Gangrene After Surgery: Lawsuits for Patient Injury

Patients can bring malpractice lawsuits for gangrene when their gangrene was caused by surgery.

What is gangrene?

Gangrene is when bodily tissue--i.e. skin and flesh--dies while still on the body. It is an extraordinarily serious condition; not only can body parts be lost to it, but as the dead flesh putrefies--rots, that is--it will release bacteria and toxic products. These can cause the gangrene to spread; worse, they can result in death.

The causes of gangrene

Gangrene as two causes. The first is infection: bodily tissue becomes infected with bacteria that kills it. The second cause is a lack of blood flow. Among its many functions, blood brings oxygen to body parts and tissue (that's what red blood cells do--carry oxygen); without oxygen, living tissue dies--quickly.

How surgery can lead to gangrene

Both possible gangrene causes--infection, and impeded or reduced blood supply--are possible surgical outcomes. Post-operative infections are not uncommon: surgery provides a route or opening into the body for bacteria, plus hospitals are (not surprisingly; there are alot of sick people and diseases present) rife with bacteria; in addition, surgery puts a strain on the body, which can weaken the immune system. Also, if surgery damaged a body part's blood supply, such as by removing, severing, blocking, or constricting blood vessels, that can lead to a lack of oxygenated blood.

When a hospital or surgeon might be liable

It's important to recognize that good outcomes to surgery are not guaranteed: medicine is more of an art than a science. Therefore, the simple fact of some bad or harmful outcome, including gangrene, does not guarantee that there is liability, or an obligation to pay. That said, good surgical and infection-control procedures greatly minimize the likelihood of gangrene. And if the hospital and medical staff are on top of their game, if--despite all care--gangrene develops, they should catch it and take corrective action immediately.

The issue, in terms of liability, is whether or not the medical care provider(s) were as careful ad responsible as they should be; that is is, did they provide the generally accepted level of medical care.  If they did, they are probably not liable; but if they didn't, they likely will be liable for any resulting harm.

What is a gangrene malpractice claim worth?

Gangrene can often produce large recoveries or claims for the victims of medical malpractice. The loss of a body part, permanent disfigurement or scarring, substantial pain and suffering, the necessity for expensive medical care...all the elements that contribute to a large damages award are there.

How an Attorney Can Help You

If you suffered gangrene after surgery, consult with an attorney. The lawyer can help determine whether the care you received was deficient and there may be a malpractice claim. In addition, the attorney can help you understand what your claim may be worth.