Some medical facilities may employ medical professionals with glowing reputations that may draw in patients from various areas in search of the best available treatment. Should the performance of a prominent surgeon decline, the health of patients in North Carolina might be at risk, especially if facilities fail to address and respond to complaints about patient safety. Recent reports indicate that a medical facility in another state failed to act after receiving complaints about a prominent surgeon who had been involved in more than 20 medical malpractice claims.
Prominent surgeon
Reports indicate that the surgeon worked for the facility in question for around 30 years and that he was considered a prominent figure in the surgical field. The hospital reportedly continued to praise his work even after he retired. However, a recent investigation indicates that the facility’s view of the surgeon might not be accurate, as he was involved in as many as 21 medical malpractice claims during his tenure, two-thirds of which reportedly stemmed from the death of patients.
The investigation claims that hospital officials knew that his behavior had become dangerous and chose to keep information on malpractice claims out of the public’s view. The facility is also accused of failing to act on claims from other medical professionals who came forward with complaints about his behavior and the risk it posed to patient safety. With the prominent surgeon bringing in as much as seven figures a year toward the end of his career, there are also concerns that the facility placed a higher value on money than on patient safety.
Patient safety
Those who are subjected to medical malpractice under such scenarios could suffer severe or permanent harm in the process, or even the unexpected loss of someone close. When similar hardships arise, a person in North Carolina might consider consulting with legal counsel for guidance in evaluating all his or her available options for legal recourse. An attorney can evaluate the situation a client is facing and assist in preparing to seek the restitution entitled through a medical malpractice claim against all parties deemed responsible.