How Trivent Legal Helped establish Surgical Negligence in a Breast Augmentation Case
Introduction
This case highlights a complex surgical negligence claim involving a 39-year-old patient, Ms. XXXX, who underwent a breast augmentation and capsulotomy at the defendant’s facility. Despite the patient’s known history of hydrocephalus and the presence of a VP shunt, the surgical team proceeded without consulting a neurosurgeon. During the procedure, the shunt tubing was accidentally displaced, leading to severe post-operative complications that required emergency corrective surgery.
Client Requirement
The Attorney approached us and required a clear evidence to establish whether the surgeon’s decision to manipulate and discharge the shunt without expert consultation deviated from the standard of care.
How Trivent Legal Supported the Case
To build a strong argument for negligence, Trivent Legal provided the following services:
- Surgical Expert Medical Opinion
Medical Chronology and Narrative Summary
Our medical review experts examined the patient’s records to construct a compelling timeline, helping attorneys pinpoint liability and causation:
Pre-Operative Condition
- The patient’s hydrocephalus history and presence of the VP shunt.
- Medical consultations addressing the potential risks of breast augmentation in light of her pre-existing condition.
- Documentation of any risk disclosures or lack thereof.
Surgical Procedure Details
- A step-by-step breakdown of the breast augmentation and capsulotomy.
- Identification of when and how the VP shunt was manipulated or dislodged.
- Whether the issue was identified and addressed during surgery.
Post-Operative Symptoms and Diagnoses
- Tracking of complications such as headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
- Assessment of post-surgical medical responses and treatments.
- The timeline leading to the diagnosis of the dislodged shunt and the subsequent emergency revision surgery.
By clearly laying out these events, our chronology and summary provided attorneys with a detailed narrative to establish causation and breach of duty.
Surgical Expert Opinion
Our surgical expert’s assessment focused on the following:
- The standard of care expected when performing elective surgery on a patient with a VP shunt.
- Whether the surgeon’s failure to seek neurosurgical input constituted medical negligence.
- The preventability of complications had the correct protocols been followed.
We further reinforced the case with relevant medical literature and expert-backed studies demonstrating the necessity of consulting a neurosurgeon in such scenarios. These references substantiated the claim and strengthened the legal argument for deviation from standard care.
Case Outcome
Delivered well within the agreed-upon timeframe, our work enabled the legal team to present a strong, data-backed argument. The attorney handling the case appreciated the precise, well-organized medical insights that allowed for an effective litigation strategy.
Why Attorneys Trust Trivent Legal
This case underscores the vital role of accurate medical record analysis in building a strong malpractice claim. Through our Medical Chronology, Narrative Summary, and Surgical Expert Opinion, we helped:
- Establish a clear and compelling sequence of events.
- Highlight deviations from the standard of care.
- Provide essential medical insights to support legal arguments.
Conclusion:
By partnering with Trivent Legal, attorneys gain access to carefully structured medical reviews that enhance case strategy, ensuring no crucial detail is overlooked. Our expertise in medical malpractice cases makes us a trusted resource for attorneys seeking precise, actionable medical analysis that translates into courtroom success.