Dr. Brian West, a plastic surgeon in California, is just one of many doctors who have been treating patients while battling drug and alcohol addictions. Unfortunately, due to the confidentiality of the treatment programs, the patients treated by these doctors are never informed of their doctor’s substance abuse problems.
Becky Anderson went to Dr. West for a breast reconstruction in 2000. The surgery was botched and the complications from the procedure forced her to forgo her cancer treatment. She is currently losing her battle with cancer, and is not expected to live much longer.
Anderson recently discovered that Dr. West is an alcoholic and had been convicted of two DUIs, one of which occurred on the way to an appointment with her that he was forced to cancel. Anderson sued Dr. West for negligence and medical malpractice. She recovered $250,000 in damages.
Ms. Anderson isn’t the only woman who has suffered greatly at the hands of Dr. West. Sharon Mikulecky received a mastectomy from Dr. West to treat her breast cancer. The incision became infected, leaving a large hole in her abdomen. As a result, she had to put off cancer treatment for over a year. She eventually died in 2003.
Neither of these women was aware that Dr. West was enrolled in the state alcohol rehabilitation program when they hired him to perform their surgery.
In the state of California alone, there are between 200 and 400 doctors who are in the state drug and alcohol rehabilitation program. On the national level, approximately 8,000 doctors are undergoing confidential treatment for drug and alcohol addictions. Unfortunately, their patients are unaware that they may be receiving treatment from a doctor under the influence.
It is important to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer if you have been the victim of medical malpractice. You might be able to collect damages to compensate you for your suffering and losses.
If you have a medical malpractice claim in California, please contact the law offices of Jacoby & Meyers, LLC today to schedule an initial consultation.
