Hernia is a common injury occurring after a severe muscle strain, and involved the bulging of muscles, usually in the groin area. While traditionally, hernia was treated by opening up the patient and treating the site directly, laparoscopic surgery has quickly become a more common option for treatment.
Laparoscopic Surgery
One of the most common medical remedies for hernia is a surgical procedure called laparoscopic hernia repair. This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a telescopic camera through an incision below the belly button. The camera is used to help the surgeon navigate to the site while, through one or two other incisions, reinforcing mesh and glue (in some cases titanium staples are used) are placed into position over the herniated muscle.
Errors in Hernia Repair Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, there is potential for patient injury if the surgeon does not perform with the highest level of skill, care and expertise. Potential injuries include damage to the urinary bladder, intestines, blood vessels, nerves or an acquired infection.
If a patient suffers an injury due to a surgeons lack of care, there may be potential for medical negligence. Negligence occurs when a doctor or other medical professional does not perform his or her duty to the required standard of care.
Negligence and Medical Malpractice
If negligent treatment leads to the undue injury of a hernia surgery patient, there may be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. Medical malpractice tort laws provide that the liable party be made to compensate the injured patient for all damages including but not limited to medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, future lost earning and future medical expenses related to the negligent care.
Bringing a Lawsuit for Hernia Surgery Injury
In order to have a meritorious medical malpractice lawsuit, a third party medical professional will first need to establish that negligence occurred and resulted in undue damage to the patient.
Once that has been shown, a medical malpractice lawyer can file the claim, prosecute the case and negotiate a settlement amount for their client. If the defending hospital or doctor will not offer a significant settlement amount, then the case may be taken to trial.
If you or someone you know may have suffered due to negligent medical treatment, talk to a medical malpractice lawyer to find out what options are available to get compensation for the wrongdoing.
