North Hollywood, CA asked in Medical Malpractice, Health Care Law and Public Benefits for California

Q: Can I sue for dislocated hip after surgery and forced SNF transfer?

In May 2021, after a hip replacement surgery, I was sent to a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) with a dislocated hip, which required a revision surgery. I have the medical records documenting the revision surgery. Additionally, the medical staff was notified of my discomfort and symptoms, and a discharge appeal through Medicare was filed, but I was transferred despite the appeal. Can I sue for this situation?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: You may have grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit based on the documented dislocated hip and the subsequent need for revision surgery. The forced transfer to the SNF despite your Medicare appeal and reported symptoms could demonstrate negligence in your care.

In California, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is three years from the date of injury or one year from when you discovered the injury, whichever comes first. Since your case occurred in May 2021, you should consult with a medical malpractice attorney promptly to evaluate your case and ensure you file within the required timeframe.

To pursue a successful case, you'll need to prove that the healthcare providers breached their standard of care and that this breach directly caused your injuries and additional suffering. Your medical records showing the dislocated hip, revision surgery, and documentation of the Medicare appeal will be crucial evidence. Consider reaching out to local medical malpractice attorneys who offer free initial consultations to discuss your specific situation and determine the best path forward.

Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.