When someone receives care at a medical facility in Nashville he or she should be able to expect that his or her care be done with caution and care. However, there are times when people are harmed because of the carelessness or negligence of a caregiver. Sometimes, people are injured because of a medical device that doesn’t function properly.
A North Providence woman who beat breast cancer is now facing another medical problem in relation to her cancer care. The woman has filed a lawsuit against the hospital where she was treated, a doctor who treated her and a physician’s assistant. The woman fought and overcame cancer in 2006. However, several years later, after having difficulty breathing, she returned to the doctor. Doctors discovered that a piece of a port, which was used to ease the process for her to receive chemotherapy, was attached to her jugular vein.
The woman has to live each day with the knowledge that the device could kill her. Doctors have said that surgery to remove the part could be fatal. However, leaving it inside her body could also kill her. Reportedly, she has chosen not have surgery at this time. No specific terms have been reported in the medical malpractice lawsuit filed by the woman, however she claims that it is constantly weighing on her mind.
If a court finds that the hospital and/or the doctor acted negligently, this woman could be entitled to compensation for both the pain and mental anguish this situation is causing. If someone has been injured or harmed because of a malfunctioning medical product then he or she may want to speak with an attorney.
Source: NBC 10, “Woman sues hospital over device left in body,” Parker Gavigan, June 7, 2013.