Hip replacement surgery has become a common procedure for the elderly who suffer from worn out joints. A surgeon will remove the painful joint and replace it with one made of artificial material. This should allow the patient to regain most of the mobility they had when they were younger. Unfortunately, having the hip joint replaced is a surgery that is subject to the same risks as other surgeries, as well as some risks which are unique to the procedure. If complications occur, it is important to determine if the complications could have been avoided or if they are the result of a negligent surgeon. A St. Louis medical malpractice attorney will be able to help you discern the difference and pursue a claim for medical malpractice if necessary.

Risks Associated with Hip Replacement Surgery

There are inherent risks associated with any surgery that you may undergo, including the possibility of a heart attack, stroke, respiratory problems, and infections. Your surgeon should give you more specific information based on your age and general health before having you sign a consent form for surgery.

There are a number of things that could go wrong that are specific to hip replacement surgery. For example, your body may reject the device, or an infection could form at the site of the new joint. You may also experience continual pain in the area. One notable Missouri case involved the surgeon installing the artificial joint improperly. This medical error led to one of the largest awards ever given in that county by a jury for a medical malpractice lawsuit. The orthopedic surgeon who performed the procedure was found negligent and was ordered to pay $1,400,000.

Speaking with a St. Louis Medical Malpractice Attorney

If you believe you were the victim of medical malpractice in connection with your hip replacement surgery, you should speak with a St. Louis medical malpractice attorney. Bring all of the documentation you have pertaining to the surgery. A medical malpractice lawsuit will usually involve a second opinion from a qualified medical expert in the same or similar field. The job of the medical expert witness is to show how under similar circumstances, another surgeon would have recognized the risks and taken an action different to the one which led to your further injury.

Call Zevan and Davidson Law Firm at (314) 588-7200 for a free case evaluation.