Office Surgery Deaths and Patient Safety in Florida

A Cautionary Tale of Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong

Posted on June 06, 2016 by Shapiro Law Group

When we think of ‘botched plastic surgeries’, it is common to imagine disfigurement. While this is a frequent outcome of plastic surgeries gone wrong, it is not the only possible consequence. Some patients may suffer catastrophic brain injuries or lose their lives. We can learn from recent examples here in Florida.

The mother of a 21-year-old Florida girl is publicly warning others to stay away from ‘surgery clinics’ after her daughter suffered a devastating brain injury. Clinics are often operated by doctors, but staffed with unlicensed medical professionals. The type of environment found in these clinics can present serious patient safety dangers. Unsurprisingly, these clinics are often targeted by medical malpractice lawsuits.

The Florida girl, who was 18 years old at the time of her botched surgery, experienced a sudden drop of blood pressure while undergoing a breast augmentation procedure. As a result, she suffered oxygen deprivation and a significant brain injury.

After being released from the hospital and brought home, she could no longer speak or move. Three years later, she can only say a few words and cannot stand unassisted for more than a few seconds. Her mother has compared the situation to ‘taking care of a baby again’.

Florida Has Become a Hotspot for Office Surgery Deaths

Unfortunately, fatal cases have occurred all over Florida. From 2000 through 2010, there were 46 office surgery deaths. Patients choose plastic surgery clinics because they offer cheap prices. These places also do not work with health insurance agencies.

In some cases, plastic surgery clinics are not owned by physicians, meaning the Florida Board of Medicine cannot shut them down through normal means. Plastic surgery clinics in Florida do not operate by the same laws as other hospitals or medical facilities, allowing for the possibility of less-than-standard care.

The Tampa Bay medical malpractice attorneys at Shapiro Law Group can help families who have been hurt by medical wrongdoing.

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“My dad lost his fingers on one hand due to malpractice after a successful surgery that did not involve fingers. For months we were told it was because of debris in his blood. It was not. Mr. Shapiro and his associates were relentless in getting the medical records until the "missing" page was sent. Then they had the hard and arduous job of finding a doctor willing to testify. An informative video and audio with the doctor's testimony was presented. Case closed. Because of their due diligence, a satisfactory settlement was reached. Mr. Shapiro's law firm worked hard, were extremely thorough, professional, and kept in constant communication throughout the whole stressful ordeal. Mr. Shapiro still remembers my parents and keeps in touch with my mom, even after 15 years have passed. That alone is impressive.”

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