(845) 802-0047Surgical staples are frequently used by physicians in major surgeries to aid in proper wound closure and healing. Staples are designed to provide an efficient alternative to traditional sutures and allegedly present a lower risk of infection while promoting a swifter recovery time. However, a growing number of patients have reported adverse side effects and complications due to surgical staples and the United States Food and Drug Administration has released a notice to health care providers warning of the potential risks associated with surgical stapling. If you were injured by the use of staples after an operation, a Schenectady surgical stapling injuries lawyer could investigate your injury to determine whether it was caused by a physician’s error or product defect.
A skilled surgical error attorney could work to help you recover the compensation you deserve for your losses. However, there are strict time limits regarding when a medical malpractice lawsuit can be filed, so it is wise to seek legal counsel as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
Collecting Monetary Damages for Surgical Stapling Injuries
Victims of surgical stapling complications in Schenectady may be entitled to a range of damages for their losses. Damages could include medical expenses, the cost of any revision surgeries, rehabilitation costs, and lost income. Other common recoverable compensation could cover the victim’s future lost wages, pain, suffering, and disfigurement.
What Types of Surgical Staples Used in Schenectady?
Surgical stapler devices are typically manufactured from plastic or stainless steel while the staples themselves usually feature metal or composite materials. The type of staple a surgeon may opt to use during a procedure depends on the nature of the surgery being performed. The three primary types of surgical staples are titanium, circular, and laparoscopic.
The titanium variety are frequently used to close wounds either inside or outside the body, while circular surgical staples are common in gastrointestinal surgeries. For patients receiving minimally invasive surgeries, laparoscopic surgical staples are often used. The attending doctor should be able to explain which form of staple was used and a staple-closure injury attorney could help Schenectady patients understand how various types of staples may have harmed them.
Common Complications Associated with the Use of Surgical Staples
While the use of surgical staples is intended to minimize risk of complications and infection, these devices may have the opposite effect in certain situations and improper use by a surgeon may inflict serious harm. Common surgical stapling complications include:
- The surgical failing to fire
- The staples fire, but are improperly shaped
- The surgeon uses the incorrect staple size
- The wound site splits open because the staples do not stay affixed after application
- The surgical stapler does not fire in the correct wound location
When any of these complications occurs, severe and even life-threatening injuries may result. Injuries such as internal bleeding, grave infection, damaged organs, fistulas and sepsis could be severely harming to victims. A surgical stapling injuries attorney in Schenectady could help determine whether medical negligence or a faulty product caused the victim’s injuries.
What is the Process for Filing a Surgical Stapling Injuries Lawsuit in Schenectady?
According to New York Civil Practice Law and Rules § 214-A, victims of surgical stapling injuries have 30 months from the incident date to file a lawsuit with the state’s civil courts. If the injury occurred during continuous treatment from a medical provider, the two and one half year time limit does not start until after the end of treatment. A Schenectady surgical stapling injuries attorney could help the injured party file their lawsuit before their time expires as failure to file a claim on time could forfeit a plaintiff’s rights.
Speak with a Schenectady Surgical Stapling Injuries Attorney Today
By consulting with a Schenectady surgical stapling injuries lawyer, you could learn more about your legal rights and discover if you are entitled to financial recovery. You may be owed damages if your injuries are due to a healthcare professional’s negligence or a faulty staple. Call now to schedule your confidential case review with a Schenectady attorney.