I had to get knee surgery done a few weeks ago, and it seemed like the surgery went ok, until eight days later. I went back to the hospital because my knee was all swollen up and very tender. Also, their was some kind of discharge at the suture site.
It turns out that a little piece of gauze had been left in my knee, and somehow an infection had grown around it. After another surgery, the doctor says he is unable to correct it, and it is spreading quickly. I am now facing the real possibility of having my leg amputated above the knee.
I am a firefighter, and if I end up losing a leg I don't know what I can do.
Can the hospital or the doctor be held accountable for what happened? Is this a case of medical malpractice?
Answer:
Infections acquired during surgery are a real threat to patient health, and it is imperative that a surgeon use the utmost care with regards to both the hygiene of the surgical instruments as well as clean up after the procedure is complete.
In this case, there may have been a breach of duty in both regards. Your best bet is to talk to a medical malpractice lawyer to find out if you have any legal options.
If you do in fact have to get your leg amputated, the damages and resulting award or settlement amount would be substantial, given the impact the negligence will have on your life and ability to work.
Good luck.
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Posted by Staff Writer on 08 Mar 2010