Close
Updated:

Study Finds that Doctors often Win Facial Trauma Medical Malpractice Cases

If you or someone close to you has suffered a facial injury because of a surgeon’s negligence, you need a skilled Baltimore medical malpractice attorney on your side. At Arfaa Law Group, we have handled countless Maryland medical malpractice claims and can apply our experience and skill to your case. We understand that every case is unique, which is why we proudly provide unique and personalized representation to each and every client.

The Study

A new study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery found that outcomes in facial trauma lawsuits typically favor doctors, with almost 75 percent of cases being dismissed prior to trial. The study is the first of its kind focusing on facial trauma litigation. The findings reveal that around 15 percent of plastic surgeons face a medical malpractice lawsuit every year. The researchers examined 69 incidents from 1913 to 2016. Approximately three quarters of the plaintiffs with jaw injuries or numerous facial fractures were men. If you look at all the cases that went to trial, 58 percent were tried by a judge while 38 percent were tried by a jury. Almost 75 percent of cases were ultimately decided in favor of the doctors, 19 percent on behalf of the patient, 3 percent reached a settlement and 3 percent had an unknown conclusion. In addition, the study found that outcomes of facial trauma claims varied depending on the region of the country. 

Filing a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit for a Facial Injury

Just because the study finds that doctors often win facial trauma cases does not mean you should be discouraged from filing a claim if you or someone close to you has suffered a facial injury due to a surgeon’s error or carelessness. With years of experience, our firm understands the nuances of medical malpractice law and what it takes to build a strong case. In Maryland, medical malpractice occurs when a surgeon’s injures or kills a patient by failing to use the standard of care and caution that another similarly situated, reasonably competent surgeon performing the same procedure would have used.

Recovering Compensation in a Facial Injury Malpractice Claim

Not only are facial injuries extremely painful, they are also very costly to treat often requiring corrective plastic surgery. Of course, facial injuries can also be the cause of severe anxiety, depression and emotional distress, which can affect virtually every aspect of a person’s life. Thankfully, Maryland law allows victims of malpractice to recover a variety of damages for their losses including, but not limited to: medical expenses, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, lost wages and benefits, disability and future medical costs.

Hiring a Seasoned Baltimore Surgery Malpractice Attorney

If you have suffered a facial injury that you believe was caused due to the negligence of a general surgeon or plastic surgeon, you could potentially recover compensation for your harm and heartache. At Arfaa Law Group, our skilled Baltimore surgery malpractice attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights of Maryland clients every step of the way. The sooner you speak to a reputable attorney about your case, the sooner you will be able to make an informed decision about how to proceed. For more information about your legal rights and options, please call us today at 410-889-1850 or contact us online.

More Blog Posts:

Maryland Appellate Court Holds Medical Malpractice Lawsuit Barred by Statute of Limitations

Colorado Woman Dies 9 Months After Healthy Kidneys Were Mistakenly Removed

Contact Us