The goal of hip replacement surgery is to increase a patient’s mobility and alleviate pain. But as with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks involved in undergoing a hip replacement. For instance, there is a possibility that hip replacement medical negligence could occur, potentially resulting in long-term health consequences for the patient.
If you are an attorney working on a lawsuit involving alleged hip replacement medical negligence, a life care plan or life care plan critique can prove to be extremely valuable for your case. By creating an objective, evidence-based outline of a patient’s current and future medical needs, Cardinal LifeCare Consulting can help strengthen your case for litigation and insurance company negotiations. Give us a call at 724-487-0519 to learn more about our services.
Examples of Hip Replacement Medical Negligence
While relatively uncommon, medical errors such as the following may be made when a patient undergoes hip replacement surgery:
- Improperly evaluating whether the patient is a good candidate for surgery – Before clearing a patient for hip replacement surgery, a physician must perform a thorough examination to confirm that they are likely to have a positive outcome from the procedure. This includes checking whether the patient has sufficient bone mass for a successful hip replacement. If this evaluation is deficient, it could lead to significant complications for the patient.
- Making an error when sizing or inserting the artificial joint – Proper sizing and insertion of the artificial hip joint are essential for a good surgical outcome. If mistakes are made during either of these steps, it may cause issues such as a significant difference in leg length.
- Leaving behind surgical instruments or objects – When performing a hip replacement, a surgeon may accidentally leave medical instruments or supplies in the patient’s body at the surgical site. Despite being sterilized before surgery, these items can cause an infection or other complications if left behind.
While not an exhaustive list, these are a few of the most common surgical errors which may be classified as hip replacement medical negligence.
Medical Malpractice Case? Depend On Us for Expert Life Care Planning Services
If you are working on a hip replacement medical negligence case, our life care planning specialists are here to assist you. The Cardinal LifeCare Consulting team draws upon medical records, evidence-based practice guidelines and advice from medical specialists in order to deliver objective, comprehensive life care plans. To learn more about our process and get started, contact us at 724-487-0519.
