There is no one more intimate with the dangers and possible health risks of surgery than a surgeon. A surgeon must be aware of the dangers and communicate them to their patients. In a twist that may interest those in North Carolina and across the country, one surgeon has recently been awarded a multi-million dollar verdict after he claims he was a victim of medical malpractice.
The doctor, a neurosurgeon, claims that during surgery in Feb. 2010, a piece of bone flew into his left eye. Almost a year later, he underwent surgery to correct the damage created by the bone. During the corrective surgery, he says a hole was made in his iris. As a result, he has been unable to work.
After a trial that lasted almost three weeks, six of eight jurors agreed with the doctor. He was awarded $7.7 million to cover past and future lost wages. The clinic where the surgery was performed disputes the doctor’s claims, and a representative for the clinic was unsure if the verdict would be appealed.
Patients seek medical intervention in order to improve their lives. While most medical care providers are knowledgeable professionals, a mistake on their part can have devastating consequences. In addition to the additional medical care that may be required as a result of such a mistake, a victim of medical malpractice may need to miss work as he or she recovers or, as in this case, may never be able to work again. People in North Carolina who have suffered as a result of such a medical care provider’s mistake have the option of seeking relief from the costs associated with such an accident in a civil court. By doing so, they can focus on their future recovery as opposed to their financial situation and the costs of healthcare.
Source: cleveland.com, Cleveland Clinic doctor wins $7.7 million malpractice verdict from the Clinic, John Caniglia, March 21, 2014