Unnecessary Amputation – Oregon Medical Malpractice (Bend and Portland Trial Lawyers)

Oregon Medical Malpractice – Amputation Attorneys

Approximately 185,000 amputations occur within the United States each year. Amputations become medically necessary when a limb has been constricted for an extended period of time or if disease from an infected limb will spread to other areas of the body if not contained. Typical causes of amputations include: vascular diseases, such as diabetes; trauma; and cancer. Unfortunately, medical malpractice can also lead to amputations.

In Oregon, medical mistakes can lead to amputation when the physician failed to explore other options or delayed surgery when a timely procedure would have prevented the amputation. Tragically, many victims of medical malpractice have complained of pain, numbness, and stiffness in their leg following surgery, but the physician failed to treat the leg or arm until it was too late. Often times, the limb could have been saved if the physician acted with the requisite sense of urgency.

Medical errors that can lead to an unnecessary amputation

Further, there are several common medical mistakes that could result in an unnecessary amputation occurring.  Below is a list of the most common errors:

1. A physician could misread a patient’s chart and remove the wrong limb or body part during a scheduled amputation.
2. A surgeon could fail to prevent the formation of clots during surgery. This could cause the patient to develop thrombosis, which can lead to amputation.
3. A doctor could fail to timely diagnose and treat an infection, leading to irreversible tissue damage and an amputation.
4. Amputations can stem from a doctor’s failure to diagnose and treat injuries in a patient withe diabetes.
5. A physician could leave surgical equipment, such as sponges, for an extended period of time in the patient’s body, leading to amputation.
6. A patient could receive the wrong medication or an improper dosage or administration of it which if not noticed in a timely manner could eventually lead to an unnecessary amputation.

Amputation is already a devastating medical procedure that can have profound impacts on a person’s mental and physical health. Preventable amputations are even more devastating. When a patient loses a leg or an arm it can also drastically impact their career and finances. Someone who uses their arms or legs to perform their job who undergoes an unexpected amputation will often have to search out a new career and training to be able to support their family. This takes time and can create a significant financial and emotional strain.

Advocates for those who underwent amputation due to medical negligence.

If you or a loved one underwent amputation due to possible medical negligence, contact the Oregon amputation medical malpractice attorneys at Kuhlman Law, LLC for a Free Initial Consultation. We stand up for victims of medical negligence and generally handle medical malpractice cases on a contingency fee basis. Call today for a free consultation at (541) 385-1999.

We handle cases throughout Oregon including: Bend, Portland, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Medford, Deschutes County, Central Oregon, Sisters, Redmond, Lake Oswego, Hillsboro, Multnomah County, Washington County, Hood River, The Dalles, Clackamas County, Oregon City, Jefferson County, Crook County, Coos Bay, Lane County, Douglas County, Yamhill County, Tillamook County, Clatsop, Columbia Klamath, Wasco, Madras, Prineville, Crook, Lane, Pendleton, Umatilla, La Grande, Albany, and Vancouver, Washington.