Under certain circumstances, a person may be unable to eat food, which requires a clinician to insert a feeding tube into the person’s stomach in order for he or she to receive proper nourishment. However, there are some instances where the patient is injured during the insertion or maintenance of the feeding tube as a result of medical negligence, which may give rise to a claim of action.
The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reported that approximately 245,000 patients receive feeding tubes each year. These tubes are usually used in situations where a patient is extremely ill and cannot chew, swallow, or digest their food in an ordinary manner and have no other option to receive sustenance. According to the Mayo Clinic, most patients that have a feeding tube are the elderly that are in long-term care facilities or are undergoing palliative care.
At times, medical professionals cause injuries to a patient with a feeding tube due to:
- Improperly inserting or placing the tube in the patient;
- Failing to adequately sanitize the tube;
- Improperly sterilizing the insertion site;
- Improper training;
- Improper handling of the tube; and
- Failing to monitor the tube, among others.
In New York State, a victim of a feeding tube error may recover damages under a medical malpractice claim. Medical malpractice occurs when a clinician deviates from the appropriate standard of care and as result causes harm to the patient. If this occurs, a patient 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 involving the insertion or maintenance of a feeding tube, it is important to contact an experienced New York medical malpractice lawyer who will protect your legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Goldberg Sager & Associates is experienced in dealing with all aspects of personal injury, including medical malpractice matters, and is dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible outcome for their case. Contact the Brooklyn medical malpractice lawyers at Goldberg Sager & Associates at 718-645-6677 for a free phone consultation.
