Recovering from surgery is sometimes a long and painful process. This process becomes even more draining when complications occur. A post-op hemorrhage is one of the most serious issues you can experience after an operation. Even with the proper care, internal bleeding after surgery can cause long-term harm and death.
Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico has helped many Baltimore area residents with medical malpractice claims. If you had a post-operative hemorrhage or similar injury, your healthcare provider may owe you compensation.
What Is a Post-Operative Hemorrhage?
A post-operative hemorrhage is a severe medical complication that can occur after surgery. It refers to excessive bleeding that takes place following surgery. The bleeding can start immediately after the operation or within the first few weeks of recovery.
While patients should expect some bleeding after an operation, a post-operative hemorrhage is bleeding that exceeds the acceptable amount. This blood loss can happen internally or externally near a wound. Finding and stopping the bleeding early is key to preventing further complications.
Complications Arising from Post-Operative Hemorrhages
When excessive bleeding occurs following surgery, it can require more treatment. These hemorrhages can lead to more health problems, even with a quick response.
Some complications include:
- Hypovolemic shock—this condition results from a significant loss of blood, leading to a drop in blood pressure and reduced oxygen supply;
- Surgical site infections—prolonged bleeding can lead to bacterial growth, which can spread infection throughout the body;
- Delayed wound healing—extended recovery can prevent a patient from returning to work or attending to personal needs; and
- Blood clots—these can form in an internal hematoma after surgery and lead to severe complications like pulmonary embolisms or strokes.
These complications are not part of the healing process. They often occur due to a doctor’s negligence, which is grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
How an Attorney Can Help
A medical malpractice attorney helps patients who suffer harm due to medical negligence or errors. They will work hard to help you receive compensation for your internal bleeding after surgery.
Your attorney will begin by gathering evidence to prove that your injuries are due to the healthcare provider. This can include investigating the circumstances surrounding the hemorrhage, reviewing medical records, and consulting with medical experts.
Once they have gathered the necessary evidence, your attorney may send a notice to the provider’s malpractice insurance provider and/or employer. This can sometimes lead to a fast settlement, but you should prepare for a lengthy legal process.
If you cannot reach an agreement with the healthcare provider’s employer or insurance company, you will likely need to file a lawsuit against the provider. Once you have done so, your attorney will continue negotiating with the provider and their insurer to cover expenses related to your injuries. They can also conduct formal discovery to gather additional evidence in support of your claim.
If the provider doesn’t settle, your attorney will be ready to take your case to trial. They will show the jury all the evidence supporting your claim and explain why you need compensation.
Call Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico
Our attorneys have spent decades helping people recover compensation for medical malpractice. We know what evidence to collect, how hospitals negotiate, and when to take a case to trial. As a result of our relentless advocacy, one of our clients received over $14 million due to hospital negligence.
Has a doctor diagnosed you with internal bleeding after surgery? Contact Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico to schedule a consultation and learn if you are entitled to compensation.
Phil Federico is a partner at Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico where he helps lead the Mass Tort / Class Action and Environmental Law practices, transitioning into these areas after beginning his career as a medical malpractice litigator.
Phil has led and been involved in historic and groundbreaking litigation with verdicts and settlements exceeding one billion dollars.
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