Atlanta Bariatric Surgery Lawyer
Bariatric surgery is a procedure in which a medical provider alters a patient’s digestive system to help him or her lose a significant amount of weight. While these procedures can be helpful for patients, they also pose unique risks.
If you suffered injuries due to a complication with your weight-loss procedure, speak with an Atlanta bariatric surgery lawyer as soon as possible. At Warshauer Woodward Atkins, our compassionate medical malpractice lawyers could support you in seeking compensation.
Understanding Bariatric Surgeries in Atlanta
Someone who has struggled with their weight for a long time, despite exercising regularly and eating a nutritious diet, may benefit from undergoing bariatric surgeries. Additionally, patients who have developed serious health problems due to their weight might opt for this type of procedure.
What Type of Patients are Good Candidates for Weight-Loss Surgery?
A good candidate for bariatric surgery is typically someone who is significantly overweight, with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher. A patient with a BMI between 30 and 40 might also require surgical intervention if he or she has high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or severe sleep apnea.
Those who meet these requirements must still go through medical clearances and meet several medical guidelines before they can qualify for surgery. Ultimately, bariatric patients are asked to commit to permanent lifestyle changes to keep the weight off after the procedure. Anyone who believes they were not adequately screened before being approved for bariatric surgery should speak with an experienced attorney about their legal rights.
Common Types of Procedures
There are many types of bariatric surgeries, the most common being the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Bariatric surgeons also perform procedures such as:
- Sleeve gastrectomy,
- Gastric band, and
- Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.
Though these surgeries are often done to achieve the same goal, they each have unique risks. Medical providers should carefully consider which surgeries would be better for certain patients.
What are Potential Short-Terms and Long-Term Complications?
Bariatric procedures are serious surgeries, and there are many potential complications a patient might face. Like in most surgical error cases, common short-term issues include:
- Excessive bleeding,
- Anesthesia errors,
- Breathing problems, and
- Blood clots.
Leaks in the gastrointestinal system are also common during bariatric surgery. Possible long-term complications are bowel obstruction and dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome is a medical condition that leads to diarrhea, lightheadedness, and nausea and vomiting, gall stones, and hernias.
Malnutrition is another potential consequence of weight-loss surgery. Because patients usually consume much less food after the procedure, they must take vitamins or supplements to meet their nutritional needs.
In the most severe cases, a patient may die as a result of a bariatric surgery error. Patients who have suffered complications at the hand of a negligent medical provider should consult with a local bariatric surgery attorney.
Who are the Possible Liable Parties in a Bariatric Malpractice Case?
The surgeon is often the most responsible party in a bariatric malpractice case, but several other people or entities could be responsible for an error during or after a procedure. Consequently, it is crucial to examine all parties involved in the patient’s screening, procedure, and follow-up care.
The hospital or surgical center could be held liable if the administration failed to ensure the operating surgeon was qualified to perform the procedure. Additionally, the medical facility might bear fault if they did not provide adequate equipment or personnel.
In any surgical procedure that requires anesthesia, there is the potential for complications if the anesthesiologist commits an error. In cases such as these, that individual may be the primarily responsible party. Nurses may also bear some liability for damages if they failed to document symptoms of post-operative complications and inform the physicians.
Some bariatric procedures require medical providers to implant devices into the patient’s body. If the specific device used is defective or is eventually recalled, the patient may have a valid claim against the manufacturing company. Because there are so many potentially liable parties, it is best to work with a skilled lawyer before filing a weight-loss surgery claim.
Potential Roadblocks in Lawsuits Involving Weight-Loss Procedures
In many bariatric cases, patients were suffering from health conditions such as diabetes, high blood procedure, and heart problems prior to the surgery. Unfortunately, the defense will use these facts to blame the patient for his or her complications. Injured parties should hire an attorney who knows how to refute those types of arguments in a bariatric malpractice case.
Contact an Atlanta Bariatric Surgery Attorney Today
If you suffered damages due to weight-loss surgery complications, you should talk to a compassionate attorney who understands the challenges you have faced. At Warshauer Woodward Atkins, our team of lawyers is prepared to help you defend yourself against attacks by the other party. To learn more about the legal process, call an Atlanta bariatric surgery lawyer as soon as possible.
