Having surgery can make anyone feel nervous and worried. A good medical team makes all the difference. They support you and help calm these fears throughout your procedure and treatment.
But what if your doctors and nurses fail to give you proper care after your surgery? This lack of proper follow-up can turn even a successful operation into a serious health problem.
When post-operative neglect turns dangerous
Inadequate care after surgery creates risks that can harm your recovery. These include:
- Infection: Not checking or cleaning wounds properly can cause preventable infections that lead to fever and pain.
- Blood clots: Failing to get you moving or give you preventive medicine increases your risk of dangerous clots and complications.
- Medicine mistakes: Getting the wrong dose or mixing medications incorrectly can worsen your health and slow your recovery.
- Missed complications: Not noticing warning signs means problems don’t get treated in time.
- Pain mismanagement: Insufficient pain treatment causes unnecessary suffering and can slow down healing.
Sending you home too early can also be a form of lacking post-operative care. This often leads to return trips to the hospital and even longer recovery times.
When neglectful aftercare becomes malpractice
It counts as medical malpractice when doctors don’t give you the basic care you deserve. After surgery, your medical team must check your health regularly and act quickly if something goes wrong. Some signs of medical malpractice may include:
- Long delays in responding or ordering tests
- Unclear home care instructions
- Quick, rushed follow-up appointments
When doctors ignore your problems—especially when you bring them to their attention—or skip important care steps, that may be willful negligence.
Protecting your health and rights
Good care after surgery helps you heal faster and safer. Willful negligence when providing care after your surgery can become a medical malpractice case.
If you think your post-op care isn’t good enough, it may help to get a second opinion right away to protect your health. Consulting an attorney experienced in handling medical malpractice cases may also help. They can help you understand your rights and fight for the care you deserve.