Many Illinois residents and others around the nation have undergone open heart surgery through the years. Though a major operation, the surgery is performed with great success and offers a promising prognosis to many. However, complications can arise after surgery that can cause serious problems for patients. A lawsuit was recently filed by a woman who claims her problems after surgery arose due in part to hospital negligence.
The woman, a school board member in another state, had a cardiac bypass and aortic root replacement. The surgery was successful, but the healing and recovery took longer than normal. She was diagnosed with a bacterial infection in her chest a month following her surgery. She had a total of four surgeries and several rounds of potent antibiotics. The lawsuit asserts that one of the drugs caused hearing loss.
According to court documents, the woman and her husband allege that the hospital was aware of the dangers of a device used during her surgery. A heating and cooling device made by Terumo, a Japanese medical manufacturing company, was said to allow water-borne bacteria to enter a patient’s chest. Though the U.S. Food & Drug Administration issued recommendations, the company continue to produce and sell the device.
The complaint alleges negligence by the hospital and the manufacturer. The woman is in chronic pain and her family’s life has been dramatically altered by their actions. The lawsuit claims that the defendants should have known the device could lead to devastating results. Recently, the hospital stated it could not comment on the upcoming case. There has been no response from the manufacturer regarding the lawsuit.
When someone is injured or becomes ill as a result of hospital negligence, he or she may choose to pursue litigation. An Illinois personal injury attorney can provide guidance in the legal process. A successful outcome in a case could provide someone with an award that could help defray hospital costs and ongoing expenses for medical care.
Source: nj.com, “N.J. woman claims negligence by hospital, medical company resulted in debilitating illness“, Amanda Hoover, June 8, 2017