Many people in Houston will need an orthopedist at some point in their life. Hip replacements, knee replacements, and other bone and joint issues affect millions across the United States each year. Most people receive expert care from their orthopedist but occasionally a medical error like the failure to diagnose a condition occurs in which the patient can feel upset about the treatment they received.
When a patient needs an orthopedic doctor they typically need help with their bones, joints or ligaments. These specialists help their patients with injuries they have suffered on their spine and skeletal system. Their common surgeries include knee replacements, hip replacements, foot and ankle surgeries, and sports medicine issues. Occasionally things go wrong for the patient when they are treated by an orthopedist and they suffer an unexpected injury.
There are many reasons why an orthopedist is sued for medical malpractice. The most common reason is that the patient suffered an abnormal injury. This is followed by a failure to diagnose a condition, the failure to treat a medical condition, improperly obtaining informed consent, poor documentation of patient education, errors in medication, and not following safety procedures.
If a patient believes they have been the victim of an unexpected injury by an orthopedic doctor, they may want to speak with a legal professional skilled in medical malpractice. An attorney can review medical reports, consult with medical experts and determine what happened to cause the unexpected injury. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, pain and suffering and other damages.
Source: Medscape.com, “Medical malpractice report 2015: Why orthopedists get sued“, Carol Peckham and Sarah Grisham, Jan. 22, 2016
