Legal Question in Medical Malpractice in Florida
Disolvable stitches not uses
My mother-in-law had emergency surgery because of an infection in her abdomen. When the surgeon opened her up he found that the stitches that a surgeon used a couple of years ago were not disolvable and had caused this major infection. Is this considered malpractice
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Disolvable stitches not uses
The short answer is probably. The best way to determine is to have a qualified atttorney review and then perhpas submit it to an expert if it merits this.
We specialize in personal injury cases and have had great success with medical malpractice matters. It is important that you chose an attorney who is not only skilled in these areas but also well acquainted wit hthe New Jersey courts.
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Re: Disolvable stitches not uses
Perhaps -- although I would have to know a lot more facts to tell for sure. Depending on the surgery, permanent stitches may have been required. It is a little unusual for stitches to cause an infection. They are sterile when they go in, whether disolvable or not. You'd need more information about that issue.
Re: Disolvable stitches not uses
SCENARIO I: If this happened in Florida, you need to have mom start making phone calls to Florida med-mal attorneys (Mr.Wagner sounds like a good choice) TOMORROW (Saturday) or Monday to discuss her case!
From my quick research into Florida law, the standard regarding �discovery cases� - wherein - even if someone COULD NOT HAVE FOUND THE INJURY - the Statute of Limitations may be as short as four years or as long as seven.
Some times I offer to get involved to help explain cases to attorneys in other states - BUT given what may be a very short time to act I recommend you (or mom) speak immediately to a Florida attorney.
SCENARIO II:
If this happened in NJ - the �discovery rule�is a bit more liberal.
Alan Wagner has identified the proper question - IT MAY OR MAY NOT have been negligent to use permanent stitches depending on the surgery. It is a question that should be presented to an attorney in the state where this happened.
If this happened in NJ, I would be happy to speak to you about this, or you could look to another attorney on the NJ list - or your local Bar Association.