Medical errors can lead to unimaginable and at times, irreversible health consequences. In a case that highlights the importance of accountability in healthcare, a United States Navy veteran experienced a troublesome medical emergency eight years post-operation. Our legal team is actively seeking justice for the individual harmed by medical negligence.
The Initial Emergency
In 2016, the veteran was rushed to the emergency room with a perforated gastric ulcer. A perforated gastric ulcer is a critical condition where an untreated stomach ulcer creates a hole in the stomach lining, allowing contents to spill into the abdominal cavity. Emergency surgery was performed to address the ulcer, seemingly resolving the issue.
A Shocking Revelation
Fast-forward to July 2024: The veteran began experiencing severe pain, behavioral health changes, bleeding, and other alarming symptoms. Medical testing, including an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy revealed the unthinkable: a 12-inch endotracheal (ET) tube lodged inside the stomach.
Endotracheal tubes are designed to keep airways open and assist breathing, they do not reside in the gastrointestinal tract. Shockingly, the tube was blackened and corroded, indicating it had been there since the 2016 surgery.
The Concealed Truth
What makes this case particularly troubling is the alleged concealment of the error. The presence of the tube was omitted from the 2016 surgical records, and the patient was never made aware of the incident. The veteran had no surgeries between 2016 and 2024, leaving no explanation for how the tube ended up in their stomach other than negligence during the original operation.
Impact and Implications
This case is not just about one individual, it is about a system that failed to uphold its responsibility to provide proper medical care. Every patient deserves competent and ethical treatment, and such is especially true for veterans who have selflessly served our country.
Veterans often face unique medical challenges related to their service and should never have to endure negligence in their care. Errors like this are inexcusable, not only because of the physical pain and suffering they cause but also because they erode trust in the very institutions meant to protect and support our veterans.
The implications extend beyond this single case. It calls for greater oversight of medical practices within the military and veterans’ healthcare systems, ensuring that no other veteran suffers from preventable errors and concealment of critical information.
Pursuing Justice
The veteran alongside the Oliver Bell Group is now pursuing legal action against the surgeon and treatment facility responsible for the initial surgery. Investigations are being done to determine whether the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) played a role in the negligence. This case serves as a reminder of the devastating impact medical malpractice can have on patients and their families.
Why Medical Malpractice Claims Matter
Cases like this highlight the critical need for accountability in healthcare. A retained foreign object not only violates basic medical standards but also subjects patients to years of pain and suffering. Medical malpractice lawsuits are often the only recourse for individuals to secure compensation for physical, financial, and emotional damages. It is crucial to pursue justice and prevent future harm to others.
If you or a loved one has been affected by medical negligence, you deserve to have your voice heard. Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your legal options.
