The unfortunate reality of people dying after undergoing a surgical procedure is something that happens all too frequently in Texas and across the United States. It is not unusual for there to be fatal complications following surgery, but this is hammered home when there is a famous or noteworthy person who has it happen to them. Regardless of who it is, it is important for those who have suffered the loss of a loved one after a surgical procedure or during what is believed to be a routine medical issue to understand their rights to have a full investigation and seek compensation in a lawsuit.
Well-liked Texas-born actor Bill Paxton died after he suffered a stroke following a surgical procedure. Paxton was having an aortic valve replaced and an aortic aneurysm repaired. This procedure was done in mid-February. He died a week and a half later in Los Angeles while still hospitalized. While the valve surgery is relatively common, there are dangers for a stroke to come about after it has been done. Statistics indicate that as many as 10,000 people die from an aortic aneurysm in this country on an annual basis. They are believed to be a factor in 16,000 deaths overall. Strokes are the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.
All medical treatment comes with certain risks for the patient. Medical providers are required to inform their patients of these risks, so that patients may give informed consent. After that, doctors have a duty to provide care that is up to professional standards. After a patient is injured or dies, it can be important to investigate the circumstances to see if the patient was adequately informed and if the care was up to professional standards.
The family that has suffered the loss of a loved one needs to know whether there was a medical mistake or not and act accordingly. This must be done as soon as possible to preserve the evidence and allow them to move forward with a case for compensation.
Those who have been affected similarly need to know their rights to a wrongful death legal filing by discussing their case with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Source: CNN.com, “Bill Paxton’s death caused by stroke after surgery,” Ashley Strickland, March 7, 2017
EXPERTLY REVIEWED BY
John A. Davis, Jr. and Steven R. Davis
March 19 2017
Steven R. Davis and John A. Davis, Jr. are experienced attorneys at Davis & Davis, a law firm that specializes in medical malpractice cases in Texas. With a deep commitment to justice that guides their ethical approach, Davis and Davis have dedicated their careers to helping victims of medical negligence. They and their team continue to advocate for clients, despite the challenges posed by Texas's cap on recoverable damages in malpractice lawsuits. Davis & Davis pride themselves on their extensive experience in the field and their readiness to meet clients across the United States.
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