What are signs or symptoms that may indicate a foreign object was left in the body after surgery?
It can sometimes be a challenge to differentiate between normal pain and abnormal complications or discomfort after a surgical procedure. Oftentimes, the pain will continue long after the patient should have started to feel better. However, there are some general signs and symptoms to consider.
Some signs and symptoms that may indicate a foreign object was left in the body after surgery include:
- swelling;
- fever;
- blood clot; and
- significant pain.
What should victims do when they believe surgical medical malpractice has occurred?
If a patient believes he or she might have been the victim of surgical medical malpractice, there are steps that can be taken to verify this. One is to seek a second opinion. This is especially important since some surgeons might not want to own up to a mistake.
Another tip is to request an X-ray, as foreign objects will generally show up through imaging. It is also a good idea to keep a journal of symptoms that develop after surgery. Doing so can help in distinguishing between what’s normal and expected and what might not be.
Patients may also consult with an Atlanta medical malpractice attorney, who can help collect necessary evidence, like medical records, and who can talk to medical experts who may provide testimony in the case.
When is it a good time to contact an Atlanta medical malpractice attorney?
It’s generally a good time to seek legal counsel with an Atlanta medical malpractice attorney when there is evidence that a surgical error has occurred. This is especially true if the repercussions cause further injury, such as having part of the intestines removed or developed a life-threatening infection.
Having to undergo a second surgery to remove the object might warrant filing a claim for damages. Contacting an Atlanta medical malpractice attorney at the Law Office of Jason R. Schultz can help injured victims better understand their rights following surgical medical malpractice and learn what types of damages may be recoverable if an object is left in their body after surgery.
