Surgical error allegedly leads to man’s death

Most Michiganders have endured medical procedures. They probably felt that twinge of fear that tends to strike in the hours or even days leading up to the operation. More often than not, those who undergo surgery find themselves relieved when they wake up to find that the procedure was nothing short of a success. In some instances, though, these operations go horribly wrong, and people are seriously injured or killed as a result.

That was the tragic case for one man who died last year due to a surgical error. According to a recently filed wrongful death lawsuit, the 73-year-old man underwent heart surgery, but, upon completion of the operation, his surgeon discovered that a surgical needle had been left inside the man.

An X-ray was conducted and confirmed that the needle had been left behind, thereafter prompting an emergency operation. However, the doctor who performed that second procedure was unable to recover the needle. The man remained in the hospital where his condition continued to deteriorate. He eventually died in a way that the wrongful death lawsuit claimed was painful and unnecessary.

Sadly, these cases, while relatively rare, still occur with more frequency than some care to believe. While many victims of surgical errors and other forms of medical malpractice are able to survive the incident, even they are often left with extensive damages that are physical, emotional and financial in nature.

The negligence that causes these losses is unacceptable. This is why those who have been harmed by medical malpractice should consider legal action, as it can not only impose liability and lead to the recovery of compensation, but it can also shine a light on the devastating consequences of medical treatment that fails to adhere to applicable medical standards.