Surgical errors: Lawsuit results in $13 million settlement

Undergoing any surgical procedure, no matter how minor, can be absolutely nerve-wracking for both patients and families. It is expected and understood that patients will receive the best care possible. Unfortunately, surgical errors continue to affect hundreds of Delaware families every year. Although most surgeries are routine and noninvasive, any mistake can lead to permanent disabilities for the patient. A man in another state filed a lawsuit after a surgical device broke during his brain surgery.

The man, who is a former marathoner and elementary school principal, underwent a surgical procedure to remove a benign brain tumor. During the procedure, a laser probe was inserted into the man’s skull through a tiny hole and the tip of the probe broke, the lawsuit said. According to claims, the broken tip caused pressurized carbon-dioxide to be sprayed into the man’s brain with a force nearly eight times as powerful as a nail gun.

Allegedly, this caused the plaintiff to suffer severe and permanent damage to his brain and he went into a coma. The man emerged from the coma three weeks later and experienced several ailments such as memory loss, seizures and difficulty speaking. The lawsuit claimed that the man’s surgeon was ill-equipped to use the device. Reportedly, the lawsuit was recently settled with the plaintiff receiving nearly $13 million.

Although families are led to believe that surgical procedures are safer than ever before, there is always a chance for human error. Delaware families who have suffered due to surgical errors may have grounds for legal recourse. By consulting a legal representative and filing a claim, victims and families could obtain rightful and much-needed compensation.