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Cardiothoracic surgery, or CT surgery, involves complex work on the heart, lungs, arteries, and other structures of the throat and chest. In these potentially high-risk surgeries, there is no margin for error. Even the tiniest mistake can lead to catastrophic or fatal outcomes for the patient, such as hemorrhaging, heart failure, or death. If you, your spouse, or one of your family members was the victim of medical errors, the Houston CT surgery error lawyers at Queenan Law can determine whether you have a medical malpractice case under Texas’ laws.
At The Queenan Law Firm, P.C., we bring more than 20 years of experience to every case we handle. We are effective, strategic litigators who possess the knowledge, the determination, and the resources necessary to take on powerful insurance companies, hospital systems, and their legal teams. If you became ill, suffered an injury, or developed a serious infection because your Houston cardiothoracic surgeon made a mistake, Queenan Law can fight for you. Contact us online today to set up a free legal consultation, or call (817) 476-1797.
What Does Cardiothoracic Surgery Treat?
Cardiothoracic surgery may be used to treat a variety of medical conditions affecting different systems and organs of the body, including the lungs, heart, esophagus, and trachea (windpipe). Conditions that may be treatable with CT surgery include but are not limited to the following:
- Atrial fibrillation
- Blocked arteries, which are the cause of coronary artery disease
- Congestive heart failure
- Esophageal cancer
- Heart attacks (myocardial infarctions)
- Lung cancer
- Some types of aortic aneurysms (such as thoracic aortic aneurysms)
- Tracheal stenosis
- Tracheobronchial cancer
- Valvular stenosis or insufficiency
Types of CT Surgery
CT surgery is a broad field that can involve many different procedures, depending on the patient’s condition and medical needs. Types of surgical procedures that a cardiothoracic surgeon might perform include, but are not limited to, the following examples:
- Ablation surgery
- Balloon angioplasty, or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
- Carotid surgery
- Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)
- Heart transplants
- Lung or esophageal resection surgery
- Open heart surgery
- Stent placements
- The implantation of heart pumps (ventricular assist devices) or insertion of pacemakers
- The repair or replacement of aortic valves and mitral valves
Filing a Lawsuit Against Your CT Surgeon for Errors in Houston
If you were harmed by a CT surgery error in Houston, or if a surgical error led to the wrongful death of your loved one, you may have a medical malpractice case. Various parties may be liable, including surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, hospitals, medical manufacturers or retailers, and other entities or individuals whose negligence contributed to the patient’s injury or death. Determining liability is not always straightforward, especially in cases where numerous specialists or surgeons worked on a single patient. The Houston malpractice lawyers at Queenan Law can complete an in-depth investigation to learn how and why your injuries occurred – and who should be held responsible.
To sue for medical malpractice in Texas successfully, you will need to meet certain standards and requirements. For example, it is very important to prove that the injury or death was caused by negligence, and not the result of natural causes. Negligence involves acting carelessly, or failing to meet reasonable standards for the treatment and evaluation of patients. There are many ways that this can occur. Some common examples of surgical errors that may be caused by negligence include:
- Accidentally leaving objects inside of a patient’s body, often small sponges or pieces of gauze, which can cause blockages or accumulate harmful bacteria over time
- Failing to clearly disclose and explain potential risks, complications, and alternative treatments to the patient
- Failing to monitor the patient’s heart rate or other vital signs during surgery
- Failing to properly sterilize surgical instruments or the operating room
- Failing to provide adequate postoperative care or instructions
- Failing to use proper techniques during CT surgery, which can lead to errors like making incisions too deeply or causing excessive bleeding
- Making anesthesia errors or medication errors during CT surgery, such as administering a medication that the patient is allergic to or that causes a dangerous interaction with another drug
- Making unreasonable delays in performing surgery (or alternately, performing a surgery before it is medically justifiable)
It is also important to act within certain legal timeframes. For instance, the statute of limitations sets a deadline by which the plaintiff, or injury victim, must file his or her case. The Texas medical malpractice statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of injury. However, this deadline may be extended in situations where the discovery of the injury was delayed, which can occur with slow-developing conditions or hidden internal injuries.
CT Surgical Error Lawyers in Houston, TX Offering Free Consultations
At The Queenan Law Firm, P.C., we are aggressive advocates for justice under the laws of Texas. If you or one of your loved ones suffered harm because of a surgeon’s mistakes, Queenan Law can fight to recover the compensation you deserve, including compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us online today, or call Queenan Law 24/7 at (817) 476-1797 for a free legal consultation with an experienced CT surgical error lawsuit lawyer in Houston.