Lawsuits filed after surgical procedures fail

The term “experimental” may hold very different meanings for different patients. To a patient with a terminal illness or potentially fatal injury, an experimental treatment may be the difference between life and death, but to a patient with a non-life threatening illness or injury, an experimental treatment may be something to be cautious of. Many Louisiana residents may be particularly cautious of experimental surgical procedures.

In 2016 and 2017, a patient underwent a biojoint surgery on both of his knees. His doctor had recommended this procedure instead of a standard knee replacement surgery. This surgery uses the bone and cartilage from a donor to repair or replace damaged parts of a patient’s knee. The patient stated in his lawsuit that he was misled and was not aware that the procedure was experimental until after the surgery had been done.

Only a year after the first surgery, the patient’s knee began swelling, and he began experiencing pain. After the second surgery, the doctor wrote that both of the patient’s knees were doing well and that he did not see any problems. However, in April of this year, it was determined that both knee surgeries had failed, and a standard knee replacement was recommended anyway.

Many patients are wary of experimental treatments and what effects they may have if they fail. Patients in Louisiana who believe that failed surgical procedures or other medical treatments are the cause of injuries or other illnesses may wish to consult with attorneys in their area. Victims may be entitled to compensation for any additional medical costs, pain and suffering, or other damages.