The civil courts of New York deal with all kinds of personal injury claims, many of them involving allegations of surgical negligence. Not everybody realizes that they are entitled to get answers to their questions before undergoing scheduled surgical procedures. Medical malpractice claims might be avoided if patients ask the right questions and understand the risks they face.
Asking about the surgeon’s experience in similar procedures is certainly appropriate, and requiring detailed explanations about the planned operation and the reasons for proceeding at this time can prepare the patient for the surgery. It’s also appropriate to ask about the availability of alternative treatment and about the health consequences of refusing to have the surgery done. The patient is also entitled to be informed about the expected outcome of the procedure.
An important question covers the risks involved in the planned surgical procedure. Necessary information includes potential conditions or complications that could result, and how common adverse events are. Also, how will any complications be treated? Will anesthesia be required, and how long will the procedure take to complete. The patient might also want to know the expected period of hospitalization, and whether the costs be covered by insurance?
Patients in New York who believe they were not fully informed about a surgical procedure and suffered physical and financial damage can discuss the issues with an experienced medical malpractice attorney. A lawyer will be best equipped to gather the necessary evidence. Legal counsel can then navigate a civil lawsuit on behalf of the client in pursuit of comprehensive damage recovery.
