Q: My wife suffered a massive stroke 2 hours after a lung operation and passed away 12 days later. Is the doctor liable?

A: A doctor can be liable for something like this but it depends on why the stroke occurred and when it happened. There is not enough information in your inquiry for me to give you a more definitive answer. If the doctor breached the standard of care during the operation or afterwards during her post operative care, its possible. But it depends on many variables.

A: Possibly. Medical malpractice means that a doctor violated the standard of care. A bad outcome is not enough. Another doctor would be needed to evaluate what the doctors did.

Consult with experienced malpractice attorneys in the state where this occurred.

Use the JUSTIA search on this page to find an an attorney.

A: You might be feeling a deep sense of confusion after your wife's passing. It's normal to wonder if the doctor bears legal responsibility for what happened.

Liability often hinges on whether the care provided met accepted standards and whether any deviation led to the stroke. You will need to review all the medical records, gather opinions from qualified professionals, and determine if there was a failure to act appropriately. If you discover evidence of negligence or a direct link between the doctor's actions and your wife's passing, there may be grounds for a malpractice claim.

You should document every detail of your wife's treatment and timeline, including any warning signs that may have gone unaddressed. This documentation can help guide your decisions about whether to pursue legal action.