Orlando Orthopedist Error Lawyers
When an illness or injury impacts your musculoskeletal system, you may eventually be referred to an orthopedic specialist. Although orthopedists may try non-surgical therapy and treatment to repair the problem and provide relief, surgery is often required. When you seek treatment from an orthopedist, you do so with the expectation that your medical situation will improve. Sometimes, however, an orthopedic error results in the worsening of your condition and/or additional injury. If you are the victim of an orthopedist error, you may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional injuries you suffered by pursuing a medical malpractice claim.
The prospect of navigating the complex medical malpractice legal system can be intimidating for injured victims. Having an experienced attorney on your side is the key. At Bailey Fisher, our Orlando orthopedist error lawyers are dedicated to seeking justice for injured victims and holding negligent healthcare providers accountable.
What Are Some Common Orthopedic Errors?
An Orthopedist is a physician who specializes in treating issues related to the musculoskeletal system, including bones, muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues. Although a trip to an orthopedist does not always result in the need for surgery, orthopedists are surgeons and frequently perform surgery. Because orthopedists treat the parts of our bodies that allow us to move and that provide agility, a mistake can have serious, long-term, consequences. Common examples of orthopedist errors include:
- Failing to properly diagnose or treat fractures or other orthopedic conditions
- Failing to properly interpret diagnostic imaging, such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI study
- Failing to refer to a specialized surgeon
- Insufficient or inadequate rehabilitative care
- Applying a cast too tightly
- Failing to diagnose nerve impingement
- Improper placement of screws, pins, and other internal devices
- Operating on the wrong body part or the wrong patient
- Leaving foreign objects inside the patient
- Failing to recognize and/or properly treat post-surgical infections
- Selecting the wrong prosthesis for hip or knee replacement surgery
- Causing injury to nerves, blood vessels, or organs during surgery
- Failing to properly manage complications occurring during or after surgery
When Is an Orthopedic Error Considered Medical Malpractice?
Doctors, even surgeons, are human and make honest mistakes. Some of those mistakes could not have been prevented; however, far too many medical mistakes could have been prevented. The law imposes a high standard of care for physicians when evaluating an error or mistake made by the physician. Florida Statute 766.102(1), defines the standard of care as “that level of care, skill, and treatment which, in light of all relevant surrounding circumstances, is recognized as acceptable and appropriate by reasonably prudent similar health care providers.” In the case of an orthopedist error, the standard of care will require considering whether another similarly credentialed and experienced orthopedist would have made the same mistake under similar circumstances. Because the standard of care evaluates a physician’s conduct in light of what another similar physician would have done, a medical malpractice lawsuit typically requires expert testimony to litigate successfully.
Am I Entitled to Compensation for My Injuries Caused by an Orthopedist Error?
A mistake made by an orthopedist can cause a lifetime of pain and additional medical expenses. If that mistake amounts to medical malpractice, meaning the orthopedist violated the standard of care owed to the patient, and that malpractice caused or substantially contributed to injuries you suffered, you may be entitled to compensation from the orthopedist, hospital, and/or additional healthcare providers. If you are a surviving family member of someone who was fatally injured because of an orthopedic error, you may also be entitled to compensation as a claimant in a wrongful death lawsuit. Specifically, you could be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages suffered as a result of the orthopedist’s negligence, including compensation for things such as:
- Medical expenses. Past, ongoing, and future medical expenses, hospital bills, mental health counseling, travel expenses, medications, specialized equipment, and rehabilitation.
- Lost wages. The value of lost income and/or compensation for your inability to make what you made prior to the orthopedist error.
- Pain and suffering. Physical pain and/or emotional trauma suffered because of the orthopedist error. This may also include things such as disfiguration and mental anguish.
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and services. If you are the child or spouse of someone who was killed because of an orthopedist error, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of guidance, companionship, and other intangible losses.
How Can Orlando Orthopedist Error Lawyers Help Me?
At Bailey Fisher, we understand how an orthopedist error can dramatically impact both the injured patient and his or her family. If you were injured by an orthopedist error, or you lost a family member because of an orthopedist error that resulted in a fatal injury, an experienced Orlando orthopedist error attorney at Bailey Fisher can help you recover compensation for the physical and emotional injuries you suffered and ensure that the responsible party (or parties) is held accountable.
Call us at 407-628-2929 or submit our online form today. One of our experienced Orlando orthopedist error lawyers will evaluate your case for free and advise you on the next steps.