We expect doctors and other health care professionals to use the utmost care when providing treatment, particularly during an invasive procedure like orthopedic surgery. If doctors are not careful and they fail to uphold accepted medical standards and cause injuries to a patient, they might be held liable for medical malpractice. If you were a victim of orthopedic malpractice, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries. Our medical malpractice attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy can help you throughout the legal process. Medical malpractice cases are difficult to handle without thorough knowledge of the various issues at play, from medical standards of care to putting a value on the damages you have suffered. Our Cincinnati orthopedic malpractice lawyers have detailed knowledge of the many aspects of these cases and how to build a strong case. Contact us today for a free legal consultation and we will guide you through the process of filing a claim. Our services are provided on a contingency fee basis, which means that there are no upfront costs or service fees, you only pay us if we achieve a favorable verdict or settlement for your case.
Conditions Treated By Orthopedic Surgeons
Orthopedic doctors specialize in diseases, issues and injuries that involve the musculoskeletal system. This includes bones, muscles, joints, nerves and tendons. Orthopedic doctors use surgery as the last resort when physical therapy or medication no longer provide the patient relief for their pain and other symptoms. Patients who seek orthopedic surgery often suffer from the following symptoms:- Painful swelling or bruising around the location of injury that does not decrease
- Pain in tendons, muscles or joints that continues for more than a few days
- Limited range of motion, such as the inability to straighten an arm or leg
- Joint pain the becomes more intense at night
- Difficulty performing daily functions with that particular body part
- Signs of infection in the injured area such as inflammation, heat, fever, rash or redness
- Knock knees
- Arthritis
- Bone cancer
- Flat feet
- Bunions
- Osteoporosis
- Sprains
- Tennis elbow
- Knee replacement
- Back surgery
- Bowlegged deformity
- Scoliosis
- Hip replacement
- Cerebral palsy
- Broken bones
- Torn meniscus
- Pelvis fracture
- Ganglion cyst
- Marfan syndrome
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Types Of Orthopedic Malpractice
In many cases, medical malpractice occurs during surgery, however, it can also occur before and after a surgery. Doctors have an obligation to foresee complications or be ready when a threatening situation emerges. Some common examples of orthopedic malpractice include:- Performing surgery on the wrong body part
- Improperly setting a broken bone
- Poor analysis and interpretation of MRIs, X-rays or CT scans
- Misdiagnosis or delaying a diagnosis
- Using the wrong size of an implant
- Leaving surgical tools, such as, gloves or sponges in the patient’s body
- Wrapping a cast too tightly, restricting blood flow to the area that was operated on
- Failing to recognize improper healing or infections after surgery
- Damaging other body parts around the surgical area
- Failing to respond to surgical complications
Compensation Awarded For Orthopedic Malpractice
Medical bills are costly, particularly when complications and injuries arise after treatment for an orthopedic injury. If you have suffered injury because of medical malpractice, you should not be burdened with extra expenses. Our attorneys at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy want you to have the compensation you deserve to pay for all the treatment you need so you have a chance to make the fullest recovery possible. Compensation for orthopedic medical malpractice may include:- Past, current and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Cost of physical therapy
- Lost wages from inability to work
- Emotional suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disability
How To Build An Orthopedic Malpractice Case
Building a strong case against medical professionals can be very difficult. During your free consultation, our Cincinnati orthopedic malpractice attorneys can help determine if your case has the four elements needed to be successful: Doctor-patient relationship – In order to prove that a doctor had a legal duty to uphold medical standards when providing care for a patient, the patient must be able to show that a doctor-patient relationship existed at the time the injury occurred. This relationship is established when you can prove:- You chose to be treated by the doctor who allegedly caused your injury
- You approved of examinations for the purpose of treatment to help you deal with a certain health condition or medical problem
- You have documentation showing your treatment was ongoing