Patients naturally believe that their doctors will do everything in their power to solve the patients’ medical problems and restore the patients to health. If a doctor in New York could have done something to help a patient but failed to do so, thus negatively impacting the patient, this may be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. One man in another state recently had to have his leg amputated and is now suing the doctor who he says might have been able to save his leg.
The man, a diabetic, said he went to a medical facility with complaints about foot discomfort and pain. He said even though he told the doctor that he had diabetes, the doctor told him that his pain was not significant and that he simply needed to be seen by a wound care physician. Days later, the man reportedly went to an emergency room and was told he would need to have his leg amputated.
The man said he underwent the amputation and learned that if the first doctor had discovered this problem, the amputation may not have been necessary. The man has thus accused the doctor of medical malpractice. He is seeking unspecified damages for the loss of the enjoyment of life, emotional distress, grief and mental anguish. He is also seeking damages for medical expenses as well as both mental and physical pain and suffering.
Doctors are expected to exercise a reasonable degree of care in diagnosing and treating patients in New York. Thus, anyone who suffers injury due to a doctor’s negligence has the right to take legal action against this medical provider. Liability has to be established to the civil court’s satisfaction in order for the plaintiff to prevail in a medical malpractice case.
Source: louisianarecord.com, “Diabetic patient who had leg amputated sues doctor claiming medical malpractice“, Kyle Barnett, June 23, 2015
