Your journey to wellness does not end when you leave the operating room after a major surgery. Doctors must schedule follow-up appointments to monitor patients’ progress. They must check how wounds are healing, adjust medications and address any concerns. Ignoring or neglecting this important care can lead to serious consequences.
No follow-ups can mean medical malpractice
Post-operative negligence can take many forms. A doctor might:
- Miss scheduling timely follow-up appointments
- Dismiss patient worries or symptoms
- Fail to order essential tests or imaging
- Mishandle pain relief or medication
- Clear a patient for normal activities too soon
Oregon law holds doctors accountable for providing quality care to their patients after surgery. During follow-up appointments, your doctor should examine the surgical site, check for signs of infection or other complications and assess your pain levels and adjust pain management as needed, to name a few.
Without effective follow-up care, patients may be at risk of developing complications such as infections, internal bleeding, or even permanent disability. In extreme cases, this neglect may constitute medical malpractice.
Do you have a valid claim?
In Oregon, patients can seek compensation if a healthcare provider’s negligence causes them harm. To establish malpractice, you will need to show that a healthcare provider fell short of the expected standard of care, causing you harm and resulting in specific damages.
Patients often find it challenging to manage the legal requirements while coping with recovery. If you think you have experienced medical malpractice, consider seeking help from a skilled attorney. Their experience can simplify the process and provide valuable support during this stressful time. Your health and recovery may depend on it.