Weight loss can be difficult for many people, leading them to explore surgical options. Weight loss surgery has become increasingly popular in the last few decades, helping severely overweight people lose the extra pounds and improve their health.
Unfortunately, every surgery comes with risks. Patients who undergo weight loss surgery may be subject to medical malpractice errors. If something goes wrong, can you sue the doctors responsible?
What is weight loss surgery?
Weight loss surgery typically refers to bariatric surgery. Doctors can limit the amount of food the stomach can hold. They can also reduce the length of the small intestine, which limits how many calories are absorbed as they pass through the gastrointestinal tract. This helps reduce the number of calories a person can consume, which makes it easier for them to lose weight.
Malpractice and weight loss surgery
Medical malpractice is a type of negligence lawsuit. Legal negligence is when a person fails to meet a reasonable standard of care, and as a result, someone else is harmed. In medical malpractice, practitioners are held to what a reasonable healthcare provider of similar experience and education would do in the same situation.
Plaintiffs should be aware that a negative surgical outcome doesn’t necessarily mean that the surgeon committed malpractice. Your personal injury attorney will need to show that the doctor failed to meet the appropriate standard of care. A surgeon can do everything right and the patient may still react poorly.
When you initially file a medical malpractice lawsuit, your attorney will also file an “affidavit of merit.” An affidavit of merit is a sworn statement, in which an expert witness (another healthcare provider of similar experience and education) affirms that they have reviewed the evidence and believe that the medical practitioner’s conduct rises to the level of malpractice. This helps cut down on meritless lawsuits.
Do I have a case?
If you’ve suffered after a weight loss surgery, the best way to determine whether you have a case is to contact an attorney. Collect your medical records and any documentation of issues afterward. Your lawyer will review your case to ascertain its strength. While proving malpractice can be difficult, it’s worth exploring your options. You may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and other related expenses. Find an attorney as soon as possible, before the statute of limitations expires.
Talk to an Ohio medical malpractice lawyer today
You shouldn’t have to bear the costs of your medical malpractice injuries alone. If a doctor, nurse or other healthcare provider is responsible for your injuries, I’ll Make Them Pay!® Call me today at 877.483.2298 to discuss your case.