In Pennsylvania and across the United States, medical errors and misdiagnosis in care can happen in any situation. One area that is often understated in terms of medical mistakes is in dentistry. However, oral surgery is a complex procedure just like any other and people can be injured and even lose their lives if there is a problem. One unfortunate mistake is leaving an instrument or tool in a patient’s body after the procedure has been completed. If a person believes he or she has been negatively impacted by this type of medical misstep, it is wise to know the available options.
Oral surgery error
A woman whose oral surgeon left a metal drill bit in her jaw has filed a lawsuit. The incident happened in Texas. According to her, even after the mistake became known from an X-ray and CT scan, the surgeon tried to minimize the error. The initial surgery was performed at the end of January 2020. She was having issues in the subsequent days and contacted the office saying she was swollen and in terrible pain. She was told to take pain medication they had prescribed as well as over-the-counter painkillers.
In the next two weeks, she went back to the office due to the pain. They informed her there were no problems with the procedure and scheduled an appointment for early June. Eventually, the drill bit was found still in her jaw. The oral surgeon dismissed its importance and said it is a frequent occurrence. According to her case, she was in pain for five months because of this error. She also says safety protocols were ignored.
Medical malpractice can cause severe injuries and even death
Anytime a person goes for medical care, there is a chance that the medical professionals will make a mistake. This can happen during the diagnostic process, with medication, during and after surgery and in many other situations. Surgical mistakes are especially egregious. If a surgeon leaves a piece of equipment inside a patient’s body, it can cause an untold level of damage, lead to long-term implications and death. Fortunately for this woman, the drill bit was eventually found. Still, the pain she suffered because of it warranted a legal claim. People who believe they too have been injured or had a loved one die because of a doctor or hospital mistake should be fully apprised of their rights and take the necessary steps to pursue a claim.