Suing for Unnecessary Amputations in Baltimore

Losing a limb is one of the most traumatic things a patient can experience in Baltimore. When the psychological trauma of this procedure begins to wear off, patients face a lifetime of disability. In addition, they face serious self-esteem issues due to the disfiguring nature of an amputation. While doctors often carry out amputations to save patients’ lives, sometimes these procedures are totally unnecessary. What if a doctor amputated your limb without a valid reason? Can you file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Baltimore?

Amputations Often Occur Because Doctors Fail to Treat Obvious Issues 

Your amputation may have been necessary to save your life, but your experiences may have still been caused by medical malpractice. Amputation is obviously the last resort in terms of treatment options. Sometimes, amputation is only necessary because doctors fail to treat disorders like flesh-eating disease and compartment syndrome in a timely manner. You could potentially sue a doctor if your amputation was caused by their failure to treat you.

For example, a doctor might have observed your limb injuries and incorrectly concluded that you didn’t require any treatment. Perhaps they told you that your injuries would heal naturally with rest – despite clear and obvious signs of spreading infection.

There are many alternative steps a doctor can take before resorting to amputation. For example, they could attempt to relieve compartment syndrome by draining the limb of fluid. They might also treat an infection with antibiotics. If a doctor does not even attempt these alternatives before amputating your limb, you are fully within your rights to ask questions.

Unnecessary Artery Procedures Often Lead to Amputations 

Various reports have highlighted increased amputation risks after patients receive certain artery procedures. Known as “atherectomies,” these invasive artery-cleaning procedures are expensive and often completely unnecessary. Some reports have suggested that doctors who carry out these procedures are more concerned with profits than the safety of their patients. If a doctor damages your arteries during an atherectomy, an amputation may be the only remaining option – even if you never truly needed your arteries cleaned in the first place.

Diabetics Often Receive Unnecessary Amputations 

Diabetic people face heightened risks of unnecessary amputations. Various investigative reports suggest that diabetics often have their legs and feet amputated without any valid medical reasons. The American Diabetes Association is well aware of this issue, and they have created a special initiative to push back against unnecessary amputations. If you are a diabetic and you lost a limb, discuss your legal options alongside a qualified medical malpractice lawyer.

Get in Touch With an Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Baltimore 

If you believe that your limb was amputated without a valid reason, you may be correct. To determine whether medical malpractice played a role in your amputation, consult Furman Honick Law. We have considerable experience with medical malpractice cases, and we can fight for your rights in the courtroom if necessary. Reach out to our Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers today to learn more about your legal options.

Sources: 

nytimes.com/2023/07/15/health/atherectomy-peripheral-artery-disease.html

propublica.org/article/black-diabetics-lose-limbs-at-triple-the-rate-of-others-heres-how-health-care-leaders-are-starting-to-act