Medical Malpractice
Thomas v. Specialists
This orthopedic medical malpractice claim was filed in Prince George’s County after a man suffered a postoperative infection. It was filed in Health Claims Arbitration on February 6, 2018, and it is the 62nd medical malpractice case filed in Maryland this year.
Summary of Plaintiff’s Allegations
After undergoing a left total knee replacement at Capital Orthopedic Specialists, a man developed a postoperative infection in his left knee. His orthopedic surgeon allegedly did not timely diagnose or properly treat the infection.
Additional Comments
- Approximately one percent of knee and hip replacement patients sustain a postoperative infection. Joint replacement infections normally develop shortly after surgery, but they can occur any time that bacteria gain access to the implant. Sometimes postoperative infections are superficial, affecting the skin and soft tissues around the joint without spreading into the joint itself. When the infection does spread to the artificial joint, surgery (accompanied by antibiotics) is typically the only option for treatment.
- The University of Florida College of Medicine’s Orthopedics Department conducted a study about the long-term outcomes of chronic infection after total knee replacement surgery. Eleven out of the forty-two knees studied had a severely morbid outcome: 16% required amputation, 2% had chronic drainage, and 7% made a full recovery from the infection but their prosthetic elements had to be removed. The statement of claim for this lawsuit mentions that the patient suffered permanent injuries as a result of the postoperative infection, but it does not go into detail describing what those injuries are.
- It is really hard to find a lawyer for a case like this. An infection case like this is really difficult to prove unless there is a good case for failing to manage the infection. The complaint alleges poor surgical technique caused the infection and that is really a tough hill to climb.
- This is yet another medical malpractice case filed just before the statute of limitations.
- In 2022, the Exactech recall will spawn potentially thousands of knee replacement lawsuits
Jurisdiction
- Prince George’s County
Defendants
- An orthopedist
- Capital Orthopedic Specialists, LLC
Negligence
- Failing to use an appropriate surgical technique to perform the left total knee replacement.
- Failing to timely diagnose and properly treat the postoperative infection.
Specific Counts Pled
- As a result of the defendants’ negligence, the claimant suffered severe and permanent injuries which cause him great pain, mental anguish, and economic losses.
Getting a Lawyer for Your Malpractice Claim
Have you suffered a hospital injury due to the negligence of a doctor? Miller & Zois can help you. Call us at 800-553-8082 and speak to one of our medical malpractice attorneys who can help you or get an online case review.
More Malpractice Claim Information
- View sample verdicts and settlements from Prince George’s County.
- Read more about Maryland hospital infection lawsuits.
- Knee surgery verdicts and settlements