Medical malpractice: Baby’s airway burned in procedure

No Louisiana parent wants to watch his or her infant child suffer through medical procedures and complications. Unfortunately, parents in another state have had to witness their child’s suffering, and the child will need continued care after a medical procedure that did not occur as planned. The parents have recently filed a lawsuit against the physicians and the hospital for medical malpractice.

The parent’s child was born with a common defect called laryngomalacia, which causes excess tissue to exist in the child’s airway sometimes making it difficult to breathe. Because the airway is vital for survival, the physicians encouraged the parents to have the child undergo a procedure to remove some of the excess tissue. The parents claimed they were not concerned because the child had already undergone a similar procedure. Unfortunately, the procedure did not go well, and the child has had medical complications as a result.

According to the lawsuit, the carbon dioxide laser came in contact with the child’s tube that was enabling her to breathe during the procedure. It is believed that the tube slipped, and when the laser struck its surface, it caught fire inside the baby’s airway. The girl has suffered burns and acute respiratory failure, and she requires around the clock skilled nursing care. Reportedly, the parents and the hospital are currently in disagreement over the child’s ability to be discharged to home versus her need to stay in the hospital.

Unfortunately, errors are made in surgery and other medical procedures to patients all over the country. For a patient, an error can result in additional medical complications, medical care and related expenses. Medical expenses can quickly become a financial burden and can occur for an indefinite amount of time. Louisiana medical malpractice attorneys can advise families of their legal options to seek compensation. If compensation is obtained, it can help cover past, present and future medical care.