You may have elected, or been strongly urged by an orthopedic specialist, to undergo hip replacement surgery. You may arrive on your scheduled surgery date with high hopes that your new hip implant will restore your mobility, reduce your long-term physical pain, and overall improve your quality of life. What you did not anticipate at all is that this procedure may have caused further, far more serious health complications, like complete instability, nerve damage, or even permanent disability. Please understand that this is most likely a completely unacceptable outcome, regardless of the risks you were informed of ahead of your operation. Well, with that being said, please follow along to find out what to do if you have reason to believe that your hip implant was installed incorrectly and how a proficient New York City orthopedic injury malpractice attorney at Mark L. Bodner, P.C., can help explore your legal options.
How do I know if my hip implant was installed incorrectly?
Of course, after any major surgery, it is natural to experience slight aches and pains. Plus, it may take many rounds of physical therapy before you can feel confident that your strength, motion, and mobility are fully restored. However, the symptoms you are currently experiencing may be far more heightened than what you believe to be normal. Without further ado, below are common signs that may indicate a negligent orthopedic surgeon installed your new hip implant incorrectly:
- You experience persistent pain in the hip, groin, or thigh when walking or moving.
- You may incur a limp due to a feeling of instability or a leg length discrepancy.
- You may feel or hear a clicking, popping, or grinding whenever you make a sudden movement.
- You may have swelling or redness in your hip area, and the wound may be draining fluid.
What legal action can I take if my hip implant was installed incorrectly?
First things first, before you jump to the conclusion that your new hip implant was installed incorrectly, you should undergo comprehensive diagnostic testing. This may entail X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and physical examinations. It may be in your best interest to go to a second opinion for this, rather than the orthopedic specialist you believe is potentially negligent in the matter. If these test results confirm your suspicions, you may move forward with filing a medical malpractice claim.
In your legal claim, you must prove that your hip replacement complication was preventable if the orthopedic surgeon adopted a technique or plan accepted by the wider New York State medical community. This may be established through medical expert testimonies, plus your operative notes, and other personal medical records. From here, you may cite the financial losses you encountered as a result, such as additional, unnecessary medical bills, more time away from work, and, of course, the psychological impact of having to live with chronic pain.
You should not let the pressure of obtaining financial compensation for your medical needs rest solely on your shoulders. Please allow a talented New York City orthopedic injury malpractice attorney at Mark L. Bodner, P.C., to assist you through your legal strategy. We look forward to helping you build a case. Give us a call today.