Although surgery can help treat a variety of medical conditions, there are some circumstances in which a patient undergoes unnecessary surgery. When a doctor prescribes or performs an unnecessary surgery, this may be a case of medical negligence.
You may be entitled to seek compensation through an Illinois medical malpractice claim if you have suffered injuries because you underwent unnecessary surgery.
A Chicago medical malpractice attorney will carefully evaluate the details of your case to determine if you have a valid claim worth pursuing.
Additionally, a Chicago medical malpractice attorney will work hard to collect the evidence that necessary to prove you were the victim of unnecessary surgery. They will help you fight for your Illinois medical malpractice claim. While reviewing your case, your attorney may discover your procedure was one of several surgeries which are often unnecessary.
Common Procedures that May Be Unnecessary Surgery
There are some common procedures that may be considered unnecessary surgery. When a patient would otherwise benefit from a non-medical treatment, such as medication or physical therapy, even without being injured, they may be able to hold the doctor liable for medical negligence.
Some of the common types of procedures that could be considered unnecessary surgery (depending on the circumstances) include:
- coronary artery bypass;
- cesarean section;
- hysterectomy;
- carotid endarterectomy;
- pace maker implantation;
- cardiac catheterization; and
- angioplasty (including balloon).
In an Illinois medical malpractice claim, your doctor can be held liable for damages that include bodily injury, pain and suffering and emotional distress.
Many experts believe that doctors are rushing too many patients into surgical procedures without first attempting other forms of treatment. Surgery carries with it the risk of complications, additional medical expenses and lost time from work. All of these may be recoverable damages through an Illinois medical malpractice claim.
Risks of Unnecessary Surgery
As with any surgery there are inherent risks involved. But when a patient undergoes unnecessary surgery, the risks can create additional psychological damage. Imagine building yourself up to the idea of undergoing heart bypass and later learning it was unnecessary; or learning your hysterectomy wasn’t really needed after the fact.
Surgery typically requires a recovery period that can last from a few days to several months. If unnecessary surgery is performed and puts you out of work, this may constitute a case of medical negligence and you may be entitled to receive compensation for lost income through an Illinois medical malpractice claim.
Additionally, there are life-threatening risks involved with anesthesia, infections and internal bleeding.
When you had other options available and they were not offered or considered, the doctor may be held liable.
Your doctor can also be held liable if you were misdiagnosed. A misdiagnosis may lead a doctor to perform an unnecessary surgery. This type of medical negligence is twofold: performing an invasive procedure that wasn’t necessary and failing to properly diagnose and treat a patient.
How a Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Help
A Chicago medical malpractice attorney understands that you have already been through enough if you have undergone an unnecessary surgery. The idea of filing an Illinois medical malpractice claim may seem overwhelming; however you have the right to seek compensation when you have been the victim of medical negligence.
With the help of a Chicago medical malpractice attorney, your case will be evaluated and an investigation will be launched. An attorney will then collect evidence such as your medical report, doctor’s notations, charts and any other documentation that will build a substantial case.
When to Hire a Chicago Medical Malpractice Attorney
A Chicago medical malpractice attorney at the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. has dealt with similar cases to yours and knows the best course of action for your claim. To improve your chances at a fair settlement and take the burden out of all the paperwork involved in a medical malpractice claim in Illinois, contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080.
