A woman who underwent vocal cord surgery is today unable to speak. Her story, however, speaks loudly and recently resulted a medical malpractice settlement totaling $30 million dollars. As the 55-year-old woman lay on the operating table, the surgery that was supposed to provide relief instead took her voice and left her with painful and debilitating injuries that have greatly and adversely impacted her quality of life.
According to court documents, while the surgeon was using a laser to remove polyps from her vocal cords, the woman’s throat caught fire. The woman was sedated during the surgery and an anesthesiologist was present to monitor the woman’s breathing via an intubation tube. Jurors recently ruled that the egregious surgical mistake occurred due to the negligent actions of the surgeon who was performing the procedure as well as the anesthesiologist who was present and monitoring the patient during the surgery.
As a result of the severe burn injuries to her throat, the woman was forced to undergo several additional surgeries. Today, she is unable to speak and has difficulty breathing on her own. She will require long-term care for the rest of her life. Both the hospital and doctor responsible for the surgical error have apologized and admitted culpability in causing the woman’s injuries.
Illinois residents impacted by a surgical error often suffer serious and painful injuries that require additional medical treatments. In many cases, injuries resulting from a surgical error are debilitating in nature and adversely impact an individual’s quality of life as well as their physical and financial health. In these types of cases, a medical malpractice lawsuit may be an appropriate means of recovering compensation related to injuries, medical expenses, long-term care costs and lost wages.
Source: Wenatchee World, “Botched surgery will cost hospital,” K.C. Mehaffey, Dec. 6, 2013
