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Distracted Operating: How Safe Are You on the Table?

On Behalf of | Feb 17, 2021 | Medical Malpractice

A California doctor has gone viral for attending a video traffic court appointment while operating. While the nation has laughed at the lawyer stuck in a cat filter or other moments now made infamous from Zoom, let’s imagine for a moment we’re the patient. Surgery is always nerve-racking, no matter if it is a routine procedure or elective. Finding a doctor that you trust is paramount. You share many personal things with your doctor, which is why there is inherent confidentiality. You agree to be put unconscious, cut open, to have your body poked and prodded, and to trust that your doctor is holding your life as the most important factor at that moment. How would you feel if you woke up from surgery and saw your doctor making the rounds on social media for attending video traffic court while you were unconscious on the table?

At Licata & Yeremenko, A Professional Law Corporation, we specialize in medical malpractice. If you have been injured by the negligence of your doctor or medical staff, you need medical malpractice lawyer in California.

Distracted Plastic Surgeon

In Northern California, a Sacramento judge was taken by surprise during a routine traffic court hearing via video conference. On the video feed, a masked doctor was seen with sounds of medical machinery in the background. Over suction noises, bright surgical lamps, the doctor was dressed in scrubs.

“It kind of looks like you’re in an operating room right now,” the courtroom clerk asked.

“Yes, I’m in an operating room right now. I’m available for trial. Go right ahead.” The doctor replied.

Court Commissioner Gary Link clarified for the court records, “So unless I’m mistaken; I’m seeing a defendant that’s in the middle of an operating room appearing to be actively engaged in providing services to a patient. Is that correct, Mr. Green? Or should I say, Dr. Green?”

While Dr. Green seemed more than comfortable proceeding with the surgery, citing there was another surgeon present, Commissioner Link disagreed. “I do not feel comfortable for the welfare of a patient if you’re in the process of operating that I would put on a trial notwithstanding the fact the officer is here today.”

Plastic Surgery is Already Risky

For a doctor to allow the distraction of a videoconference into the operating table is as dangerous as it is disrespectful. There are always inherent risks to any procedure, cosmetic surgery included. Some risks include:

  • Fat embolisms are a severe but rare occurrence. Fat enters the bloodstream and causes blood vessels to clog.
  • Anesthesia isn’t always perfect. In Florida, a woman underwent breast augmentation surgery. She suffered a lack of oxygen to the brain and is now permanently brain-damaged.
  • Scarring and infections sometimes cause permanent damage
  • Disfigurement can occur if a mistake is made during surgery
  • An estimated 100 patients die while undergoing plastic surgery a year

For a doctor to be anything other than completely present and focused on your well-being on his table is unacceptable.

Call Licata & Yeremenko, A Professional Law Corporation Today

Medical malpractice is a serious matter and can be a complicated and challenging case. You need an experienced team of attorneys behind you. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury due to a medical staff member’s carelessness, you need a medical malpractice attorney in California. Call the highly sought lawyers at Licata & Yeremenko, A Professional Law Corporation today. Contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 818-783-5757.

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