Postsurgical Infections and Medical Malpractice
Antibiotics are a double-edged sword; deciding when to prescribe them and in what dose is not as simple as it seems. On the one hand, they can easily cure infections that otherwise would have been fatal. Consider that, barely a century ago, the son of President Calvin Coolidge died after a blister on his foot became infected; if the incident had happened a few decades later, Neosporin ointment would have cleared the infection. Meanwhile, prescribing antibiotics unnecessarily can lead pathogenic bacteria to become drug-resistant. It is easy for any of us to pontificate about what doctors should have done differently, but doctors must weigh all factors when making medical decisions on a case-by-case basis. This is why, in medical malpractice cases, a panel of physicians with recent clinical experience in the defendant’s practice area must review the patient’s medical records thoroughly and agree that the plaintiff has grounds to sue before the court will even consider the lawsuit. If you suffered serious injuries because of an erroneous decision by a physician about antibiotics, contact a Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice attorney.
Court Awards $11 Million to Amputee Who Contracted Infection After Knee Replacement Surgery
The Sun Belt in general is an attractive retirement destination, but the most fitness-minded retirees choose Florida, despite the rising costs and chaotic traffic. A lifetime of playing sports takes a toll on everyone’s knees, and by the time he moved from Atlanta to South Florida, Matthew Standley had experienced his share of problems with his left knee, but these had barely slowed down his fitness regimen. He underwent several knee surgeries in Georgia, and he developed an infection after one of them, but it went away after he took a course of antibiotics.
His knee pain returned after several years in Florida, and his osteopathic surgeon, Dr. Melvin Rech, scheduled him for a total knee replacement. His knee became infected, but even after Dr. Rech prescribed antibiotics, Matthew’s infection got worse, and eventually, part of his leg had to be amputated. Matthew sued Dr. Rech for medical malpractice, claiming that he breached the standard of care by ordering a total knee replacement. The expert witnesses summoned by Matthew’s lawyers argued that a patient who has previously gotten an infection after knee surgery is not a candidate for a total knee replacement, because of the risk of an outcome like the one Matthew suffered.
To prevail in a medical malpractice case, the plaintiff must prove that the physicians or nurses who treated him or her breached the standard of care. This requires bringing physicians not directly related to the case to testify about what the standard of care would have been in the patient’s situation. Matthew successfully did this, and the court awarded him $11 million in damages.
Set Up a Consultation Today
A personal injury lawyer can help you if you suffered a serious injury due to an infection after surgery. Contact Boone & Davis in Fort Lauderdale, Florida or call 954-566-919 to explore your potential recovery options today.
Source:
law.com/dailybusinessreview/2019/04/29/11-9-million-default-award-entered-against-knee-surgeon/?slreturn=20190705230747
