my son was injured during a camping trip. he was taken to Newton medical center. he has a wound on his rt knee. when he was being treated I asked the PA if she was going to irrigate his wound as it had a lot of debre and it was deep. she stated that cleaning with a sponge and iodine was enough as xrays did not show any debrie inside. I proceeded to ask her if she was going to stitch his knee from inside as the wound was about 1 inch deep. she stated that no, it was not necesarry. I asked if he was going to get antibiotics and she said no. he is young and healthy. this happened on 07/31/2017 its almost 1 month. My son developed an infection on his wound. his stitches started come undone. I took him to his regular PCP on 08/07/2017 where they proceeded to remove his stitches and put on sterile strips. again i asked about antibiotics and maybe reinforcing the stitches. the provider said no and removed the stitches. next day my sons wound was fully open and uzzing puss, i took to another medical provider where he stated that they did not do a proper job at hospital and that sutures should have NOT been removed. I have cleaned this wound 5 times a day on a min, kept as immobile as possible. I called his original PCP and they prescribed antbiotics, now its 08/29/2017 my sons wound is still not fully healed, he missed out on 3 weeks worth of camp. cannot perform his duties in the programs he belongs to as the wound will open. His new medical provider has placed him on no GYM or PE till 09/28/2017.
Legal Analysis of Possible Medical Malpractice
During a camping trip on 07/31/2017, a young individual sustained a deep wound to the right knee and was treated at Newton Medical Center in New Jersey. Concerns arose regarding the care provided, namely the decision not to irrigate the wound, not to suture from inside, and the refusal to administer antibiotics. Subsequent complications, including infection, have raised potential malpractice concerns.
1.1. Relevant Statutes and Regulations:
- New Jersey Medical Malpractice Act
- New Jersey Patients' Bill of Rights
- New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners Regulations
Note: The specifics of these laws can be found on the official state government website or by contacting a legal professional.
Potential Legal Solutions
Given the series of events, there are several potential legal avenues to explore:
- Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim: New Jersey has specific statutes that define medical negligence. If it can be proven that the standard of care was not met, a claim could be pursued.
- Seek Expert Testimony: In New Jersey, before filing a malpractice lawsuit, plaintiffs usually need an expert witness to testify that the care provided was below the standard.
- Consult with an Attorney: Before making any decisions, it is essential to find the right lawyer experienced in malpractice cases. They can provide guidance on the viability of your claim and potential compensation.
Here is a relevant government web resource that provides more information on malpractice laws in New Jersey.
Estimated Attorney Costs
| Service | Estimated Rate ($) | Calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Consultation | 150 | $150 x 1 hour |
| Expert Witness Consultation | 250 | $250 x 1 hour |
| Legal Research & Case Preparation | 200 | $200 x 5 hours = $1000 |
| Court Representation | 300 | $300 x 10 hours = $3000 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $4400 |
Please note these are estimated costs and actual prices may vary based on attorney experience, location, and specific type of law specialization.
Seeking Further Information
While the information provided paints a concerning picture, additional details would help in further evaluating the potential malpractice.
Please ask a free legal question or consult a local attorney for more personalized guidance.
Questions to Consider
- Medical Records: Have you obtained all medical records related to this incident to provide a clear timeline of care and decisions made?
- Expert Opinions: Have any other medical professionals commented on the care your son received, and if so, can they be potential expert witnesses?
- Documentation: Have you documented the extent of the wound, the healing process, and any other complications that have arisen since the initial treatment?
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided here does not constitute legal advice nor does it establish an attorney-client relationship. Always consult with a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for personalized legal advice.
If you need further assistance, please compare lawyers in your area to make an informed decision.
