Orthopedic Malpractice

An orthopedic surgeon is a doctor who specializes in the study, diagnosis and treatment of problems with or injuries to the musculoskeletal system, which includes muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones throughout the body. Most orthopedic surgeons specialize either in the type or location of problem they treat, or in the age of the patient. Orthopedic subspecialties include:

• arthroscopic surgery;
• spine surgery;
• sports medicine;
• pediatric orthopedics;
  
• joint replacement; and
  
• fracture care.
  

There are approximately 27,000 active orthopedic surgeons in the United States. After medical school, each must complete a 1 year residency in general surgery followed by a 4 year residency in orthopedic surgery. According to a recent report prepared by the American Medical Group Association, the median salary for the specialty is just over $476,000.00 per year.

Orthopedic surgeons are called upon by patients to perform various aspects of surgical and non-surgical care, including diagnosis of problems with bones and muscles and treatment of those problems through therapy, medication, and surgery. Where an orthopedic surgeon fails to order the appropriate test (such as an x-ray or MRI) or fails to properly treat a fracture or other condition, he or she may be liable for medical malpractice.

The most common orthopedic errors include:

• failure to diagnose fractures;
• failure to properly follow an injury;
• improper casting;
• injury to nerves (during surgery);
  
• injury to the vascular system (during surgery); and
  
• wrong site surgery;

The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict medical malpractice cases due to or arising out of orthopedic surgery malpractice. If you or a loved have/had a musculoskeletal problem that was not treated properly, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York medical malpractice and birth injury attorney, contact us now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.

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