Lawyers at a medical malpractice law firm in Annapolis often handle cases of orthopedic malpractice. Orthopedic malpractice results when an orthopedic surgeon’s negligence results in injury to his or her patient. Orthopedic surgeons are some of the busiest doctors. Unfortunately, their packed schedules make it almost impossible to dedicate themselves fully to each patient. The lack of focus results in accidents and errors with serious consequences. Read on to learn more about orthopedic malpractice, including common instances, required proof, and potential damages. 
Common Instances
An attorney regularly handles common medical malpractice claims stemming from an orthopedic surgeon’s mistakes. One common surgical error occurs when a surgeon misreads a patient’s diagnostic tests and performs the incorrect surgery. A surgeon may also operate on the wrong appendage if he or she fails to properly prepare for surgery. Surgeons occasionally install the wrong size of prosthesis or use inappropriate or incorrect tools like pins, plates, or screws. All of these mistakes constitute malpractice.
Required Proof
To prove malpractice, you and your malpractice lawyers will first need to simply show that the orthopedic surgeon is your physician. Next, your attorneys will need to prove to the court that your surgeon’s mistake constitutes a drop below reasonable standards of skill that another orthopedic surgeon would have used in a similar circumstance. Your lawyer will also need to show that that mistake or error was the direct cause of your injury.
Potential Damages
If your malpractice lawyers have determined that your claim fulfills the elements of medical malpractice, you can file a lawsuit to collect damages. Damages are financial awards designed to compensate patients who have suffered the consequences of medical malpractice. Damages may be awarded for missed work, loss of future income, medical expenses, and general pain and suffering. Filing a lawsuit will not only ensure that you can afford to pay for the best medical care, it will also serve as a warning to the physician and hospital in question to take better care of their patients.
