Wagner Reese, LLP is dedicated to defending the rights of individuals who have been harmed due to medical negligence. Our expertise in medical malpractice cases has allowed us to provide justice and substantial compensation for clients injured from surgery, ensuring that they receive the support they need to recover from their injuries and losses.
Symptoms Indicating the Presence of Gauze in the Body
One of the distressing instances of medical malpractice that we encounter is the occurrence of surgical items, such as gauze, being inadvertently left inside a patient’s body after surgery. Though not exceedingly common, these incidents, known as retained surgical items (RSIs), can have serious implications for the patient’s health and well-being. The human body often reacts to a foreign object in various ways. If gauze is left inside after surgery, symptoms may include:
- Severe pain and discomfort at or near the surgical site
- Swelling or inflammation
- Infection, often indicated by fever, redness, and drainage from the surgical site
- Internal abscess formation
- Digestive disturbances if the gauze affects the gastrointestinal tract
- Obstruction or perforation of internal organs
Health Risks and Complications
Retained gauze can lead to a host of health risks and complications, including:
- Chronic infection that can be difficult to treat
- Adhesions, where scar tissue binds internal organs together, causing pain and dysfunction
- Fistula formation, which is an abnormal connection between organs or vessels
- Sepsis, which is a life-threatening response to infection that can lead to organ failure and death
- The need for additional surgeries to remove the gauze and repair any damage caused
Legal Ramifications and Grounds for a Medical Malpractice Claim
When gauze is left in a patient’s body post-surgery, it clearly violates medical standards of care. This oversight can be grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Patients may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the error.
Steps to Take If You Suspect Gauze Has Been Left in Your Body
If you suspect that gauze or any other surgical item has been left inside your body after surgery, it is crucial to:
- Seek immediate medical attention to address any health concerns and have the necessary imaging tests performed.
- Keep detailed records of your symptoms, medical appointments, and any additional treatments or surgeries required.
- Contact a reputable medical malpractice attorney to discuss your case and understand your legal options.
The Role of an Attorney in Pursuing a Medical Malpractice Case
An experienced medical malpractice attorney is pivotal in pursuing a case involving retained surgical items. At Wagner Reese, LLP, our attorneys can:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your case
- Consult with medical experts to establish the breach of standard care
- Gather and analyze medical records and evidence
- Determine the full extent of damages
- Negotiate with insurance companies and defense attorneys
- Advocate for your rights in court, if necessary
Contact Wagner Reese, LLP Today
Our firm has a proven track record of successfully handling medical malpractice cases, including those involving retained surgical items. We have secured significant settlements and verdicts for our clients, providing them with the financial means to manage their recovery and move forward with their lives.
At Wagner Reese, LLP, we are committed to holding negligent medical professionals accountable and ensuring that our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve. Attorney Wagner was honored as the 2006 Trial Lawyer of the Year by the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, a testament to his skill and dedication in the courtroom. His commitment to legal excellence was further recognized in 2014 when he was named a Distinguished Fellow by the Indianapolis Bar Foundation.
Attorney Reese is no stranger to accolades, either. He has been consistently listed among Indiana’s Top 25 Medical Malpractice Trial Lawyers by the Medical Malpractice Trial Lawyers Association. His outstanding leadership and legal acumen were acknowledged with the Leadership in Law Distinguished Barrister Award, highlighting his status as one of Indiana’s elite attorneys.
The team at Wagner Reese, LLP has been recognized by the National Trial Lawyers, an invitation-only group that includes the nation’s most esteemed legal professionals.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a retained surgical item, call our team at 866-828-0308 or contact us online for a free consultation.
