Man has leg amputated because of doctor error

When Houston residents go to the doctor they expect that they are going to receive the best care possible. In most cases their doctor is able to diagnose their ailment and help them down the road to recovery. But, occasionally there is a failure to recognize a serious condition that leads to the patient suffering serious injuries.
A former police lieutenant recently received a multi-million dollar settlement after his doctor failed to recognize decreased blood flow to his leg that led to his leg being amputated. The man was admitted to a local hospital because he felt dizzy, weak and had gastrointestinal bleeding. He had a history of peripheral vascular disease. A physician was consulted to examine wounds on the patient’s left leg. He recommended that an Unna Boot, which is a special gauze bandage, be applied, even though tests revealed that the patient had only 41 percent blood flow to that leg. When the boot was taken off five days later the leg had necrotic skin tissue and the patient had to have a below-the-knee amputation.
When things don’t go as planned for patients in the hospital they can be left wondering what went wrong. A negligent physician can cause incredible hardship and suffering for patients and their families, along with unexpected medical expenses. A medical malpractice lawsuit may be able to help a family investigate what happened to cause the worsened condition. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
When patients are affected by a negligent physician they can face unexpected suffering. These patients have legal rights. It is important for negligent physicians to be held accountable for their actions so that they don’t harm anyone else.
Source: rrstar.com, “Former Loves Park police lieutenant wins $3.1M in medical malpractice case“, Isaac Guerrero, Jan. 23, 2015