Every day, thousands of Oregonians undergo surgeries or see physicians for a variety of medical conditions. Especially when it comes to out patient surgery, most patients have little to fear and never expect problems to arise. Unfortunately, even the most reputable doctors and medical facilities can make mistakes. All too often, these medical mistakes can result in a fatal accident and a Wrongful death claim.
The concerns over patient safety have led the Oregon Medical Board towards adopting new rules to protect patients. After more than a year of revisions and debate, the new rules would center on office-based surgery and patient care. One of the most routine types of office-based surgery is cosmetic surgery. These types of procedures, including liposuction, are generally viewed as harmless. However, this is not always the case as many Oregon patients have suffered due to medical mistakes during these procedures.
Case in point is the fatal accident of a patient following cosmetic surgery. Prosecutors charged the Portland doctor responsible for the patient’s care and her botched surgery with manslaughter and reckless endangerment in the fatal incident. The criminal case against the doctor is still pending, and it is unknown whether a civil claim for Wrongful death has been filed.
Even if implemented, the new rules will not protect all Oregon patients who undergo office-based surgery. The number of patients injured and killed each year due to medical mistakes makes it important for everyone to know their legal rights. In many cases, victims of malpractice and their families can file malpractice or Wrongful death claims. These claims give victims the financial compensation for injuries sustained at the hands of negligent doctors and medical staff.
Source: The Oregonian, “Oregon considers tighter rules on surgery, including cosmetic surgeries,” Nick Budnick, Aug. 28, 2013