The family of an Ohio woman who allegedly had a botched kidney transplant in 2012 has sued the hospital for medical malpractice. According to the report, the woman, who was 24 years old at the time of the surgery, was supposed to be receiving a kidney from her younger brother, who was considered to be a perfect match. However, the kidney was disposed of during the surgery.

A nurse the kidney and other medical waste down a disposal hopper that was designed specifically for medical waste disposal. The kidney was recovered but could not be used as it had been in a non-sterile environment. The young woman stated in the lawsuit that she had been worried that her younger brother had died when she woke up without an incision. The woman did eventually undergo a kidney transplant in late 2012.

The woman and her brother, in addition to the rest of the family, filed a lawsuit seeking damages that were suffered due to the loss of the kidney. The younger brother sued for damages resulting from undergoing a risky procedure only to have the medical staff lose the kidney. They are seeking damages of at least $25,000, plus interest and for any court costs.

Errors that are made during surgery can have damaging results. In this case, for example, the surgical error cost one man the loss of a healthy kidney and caused his sister to suffer until another kidney could be found. One recourse for patients who suffer from medical errors is to find an experienced Ohio attorney who can help with any medical malpractice litigation. In many cases, the attorney may be able to help their clients obtain compensation for any injuries that they suffered as a result of surgical errors or hospital negligence.

Source: The Blade, “Family of botched kidney transplant in 2012 sues UTMC“, Ignazio Messina, July 31, 2013