ZDR Resolves Congenital Heart Surgery Case

In early 2019, the attorneys at ZDR resolved a lawsuit they filed on behalf of a minor child who suffered a devastating brain injury following a congenital heart surgery he underwent as an infant.

Congenital Heart Defects

Our client was born with a congenital heart defect called transposition of the great vessels, which required surgery to correct. The surgery went well and the surgeon’s operative report mentioned no complications or bleeding. However, the anesthesia records showed that at the end of the surgery, our client was given an off-label clotting drug, which was not indicated for use unless the patient was bleeding excessively. Hours later, when our client woke up, he showed signs of a stroke, which radiology imaging then confirmed. He underwent emergency brain surgery and suffered devastating physical and mental defects as a result.

Congenital Heart Surgery Lawsuit

The attorneys at ZDR consulted numerous medical experts to understand how this congenital heart surgery complication could have occurred. Our experts explained that the clotting drug in question had risks and benefits, and the benefits only outweighed the risks if our client exhibited excessive bleeding. Otherwise, the medication unnecessarily put him at risk of developing a blood clot. In this case, there was no evidence he was bleeding excessively, so the physician’s decision to use the clotting drug was a violation of the standard of care.

Our experts testified that the drug caused our client’s stroke, brain surgery, and ongoing medical issues. This case was set for trial in 2019. Our attorneys picked a jury and began presenting our case. In the middle of trial, the defendants offered enough money to help take care of our client throughout his lifetime. His parents agreed with the decision to resolve the case for a confidential amount, feeling comfortable that the attorneys at ZDR had obtained a great result for their case.

Risks of Surgical Medication

Every medication has risks and benefits, and doctors must consider the risks of any medication when they prescribe or administer it to a patient. This is especially true when the patient is a child, and when the medication is used off-label. If the medication is not indicated for a patient’s condition, and if medical literature does not support off-label use of that medication, the physician may be liable for side effects caused by the medication.

Missouri Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If you have suffered as a result of medical malpractice, contact our legal team right away. Waiting to seek legal representation can prevent you from filing a claim and receiving the compensation you deserve.