When someone goes in for routine minor surgery, the last thing they expect is for a major complication to occur, especially if it results in permanent disability or death. Sadly, medical malpractice cases from minor procedures happen from time to time in every state, including Georgia. Accidents caused by medical practice negligence can cause victims or their families thousands of dollars in medical bills or funeral bills, not to mention pain and suffering.
A family from California may have a case for a wrongful death lawsuit, after their family member died from complications resulting from a wisdom tooth extraction. The 25-year-old man was undergoing the simple procedure of having two wisdom teeth removed, when he started coughing during the surgery. After being given Propofol, the man went into cardiac arrest. He passed away after being rushed to the hospital, after which a piece of gauze was found in his airway.
The man’s sister, a nurse, says her brother had been given far too much anesthesia. She examined his medical records and found at least six sedatives had been administered to him during the surgery. His family is planning to take legal action.
Because the circumstances that led to his death seem to point to doctor negligence, it’s likely the man’s family will have a valid medical malpractice case. It’s unfortunate that filing a lawsuit won’t ease the pain of losing a loved one, but receiving compensation for his accidental death may at least help with the expenses the family incurred from his medical emergency.
Source: Fox News, “25-year-old California man dies after complications during wisdom teeth surgery,” April 2, 2013
