Incidents that may prompt a medical malpractice lawsuit can happen to patients of all ages throughout the state of Pennsylvania. In addition, there isn't one particular practice area in which such lawsuits occur. Medically induced injuries can happen to anyone due to negligence in any practice area, including plastic surgery.

A woman from a neighboring state filed a lawsuit against a plastic surgeon after undergoing a surgical procedure. She alleged that as a result of the surgery she suffered permanent scarring. In addition, she also reportedly suffered nerve damage and experienced multiple infections. The procedure she underwent is not clear.

The case went to a jury trial where many experts testified. The jury ultimately found in favor of the woman deciding that in the course of performing the surgery, the doctor committed medical battery. It further determined that he did not obtain informed consent and was negligent. The jury awarded the woman $5.1 million.

It is fair to say that those who seek medical attention for a condition do so expecting that they will be helped and not harmed as a result of that action. When a patient suffers an injury because of treatment that is below the prescribed standard of care, that individual may decide to file a medical malpractice lawsuit.

As this case illustrates, when successful, such a lawsuit can provide the injured individual with the monetary damages often needed to help cover additional medical bills. In situations where the patient is unable to return to work, it may help to make up for that as well.

Source: West Virginia Record, "Bordas & Bordas obtains $5.1M verdict in medical negligence suit," Kyla Asbury, April 29, 2013