My 78-year-old father died after a bowel perforation during surgery at a Virginia hospital, and the surgeon says it was a "known complication." Does that automatically mean we can't bring a wrongful death case in Virginia?

Question

My 78-year-old father died after a bowel perforation during surgery at a Virginia hospital, and the surgeon says it was a &#34;known complication.&#34; Does that automatically mean we can't bring a wrongful death case in Virginia?

Accepted Answer

No. In Virginia, a known complication does not automatically block a wrongful death claim. The key question is whether the death happened because of negligence or because a bad outcome occurred even though the medical team met the standard of care. A bowel perforation can be a recognized...

Virginia Injuries

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