Suit Follows Alleged Doctor Negligence Discovered After 5 Years

On behalf of Hastings Law Firm P.C. posted in Houston Lawyers for Physician Error on Tuesday, February 2, 2016.

Texas patients must be able to trust their doctors and other medical caregivers, and no harm should be brought to them. It is the duty of doctors to provide care of an adequate level, and doctor negligence can put the lives of patients in danger. One case of alleged negligence gave rise to a lawsuit that was recently filed in another state.

According to the lawsuit, a man underwent an open reduction/internal fixation of mandibular fractures that was performed in 2009 by the doctor who is accused of negligence. As part of the ORIF procedure, gauze with bacitracin ointment was packed in the man’s sinus cavity and stitched to the inside skin of his nose. Upon the plaintiff’s discharge three days later, he was instructed to leave the packed gauze in and return for a follow-up consultation in 10 to 14 days.

According to the established standard of care, the packing was due to be removed during the follow-up visit, but instead, the defendant allegedly noted that he was satisfied with the healing process. The plaintiff was told to return in six months if necessary, and he was sent home with the packing still intact. The plaintiff contends he suffered sinus pain, nasal discharge and recurring headaches for five years before the packing in his sinus cavities was identified and removed during a medical evaluation by a different doctor in 2014. This procedure apparently put an end to the pain and discomfort he had been suffering.

The plaintiff and his wife seek recovery of damages along with interest — both pre- and post-judgment. Doctor negligence is unacceptable, and any Texas resident who is suffering the consequences of such negligence may seek recovery of damages by pursuing a medical malpractice lawsuit in a civil court. An experienced medical malpractice attorney can explain the necessary steps to take to hold a negligent doctor accountable.

Source: wvrecord.com, “Charleston couple accuses doctor of medical malpractice”, Kyla Asbury, Jan. 26, 2016