Articles Posted in Urology Malpractice

Vasectomies are routine surgeries that are generally completed without complications. Thus, if issues arise after a procedure, it could be due to medical malpractice. A plaintiff alleging a negligently performed vasectomy caused him to suffer harm must generally obtain an expert to testify that the defendant departed from the accepted standard of care. Only certain people can offer expert testimony, though, and opinions offered by ill-equipped individuals are likely to be disregarded. In a recent New York opinion in a case arising out of an improperly performed vasectomy, the court discussed expert qualifications. If you were hurt because of a careless urologist, it is in your best interest to consult a capable Rochester urology malpractice attorney to discuss your possible claims.

The Plaintiff’s Harm

Allegedly, the plaintiff underwent two vasectomy procedures, which were performed by the defendant. Following the procedures, the plaintiff suffered a variety of injuries, such as severe and chronic pain in his testicles. As such, he filed a lawsuit against the defendant, seeking damages for medical malpractice. The defendant moved for summary judgment, but the trial court denied his motion. He appealed the trial court ruling, which was affirmed on appeal.

Qualifications to Testify as an Expert

On appeal, the defendant argued, in part, that the plaintiff’s expert did not set forth an adequate basis for his or her qualifications. Although the plaintiff’s expert was anonymous, the court noted that the report stated that the expert was a doctor licensed to practice in the United States, was a former Chief of Urology, had board certification in urology, and was a fellow in the American College of Surgeons. Continue Reading ›

In most medical malpractice cases, whether the defendant or plaintiff is ultimately successful largely hinges on the credibility of their respective experts. Specifically, many plaintiff’s cases are dismissed prior to reaching trial because the plaintiff cannot produce sufficient evidence via expert testimony to establish that there is a dispute as to the defendant’s liability. In cases in which experts disagree, however, the decision of whether the defendant provider committed medical malpractice ultimately rests with the jury, as discussed in a recent urology case decided by a New York court. If you sustained harm due to incompetent care rendered by a urologist, it is advisable to speak with a skillful Rochester urology malpractice attorney to discuss what evidence you must set forth to establish liability.

Facts of the Case

It is alleged that the plaintiff, who was suffering from prostate cancer, underwent a prostatectomy that was performed at the defendant hospital, by the defendant urologist. Following the removal of the plaintiff’s prostate, his urethra was reattached to the neck of his bladder, and a Foley catheter was placed to allow the urethra to heal and urine to drain. Three days after the plaintiff was discharged from the defendant hospital, he began to feel pain and reported to the emergency room. Upon examination, it was discovered by the defendant doctor that the plaintiff was retaining urine. The catheter was removed by the defendant nurse, and a new catheter was inserted. A CT scan was conducted that showed the catheter was in the bladder, and the plaintiff was again discharged.

Reportedly, the plaintiff had a follow-up appointment the next day, during which he reported continued pain. A second CT scan was ordered that revealed the plaintiff had a perforated rectum and that he had developed a fistula. He subsequently underwent an emergency laparotomy and loop colostomy. He then filed a lawsuit against the defendants, alleging medical malpractice. In turn, each of the defendants filed motions for summary judgment, assigning blame to the other defendants. The court granted the motions of the defendant urologist and the defendant hospital, after which the plaintiff appealed.

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