Medical Malpractice Improper Circumcision

Circumcisions are procedures performed with the purpose of removing the foreskin for medical and religious purposes. When performed incorrectly, however, circumcisions can result in deformities, impaired penile function and emotional trauma which must be endured for the remainder of the victim’s life. Many of these circumcisions are performed by a medical professional at a hospital and if a mistake is made, it is possible to cause serious damage. To pursue legal action, the physician must have been negligent and deviated from the standard of care and caused harm.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS OF A BOTCHED CIRCUMCISION

There are several common causes of unintended outcomes in circumcision procedures. Errors often involve improper placement of the clamp used to perform the procedure. Complications include:

• Excessive bleeding
• Too little foreskin removed
• Too much skin removed
• Infection
• Meatitis – Irritation and inflammation of the urethral opening
• Chordee – Curvature of the penis caused by uneven skin removal
• Full or partial amputation of the glans or ureter.

In addition to the range of physical problems that may arise as a result of an improperly performed circumcision, there is a significant risk that the child will suffer emotional distress later in life.

WHEN IS A BOTCHED CIRCUMCISION MEDICAL MALPRACTICE?

Just as with any type of surgery or medical procedure, the doctor performing the procedure is expected to adhere to generally accepted medical “standards of care.” If the doctor departs from the generally accepted standard of care, and the child is injured as a result, it may be grounds for a medical malpractice claim or lawsuit.

Any of the following could be considered a breach of the standard of care pertaining to circumcision procedures:

• Improper use of surgical tools
• Inadequate supervision during the procedure
• Performing a circumcision without consent of the parents
• Performing a circumcision on a child with a penile anomaly where it is medically accepted that circumcision could be harmful.
• Use of defective surgical tools
• Inadequate training to properly perform the procedure
• Negligence during the operation, such as intoxication
• Improper care after the procedure

CLAIMS AGAINST CITY HOSPITALS

The biggest mistake a patient can make is waiting too long to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in court. Statutes of limitations require patients to file legal claims promptly and there are special rules and procedures that must be followed when bringing a claim against New York Health and Hospitals Corporation. In New York, a Notice of Claim must be served within 90 days from the date the malpractice was committed or within 90 days from the last date the injured party was treated for the injuries resulting from the malpractice by the hospital.

HOW CAN A NEW YORK MEDICAL MALPRACTICE ATTORNEY HELP?

If your child suffered a botched circumcision, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. The damages you may be entitled to as a result of negligence may include the cost of any corrective procedures, pain and suffering, and any additional financial losses. Let us fight for you to get the compensation you deserve. Call us today to set up your Free Consultation: 718-502-9112 and be sure to visit our website at www.karasiklawyers.com. At Leading Law Firm Karasik Law Group, winning matters. Win with us! We speak for the injured; our results speak for themselves.