Cosmetic surgeries are common among Houston residents these days. Typically, these surgeries are safe and result in a person looking and feeling better about himself or herself. Occasionally, surgical complications arise that harm the patient. Sometimes these complications are the result of an anesthesia error and can constitute medical malpractice.
A Miami woman underwent breast augmentation surgery last August, a common cosmetic surgery procedure. However, she emerged from the surgery in a coma. During the hour after her surgery ended, her heart rate was very low and the anesthetist used atropine and chest compressions to keep her alive. She ended up suffering brain damage as a result of the ordeal. She was rushed to the hospital where she remained in a coma for months. She returned home in late November, but has been admitted to the hospital several times since. Because of her condition, she requires 24-hour nursing care, cannot walk and can only speak a few words. Doctors do not know if she will fully recover. Her parents are filing a medical malpractice lawsuit against the cosmetic surgery center.
When a person suffers major medical trauma from a routine procedure, it can be devastating, both mentally and physically. The medical bills can be enormous along with loss of wages and the ongoing medical costs for the rest of the person’s life. A legal professional skilled in medical malpractice can help a family determine what went wrong during the procedure and who is at fault. They can seek compensation for the tremendous burden. An anesthesia error can be extremely serious and it is important to hold doctors accountable for their negligence.
Cosmetic surgeries, although common, do carry risks. When complications arise because of a doctor’s error, patients may be able to hold them liable for the costs of those complications.
Source: Miami Herald, “Homestead woman who fell into coma after cosmetic surgery struggles with new reality,” Maria Perez, Feb. 2, 2014
