At 17, a girl’s main concerns should be proms, parties and hanging out with friends. Unfortunately, one young lady is serving a life sentence in a hospital bed with round-the-clock medical care because of a doctor’s negligence. In Maryland and elsewhere, families have filed medical malpractice lawsuits hoping to secure enough money to provide a lifetime of care for their loved ones.
The girl was 10 years old when she sustained crippling injuries to her back. During her initial surgery, metal rods and screws were inserted to straighten her spine. The rods compressed the girl’s spinal cord, causing numbness to her legs and arms. She is now sentenced to life in a wheelchair with no bladder or bowel control because of the procedure.
Representatives say the rods and screws should have been removed immediately, but the doctor left for vacation instead. The girl underwent a second surgery 10 days later, but by then, the damage was irreversible. The medical center claims they could not prevent the child’s injuries and that they were caused by a blood clot. Family members say there were no tests or MRIs to indicate any problems.
This family has been waiting, hoping and taking care of their daughter daily, not knowing what the future might hold. There will be a continuous routine of doctor and hospital visits, in-home nursing help and a lifetime of medical bills. Residents of Maryland and other states who have injuries because of a doctor or hospitals medical malpractice may consider consulting with an attorney.
