Richmond Foreign Object Attorney
It is shocking when foreign objects such as sponges, needles, and surgical instruments are left inside a patient after surgery. These objects, also sometimes called retained surgical bodies, can cause serious harm and these incidents are more common than people think. According to a study published in Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, there are approximately 1,500 cases of retained surgical bodies every year.
Foreign objects left behind in a patient should never happen and it is an inexcusable surgical mistake. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to a foreign object, a Richmond foreign object attorney can help you recover the compensation you need.
The Danger of Foreign Objects
People in the medical field may refer to objects left in a body cavity as a ‘foreign object’ or ‘retained surgical body,’ but truthfully, these objects have simply been forgotten by the surgical team. These events are considered acts of negligence that are so severe Medicare calls them ‘never events,’ meaning they never should have happened.
Patients suffer immense harm when foreign objects are left behind after surgery. Organ damage, bowel perforations, life-threatening infections, and even death are just a few of the consequences a person may suffer. Patients can file a medical malpractice claim against the offending parties, but it is important to work with an attorney that has experience with these types of cases. These claims require a comprehensive understanding of the procedures within an operating room and the different roles the nurses and surgeons play during surgery.
The Statute of Limitations on Foreign Object Claims
Like all personal injury claims in Virginia, medical malpractice claims have a statute of limitations, or a time limit, on when you can file. Most medical practice claims in the state have a statute of limitations of two years.
However, the law recognizes that patients may not always discover a foreign object right away. A patient may have surgery and discover the object months later when they suffer an injury. When this is the case, patients have one year from the date of discovering the foreign object to file their claim.
To prove that the statute of limitations has not expired on a claim, you should carefully document the date of your surgery and the date the foreign object was discovered. Often, medical documents such as X-rays can provide this proof. A Richmond medical malpractice will collect the documents and other evidence that can prove the statute of limitations did not expire, and the other elements of your claim.
Our Virginia Medical Malpractice Lawyers can Assist with Your Claim
If you or someone you love has been harmed by the negligent act of a foreign object being left after surgery, our Richmond medical malpractice lawyers want to assist with your claim. At MichieHamlett, our attorneys have the necessary experience and knowledge these claims require. We have a proven track record with medical malpractice claims, and we want to put our experience to work for you. Call us today at (434) 951-7200 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled attorneys so we can review your case.
