There are a variety of tests doctors use to help diagnose patients with cancer and other diseases. The results of these tests are then used to determine a path of treatment, and as such, an incorrect diagnosis could lead to improper medical care. People in Massachusetts may be shocked to learn that doctors in another state wrongfully removed one woman’s kidneys despite tests results indicating they were not cancerous. The woman filed a medical malpractice lawsuit following the error.
The 73-year-old woman was initially evaluated for cancer in her kidneys. According to the lawsuit, the results of biopsies concluded that no cancer was present. Despite the test results, doctors proceeded to remove both her kidneys during a subsequent operation.
Because the kidneys are a vital organ of the body, the patient was left in need of dialysis three times a week. Dialysis serves as an artificial substitute to perform the functions of a normal healthy kidney. The dialysis process should have regulated the woman’s potassium level, but it did not. Sadly, her elevated potassium levels are believed to have caused her to enter cardiac arrest and lose consciousness, and she passed away a few days later.
It is believed that the woman’s medical malpractice lawsuit may now become a wrongful death lawsuit. Patients or family members of victims who are subjected to such negligence may be able to recover restitution for losses through a lawsuit against the party or parties deemed responsible. Since this can be complex, a person could benefit from retaining the services of a Massachusetts medical malpractice attorney for guidance throughout the process.
