If a clinician fails to periodically move a patient during surgery, the patient can experience devastating effects. In some instances, a patient may have postoperative blindness as a result of continuous pressure on the optic nerve. Commonly, this occurs in spinal surgery cases, which are often very long procedures where a patient is forced to remain on his or her chest for an extended period of time. Lying face down for this extended period of time without being moved decreases the amount of oxygen carried to the brain, which can negatively affect the optic nerve leading to a loss of vision.
In addition, patients with the following conditions have an increased risk of postoperative blindness:
- Diabetes;
- A history of smoking;
- A history of hypertension; and
- Obesity
In the event that you or a loved one experienced postoperative blindness, it may be the result of a medical error and may be grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Medical malpractice occurs when a clinician violates the accepted standard of care, which results in an injury to the patient. A plaintiff must show that the clinician failed to provide the generally accepted standard of care that a reasonably prudent medical professional would provide, and as a result of this failure, the plaintiff sustained injuries. In New York State, a victim of postoperative blindness as a result of a medical error may recover damages for their injuries. This may include compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses;
- Pain and suffering;
- Rehabilitation; and
- Lost wages, among others.
If you or someone you loved has been a victim of a medical error resulting in postoperative blindness, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury and medical malpractice attorney in order to recover the compensation that the law provides. Goldberg Sager & Associates is experienced in dealing with all aspects of personal injury and medical malpractice and is dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible outcome for their case. Contact the Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice Attorneys at Goldberg Sager & Associates at 718-645-6677 for a free phone consultation.
