An amazing and groundbreaking development in medicine is the use of robotics technology in surgery. Robotics allows doctors to use a computer to control a device that is inserted into a patient’s body. The doctor guides the device through the steps of the surgery. The main advantage to using robotics is that surgery can be performed in a far less invasive manner. Before robotics, surgery started with a large incision into the patient’s body so that a doctor could manually perform the operation. Robotics eliminates the needs for a large opening because the robotic device is very small. Usually only a small incision is needed to insert the device. This minimizes the risk of infection and shortens the recovery process. It also allows for greater precision in the surgery itself because the device can reach places that a surgeon cannot reach with his hands, and can minimize doctor error. Robotics surgery has been used in a variety of procedures, including hysterectomies, kidney repair and prostate surgery, and its use is increasing every year.
However, while this new technology opens the door to improved health care, the employment of robotics technology is still subject to standard medical malpractice law. In any doctor-patient relationship, the doctor owes a duty of care to the patient. This means that the doctor must perform as an average member of the medical profession would in treating his or her patients. If the doctor deviates from this average standard of care, and the patient suffers an injury as a result, the doctor is liable to the patient for those injuries. Medical malpractice law seeks to provide justice for patients who are subjected to below-standard medical care by compensating them for the various costs of their injury. Recoverable damages generally include lost wages, pain and suffering, loss of consortium and medical expenses.
Because robotics surgery is still relatively new, and training procedures have not been standardized yet, an unfortunate reality of using robotics is that patients run the risk of injury or surgical complications. Some health care providers have expressed concern that the use of robotics has not been adequately tested and should not be employed so frequently until the technology improves. Robotics technology prevents doctors from using their sense of touch when performing surgery. This means the doctor cannot feel how much pressure he or she is applying at a given moment, and cannot pick up cues based on the texture of various organs within the body. In addition, as with any computer, there is always a possibility that the computer or device breaks down during surgery. These issues can cause serious and long-lasting injury to the patient.
If you believe you were injured due to the use of a robotics device during surgery, you should immediately contact an experienced personal injury attorney. Although no amount of money can make up for a permanent and debilitating injury, compensation for these expenses can make a huge difference for you and your family during the recovery process. It is therefore extremely important to contact an attorney who has a track record of success in medical malpractice cases.
Medical malpractice cases are often long and complex, and proceeding quickly will help preserve medical evidence that can be crucial to resolving your case. There are also strict time limits on how long after a missed diagnosis your case can be filed. Usually, medical malpractice claims must be brought within three years from the date of the patient’s injury, however in some cases exceptions apply. We can discuss your case and determine which time limits apply to you, and how long you have to file your claim.
The expert personal injury attorneys at the law offices of Altman & Altman have the knowledge and resources to pursue your medical malpractice claim aggressively and get you the compensation you deserve. Contact Altman & Altman today to schedule a free and confidential case consultation. We will discuss your legal rights and options, and decide how to best proceed with your claim. You are legally entitled to compensation for injuries caused by the negligence of your health care providers, and the attorneys at Altman & Altman will make sure you get the damages you deserve.