, participate in activities, and enjoy life.
- Infection. An untreated injury can become infected, which can lead to serious complications, such as sepsis.
- Permanent damage. If an injury is not treated promptly, it can lead to permanent damage to the bones, joints, or other tissues. This can require surgery or other treatment, and may result in a loss of function.
What To Do If You Have Been Injured Due To An Orthopedic Surgery Error
The top-rated medical malpractice lawyers at DRS Law have decades of experience handling medical malpractice involving orthopedic surgery errors. We focus on medical malpractice cases in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia. We have helped many people who experienced surgical complications and suffered severe damages because of orthopedic surgery errors. If you have been injured because of a failure to properly treat an orthopedic injury, call the dedicated and experienced personal injury and medical malpractice lawyers at DRS Law today.
You may have grounds to file a medical malpractice claim in pursuit of compensation for your current and future medical bills, pain and suffering, mental anguish, lost wages, and decreased quality of life. In the event that your loved one has died due to an orthopedic error, you can speak with an attorney about filing a wrongful death claim.