Readers of our Eugene medical malpractice blog may be interested to learn that the lawsuit filed against Major League Baseball was not the only suit filed recently by Alex Rodriguez. In the second suit, the MLB star alleges the Yankees’ team doctor and a New York hospital were negligent in the way they treated a hip injury suffered by Rodriguez last year. Failure to diagnose and inform Rodriguez of the injury are the claims at the center of the lawsuit.
According to the suit, Rodriguez underwent an MRI that showed a tear in his left hip. Neither the Yankees nor the team doctor informed Rodriquez in a timely manner, and he proceeded to play in the American League playoffs that season. He originally went to the hospital due to pain in his other hip that had been surgically repaired in the past. The MRI did not show any damage in that hip. The MLB star eventually had to undergo surgery on his left hip to repair the tear.
The newly filed lawsuit shows that even the rich and famous are susceptible to potential malpractice. A failure to diagnose or treat an injury can worsen a patient’s condition and cause extensive damage. In many cases, patients must undergo additional medical procedures. Patients may suffer additional pain as the result of a failure to diagnose and terminal health conditions may result. It is for these reasons that medical malpractice laws are in place.
A malpractice lawsuit can hold a negligent physician responsible for his or her mistakes and provide compensation to the victim. A successful lawsuit generally results in a damage award, including compensation for items such as medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering. An experienced Oregon attorney can provide additional information as to the legal rights and options afforded to victims of malpractice.
Source: The New York Times, “Rodriguez Sues, Targeting Baseball and Medical Treatment,” Steve Eder, Oct. 4, 2013