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Did your doctor amputate the wrong leg?

On Behalf of | Sep 9, 2022 | Medical Malpractice

The decision to have your leg amputated is not arrived at lightly, but it is sometimes necessary. The need for amputation is most likely due to illness or a serious accident. Now, imagine waking up from surgery and your doctor says that an error was made and the wrong leg has been amputated. Then, the doctor tells you that your other leg still needs to be amputated. With one mistake, your life is forever changed.

It may be hard to believe, but this sort of mistake does occur in operating rooms around the globe. Back in 2021, headlines were made when an Austrian doctor amputated the wrong leg of her patient. Here in America, operating on the wrong body part happens nearly 40 times per week. These statistics are enough to give anyone pause who is facing a surgical procedure.

What to do if this happens to you

Surgical mistakes are extremely costly. Plus, there’s also the possibility that your medical insurance will not pay for the remaining leg to be amputated. This is why doctors and hospitals carry medical malpractice insurance.

When a surgical error leaves your life forever altered, you have the right to be compensated by the doctor and the hospital for your pain and suffering, lost wages, cost of care and cost of rehabilitation. You may also be compensated for any modifications that need to be done to your home to accommodate your disability.

If you have been the victim of medical malpractice in the operating room you should consider all of the options that are available to you. That way, you can fight to get the compensation you deserve. Seek guidance to help you navigate the legalities. 

 

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