As the nation's population ages surgeries to replace various joints in the bodies of these individuals is becoming more and more common. Successful surgeries take place throughout the nation, including in the Pittsburgh area, regularly. Despite the high success rate, because every surgical procedure carries some risk, on some occasions medical errors do occur. These errors could lead to a medical malpractice lawsuit.

The wife of a 56-year-old Pennsylvania man filed a medical malpractice lawsuit after her husband died shortly after surgery to replace his hip. Among the named defendants in the case were a hospital, and some doctors. The lawsuit alleged that the misdiagnosis of a blood clot several weeks after the surgery caused his death. At the time of the man's death he was at a hospital, having been admitted due to weakness and problems breathing.

Recently the lawsuit came to a close. A settlement was approved by a judge that provides $1 million to the man's widow. The settlement was reached with the insurance company that represents one of the doctors named as a defendant in the case. As a part of the settlement, none of the defendants named in the lawsuit had to admit fault.

When a loved one dies unexpectedly, it can be difficult emotionally as well as financially. When negligence on the part of another is to blame for the untimely death, it may be able to secure financial damages for the death. The woman in this case is likely glad she took those steps.

Source: PennLive, "$1M settlement to end malpractice lawsuit over West Shore man's death," Matt Miller, July 16, 2013