Can I bring a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit for Organ Damage?

Many people have benefited from medical advances that allowed for the repair or replacement of damaged internal organs. But what about patients who suffer organ damage because of surgical or medical errors or delayed diagnosis and treatment?

If you or a family member has organ damage as a result of the negligence of a medical provider, an experienced medical malpractice lawyer may be able to help you recover damages. Damages may include lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering and more.

What is organ damage?

Organ damage is defined as damage, disease or injury to major organs fed by the circulatory system including the heart, kidneys, brain and eyes.

What does the defendant have to prove for a medical malpractice lawsuit for organ damage?

The bar is set high for medical malpractice cases. The following elements must be proved in relation to the injury:

1. The patient and medical professional had a doctor/patient relationship that created a duty of care to the patient.
2. That the health care provider failed to meet the duty of care by providing negligent care.
3. That the negligent care was the direct cause of the injury.
4. That the injury caused significant harm or injury and expense to the patient.

How do medical malpractice lawyers prove these four elements in organ damage lawsuits?

Medical malpractice attorneys gather all forms of evidence, investigate the cause(s) of injury and bring in their network of experts who can provide expert testimony on physician notes and records, patient medical history, and relevant test results. They will establish that the medical provider failed to meet the standard of care expected of a qualified peer under similar circumstances and that this failure led to the injury and damages suffered by the plaintiff.

Symptoms of major organ damage

Symptoms of major organ damage vary from mild to life-threatening. These symptoms can lead to death or organ failure that requires an organ transplant. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms as a result of negligent medical care, contact a medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you are able.

Heart: when the heart is damaged it can cause an enlarged liver, difficulty breathing, sleep apnea and an accumulation of fluids, starting in the feet.

Stomach/intestines: When the stomach or intestines are damaged it can cause an abscess, abdominal compartment syndrome, bowel obstruction and more.

Kidney Damage: when the kidneys are damaged it can cause an abnormal heartbeat and weakness.

Liver Damage: when the liver is damaged it can cause increased risk of bleeding, jaundice and coma.

Lung Damage: when the lungs are damaged it can cause Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), low blood pressure and trouble breathing.

Spleen Damage: when the spleen is damaged it can cause blurred vision and dizziness/fainting.

The Seattle personal injury attorneys at Morrow Kidman Tinker Macey-Cushman, PLLC have years of experience representing families harmed by medical malpractice and other types of negligence. We seek justice for patients who have been harmed by preventable medical errors including birth injuries, hospital-acquired infections and wrongful death in Seattle and across Washington State. There are no fees or expenses to file a personal injury case as we only receive payment if we recover damages on your behalf. Do not delay; personal injury claims come with a Statute of Limitations, which means they must be filed within a certain time frame of the injury.

Call us now at (206) 752-4366 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our compassionate, experienced attorneys.