U-M Hospital Fire Injures Patients
A recent news story discussed a fire last week at the University of Michigan’s Frankel Cardiovascular Center. According to reports, the fire happened in a second floor procedure room at the center. There was minimal property damage caused by the fire, but one patient suffered severe injuries and several others were treated for smoke inhalation.
Surgical fires occur during the operation on or near a patient who is undergoing a surgical procedure or medical procedure. These fires occur when three elements are present. These elements are an ignition source, a fuel source, and an oxidizer.
Ignition sources can include electrosurgical units, lasers, and fiberoptic light sources. Fuel sources include surgical drapes, alcohol-based skin preparation, and even the patient. Oxidizers include oxygen, nitrous oxide, and room air.
Many patients are at high risk for a surgical fire based upon the type of surgery that are undergoing in the operating room. Hospital and doctors need to assess the likelihood of a surgical fire and take necessary precautions to prevent injury or harm to the patient. The failure to prevent a fire during surgery can give rise to a medical negligence lawsuit.
Medical negligence (or medical malpractice lawsuits) seek compensation for injuries and harm caused due to medical errors and mistakes. Settlements include money damages for pain and suffering, disfigurement, medical expenses, and loss of income. In cases involving the death of a patient, the surviving family members can file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Our Ann Arbor medical legal team will discuss your case with you, review your records, and advise you whether you have a legitimate claim for medical negligence. We will pay for and obtain your patient chart and will perform a detailed analysis of your treatment to determine whether you were harmed by a medical mistake. We will then consult with a board certified physician to get the necessary proof to file your lawsuit.
Contact Our Ann Arbor Medical Malpractice Lawyers
Want to know you have an Ann Arbor medical malpractice case? Tell us your story and we will evaluate your case.
- Toll-Free Phone (800) 606-1717
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- Contact By E-mail Larry@Buckfirelaw.com
You can also contact us initially through our website Free Case Review Box. If you prefer that type of contact initially, we will review your case and get back to you quickly with our initial opinions. Our goal is to learn as much as possible about your case and then provide you with your best legal options.
