Medical malpractice case alleges improper appendectomy

When someone seeks medical care, he or she expects the treatment to be up to the industry standard of care. When that standard is not met, the medical staff, including doctors, surgeons, nurses and others, may be held accountable for injuries or illness that resulted from their negligence. Connecticut victims of medical malpractice have a right to seek compensation for a variety of civil claims, just as one woman has in another state.

According to reports, in 2009, a then-35-year-old woman sought treatment for pain in her abdomen. An emergency laparoscopic appendectomy was performed. After three days in the hospitals, she was released. It was also determined that the woman was three weeks pregnant.

When the woman was 23 weeks pregnant, she returned to the emergency room with a complaint of severe abdominal pain. It was later determined that she was suffering from sepsis because of acute appendicitis. According to a lawsuit filed against a doctor and two medical entities, there was a portion of the woman’s appendix that was not removed during the initial appendectomy. Because of the second surgery, the woman gave birth prematurely to a 1 pound, 8 ounce baby girl.

The judge presiding over the malpractice case has already ruled that the jury will hear the case in two parts. During the first part, the jury will determine if the physician was negligent in his actions. During the second part, the jury will determine the amount of damages — if any — that should be awarded to the plaintiff.

Medical malpractice cases can be time-consuming and very complex. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide valuable advice and guidance that will help as you pursue compensation.

Source: thetimesnews.com, “Jury selection begins in medical malpractice case” Michael D. Abernethy, Dec. 04, 2014