When discussing matters related to medical errors and medical malpractice, it's often those sensational and extreme stories that come to mind. In most cases, however, medical errors involve mistakes that occur during the routine care of patients. One such case involves a man who recently filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against a nurse who failed to remove a bedpan.

The man arrived at the hospital suffering from dizziness and vomiting related to a recent fall that resulted in a minor hemorrhage. He was admitted to the hospital for additional tests and evaluation. As a result of his condition, the man was given a sedative which made him very sleepy.

Upon admission to the hospital, the man's nurse administered an enema and placed a bedpan under the man's bottom. The man fell asleep as a result of the sedation medication. He awoke more than four hours later to discover that his nurse had failed to check on him and that he was still sitting upon the bedpan.

The nurse's negligent actions caused the man to experience extreme swelling and pain in his lower extremities. The pressure caused by the forgotten bedpan resulted in the man developing painful and potentially dangerous blood clots in both legs.

The man has filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against both the hospital and nurse for failing to provide an acceptable standard of care. He is seeking an unspecified amount of monetary compensation related to his injuries and pain and suffering.

Patients who have suffered harm and injury as a result of the negligent actions of a nurse or doctor may choose to pursue legal action. A medical malpractice lawsuit can be an appropriate means to recovering compensation related to injuries, pain and suffering caused by the negligent acts of a medical professional.

Source: Louisiana Record, "Man sues hospital who allegedly left him on bedpan for over four hours," Kyle Barnett, Feb. 12, 2013