Orthopedic care is often a turning point for patients struggling with injury, pain, or limited mobility. Whether it’s a joint replacement, fracture repair, or spinal surgery, people place their futures in the hands of orthopedic specialists with the expectation of healing and improvement, not harm. When these providers make avoidable mistakes, the consequences can be devastating. If you are living with the painful aftermath of a failed orthopedic procedure, a misdiagnosed fracture, or another orthopedic error, you may have legal grounds to pursue an orthopedic malpractice claim, and you should talk to an attorney as soon as possible. The dedicated Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys of Arfaa Law Group know what it takes to prove malpractice in complex medical settings, and if we represent you, we will fight to secure the compensation you deserve.
Orthopedic malpractice can take many forms, including surgical errors, misdiagnosis of fractures or dislocations, failure to recognize post-operative complications, and improper treatment of joint or spinal conditions. These mistakes can lead to permanent physical limitations, chronic pain, nerve damage, infections, and the need for additional surgeries. One of the most serious risks involves operating on the wrong site, such as performing a procedure on the wrong limb, or damaging surrounding nerves or blood vessels during surgery. Other cases involve failure to diagnose compartment syndrome or post-surgical infections, both of which require immediate intervention to prevent tissue death or systemic complications.
The consequences of orthopedic malpractice can be life-altering. Patients who once relied on a successful surgery to regain mobility or return to work may instead face long-term disability. In some cases, preventable errors result in the loss of a limb or permanent paralysis. These physical harms are often accompanied by emotional distress, anxiety, and loss of independence. Many patients require prolonged rehabilitation, adaptive equipment, or even lifetime care.
Patients who suffer harm due to inadequate orthopedic care may be able to pursue orthopedic malpractice claims. Typically, these claims are based on a theory of negligence. Under Maryland law, to demonstrate negligence, a plaintiff must first prove that the defendant owed them a duty. In the treatment setting, duty refers to the obligation all healthcare providers have to render care that aligns with accepted medical standards. In the context of orthopedic medicine, this could include the duty to accurately diagnose musculoskeletal conditions, to plan and perform surgical procedures with competence, and to monitor the patient for complications after surgery.
The plaintiff must then show that the defendant breached the duty owed. A breach of duty occurs when the provider’s conduct falls short of what a reasonably competent provider would do under similar circumstances. This might include performing an unnecessary procedure, failing to identify a fracture on imaging, or neglecting to respond to post-operative signs of infection. Next, the plaintiff has to establish causation and damages; that is, they must demonstrate that the provider’s breach directly resulted in quantifiable harm. This often involves establishing that the outcome would have been significantly better had proper care been provided. In Maryland, expert testimony is generally required to establish the standard of care, identify how it was breached, and show that the breach caused the plaintiff’s harm.
If the plaintiff proves liability, they may recover both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and the cost of future care. Non-economic damages address intangible losses, including physical pain, emotional suffering, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
When orthopedic care falls below accepted medical standards, the impact can be severe and lasting. If you or someone you love suffered an injury as a result of orthopedic malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation under Maryland law, and you should meet with an attorney. At Arfaa Law Group, our assertive Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys understand the profound effects that orthopedic injuries can have on a patient’s life, and if you engage our services, we will work tirelessly in pursuit of justice on your behalf. Our office is located in Baltimore, and we represent clients throughout the city and surrounding areas. To schedule a free consultation, call us at 410-889-1850 or contact us online.