Medical malpractice: VA staff left sponges inside patient

On Behalf of | Jul 19, 2017 | VA Hospital Negligence

Virtually everyone agrees that America’s veterans deserve the best medical care whether they are treated here in San Antonio or anywhere else around the nation. Unfortunately, Veterans Affairs does not always deliver even standard care.

A VA hospital was recently charged with medical malpractice and negligence in a lawsuit filed in federal court. Hospital staff left sponges inside a patient who underwent heart surgery, it is alleged in court documents.

The suit alleges that the Albuquerque, New Mexico, VA staff performed heart surgery on a 70-year-old man. The valve replacement operation was in May of last year.

It initially seemed that the surgery was a success; the man felt well the day after the operation. But he was soon told that there was a “black spot” showing up on x-rays. He was then told that the black spot was a sponge used in the surgery and left in his body by staff.

Two days after the valve replacement, the man had to have a follow-up operation to remove two sponges.

After the second surgery, he developed a severe cough and felt weak. When he returned to the hospital, he was informed he had developed an infection and that his coughing had resulted in a broken sternum. So he had to undergo yet another surgery.

More than a year later, he is “still recovering” from the infection and the series of surgeries, his legal claim states.

No matter where you reside, a qualified attorney experienced in medical malpractice litigation can help you fight to protect yourself, your rights, your family and your health. You can contact the Law Office of Jeffrey C. Anderson in San Antonio to discuss your case.