When Surgeons Leave Something Behind

After Lenny LeClair had surgery to treat a digestive disorder, he felt fine. However, a few months later LeClair experienced non-stop vomiting and excruciating abdominal pain. A CT scan revealed that surgical sponges became embedded in his intestines. LeClair underwent many surgeries, but he will need a plastic pouch attached to his abdomen for the rest of his life.

Every year, around 6,000 patients leave the hospital with a surgical item accidentally left inside the body. This error can result in serious medical complications and even death. It can also result in a huge financial burden. Hospitalizations resulting surgical items left inside the patient cost an average of $60,000.

Under Florida law, a patient can bring an action for medical malpractice when a healthcare provider breaches his or her duty of care. The incident must result in injury, death or monetary loss to the patient. The statute of limitations is two years from the date of the incident, or two years from the date that the patient discovered or should have discovered the incident. In most cases, the patient cannot bring the lawsuit later than four years from the date of the incident

When a surgical item is left behind, there is always someone to blame. This may be the doctor, nurse or even the hospital. An experienced Florida medical malpractice attorney can help you recover compensation from the responsible parties. At the Law Office of Paul B. Genet, P.A., we’ve fought for the rights of medical malpractice victims for over 25 years. Call our office today.

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