Medical malpractice can devastate Maryland families

The relationship between a doctor and patient is one of trust and respect. The patient trusts that the doctor will do everything within his or her to handle the patient’s medical care with knowledge, information and continued observation. The medical provider respects the patients wishes and rights not only as a patient, but also as a person, and seeks to provide the best all around care possible. When the trust is broken or the respect is lost, the relationship breaks down as does the care provided. Maryland doctors who do not follow procedure and observe patient care can find themselves in the throws of a medical malpractice lawsuit

A 74-year-old woman is suing a hospital in another state for $6 million after she was left with headaches, vision loss and a lessened control over most cognitive functions. She was diagnosed with a non-cancerous tumor under her skull in May 2015. Her doctor at the time thought that removal of the tumor would be best and scheduled the woman for surgery. In June 2015, the doctor removed the tumor and part of her skull and used titanium plates and mesh to close the surgical site.

A few weeks later, the woman reported to her doctor that surgical site was painful and headaches had become part of her daily life. Nothing was done until Jan. 2016 when she was admitted again into the same hospital and the doctor performed another surgery to remove the mesh, which was not stuck to part of the membrane that separates the brain from the skull. Once removed, it caused severe blood loss that resulted in a stroke. The outcome of the second surgery caused the patient to suffer a communication disorder which led to the need for occupational, physical and speech therapy.

Maryland patients who find themselves injured or suffering from the decisions or negligence of a medical provider could have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. A successful claim could hold the doctor or the facility the doctor works for financially responsible for damages or long term suffering endured by the patient at the hands of the medical practitioner. With the help of a skilled attorney, victims and their families can seek recourse in a civil court.

Source: kcrg.com, “Woman asking for $6 million in medical malpractice claim against UIHC“, June 2, 2017