Donating an organ to another person can be a life-saving gift. But it can also be a scary experience, as it requires two people to undergo surgical procedures and this can cause anxiety in any person. People are often reassured that these procedures are done all the time and there is nothing to worry to. However, unexpected events can happen during a surgery that puts one or both patients in danger.
Recently, a husband and wife filed a medical malpractice lawsuit after a single drop of an unknown liquid caused significant damage during a kidney transplant procedure. Their suit names the hospital as a negligent party and they are requesting compensation for the damages they have suffered as a result of an incident that the hospital continues to deny.
The wife had donated one of her kidneys to her husband in order to extend his life significantly. But after the kidney was removed from the wife and before it was received by the husband, the perfectly healthy organ was compromised when a drop of liquid fell from the ceiling and onto the kidney contaminating it. Medical staff rushed to clean the organ and make sure it was free of chemicals before they could complete the transplant hours later.
Unfortunately, the kidney was no longer in good condition. The transplant was unsuccessful and the man still needed to undergo kidney dialysis and is still in need of another kidney transplant.
The lawsuit contends that the hospital failed to ensure that the floor above the operating room was safe, which led to the drop of liquid to fall and contaminate the organ. The hospital has denied these accusations and maintains that no such fluid contaminated the kidney, despite a surgeon’s report that specifically notes that a liquid dropped into the basin holding the kidney, requiring additional medical efforts.
Whether the husband and wife will be awarded compensation for this devastating event remains to be seen. But this tragic story is a strong reminder that victims of medical malpractice in New Jersey have the right to take legal action in the event of a medical or surgical error. Hospitals or surgeons may try to deny any wrongdoing, but with legal support, victims and their families can hold negligent parties accountable and pursue the compensation they may need and deserve.
Source: Newsday, “Couple’s lawsuit says hospital error ruined kidney,” Delthia Ricks, Nov. 23, 2013
