Iatrogenic Pneumothorax

Iatrogenic pneumothorax, or a collapsed lung caused by a medical error, is a serious complication that can occur during surgeries or other medical procedures involving the chest or upper body. This injury can result in severe respiratory distress, prolonged recovery times, and even life-threatening conditions. Preventable causes include improper needle placement, mishandling of surgical instruments, or failure to monitor the patient adequately. A Prince George’s County iatrogenic pneumothorax lawyer can help you determine if medical negligence played a role in your injury.

The impact of a collapsed lung can extend far beyond physical suffering, creating financial and emotional burdens for both you and your family. Foran & Foran, P.A. is here to assist you in holding the responsible parties accountable. By investigating the circumstances of your case and pursuing compensation for your losses, our team can provide the support and guidance you need during this challenging time.

Latrogenic pneumothorax, or a lung collapse caused by medical intervention, is a preventable complication that can have serious and long-lasting consequences. A research study shows that teaching hospitals report a significantly higher incidence of iatrogenic pneumothorax compared to non-teaching hospitals, underscoring the need for stringent procedural protocols and proper supervision during high-risk procedures.

This complication is most often linked to invasive procedures involving the chest or upper abdomen. Preventable causes include:

• Improper needle placement. Procedures such as thoracentesis or subclavicular needle sticks require precise technique. A misplaced needle can puncture the lung, leading to immediate complications.
• Mishandling instruments. Diagnostic and therapeutic interventions like transbronchial or pleural biopsies demand careful handling of surgical tools. Any deviation can result in lung injury.
• Inadequate monitoring. Positive pressure ventilation, often used during surgeries or intensive care, can cause air to leak into the pleural space if not properly managed.

The data also suggests that the nature of teaching hospitals, with higher volumes of procedures and less experienced residents performing them, contributes to increased rates of this injury and other injuries involving organ damage during surgery.

Patients experiencing iatrogenic pneumothorax may present with sudden, sharp chest pain, difficulty breathing, and reduced oxygen levels. These symptoms often develop rapidly and require immediate medical attention to prevent worsening complications. Left untreated, a collapsed lung can escalate to:

• Respiratory failure — insufficient oxygen delivery can lead to air embolisms, organ damage or death;
• Infections — air leaks may introduce bacteria into the pleural space, causing severe infections like empyema; and
• Cardiac distress — a shift in pressure within the chest cavity can compress the heart, leading to hemodynamic instability.

The physical impact is often accompanied by emotional distress, as patients face extended recovery periods and uncertainty about their long-term health.

For many patients, the harm caused by iatrogenic pneumothorax extends far beyond the initial injury. Recovery often requires hospitalization, chest tube placement, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention to repair the damage. The financial toll of these treatments can be significant, particularly for individuals who experience complications or require ongoing care.

In addition to physical suffering, patients may face emotional challenges, including anxiety about future medical procedures or diminished trust in healthcare providers. These consequences underscore the importance of addressing preventable errors and advocating for patient safety.

Determining liability for iatrogenic pneumothorax often requires carefully reviewing the medical procedures and decisions that led to the injury. Healthcare providers such as doctors, surgeons, or radiologists may be held accountable if their actions deviate from accepted medical standards. For example, improper needle placement during procedures like thoracentesis or transthoracic needle aspiration or failure to monitor the patient adequately during positive pressure ventilation can constitute negligence. Hospitals or medical facilities may also share liability. Teaching hospitals, which have been shown to experience higher rates of iatrogenic pneumothorax, may be responsible if inadequate supervision or training contributed to the error. Similarly, negligence in maintaining or providing proper medical equipment can implicate the facility.

Patients who experience this preventable injury due to medical negligence have the right to seek compensation. A Prince George’s County iatrogenic pneumothorax lawyer can help identify the responsible parties, evaluate the circumstances surrounding the injury, and build a strong case to pursue accountability and recovery. By holding the appropriate individuals or institutions liable, victims can secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, while also promoting higher safety standards in healthcare.

Reducing the incidence of iatrogenic pneumothorax requires comprehensive changes within healthcare systems. Hospitals must prioritize the following:

• Enhanced training — ensuring that all staff, including residents, are adequately prepared to perform high-risk procedures;
• Improved oversight — increasing supervision during complex interventions to prevent avoidable errors; and
• Adherence to protocols — following established guidelines to minimize risks during invasive procedures.

Legal cases brought by victims often highlight areas for improvement and drive meaningful change within the medical community.

Iatrogenic pneumothorax, or a collapsed lung caused by medical error, can lead to severe respiratory distress and long-term health complications. If your injury was the result of improper needle placement, inadequate monitoring, or other preventable mistakes, Foran & Foran can help. Our experienced attorneys assist clients in Prince George’s County, including Hyattsville, Bowie, Silver Spring, and nearby communities, in pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional suffering. Call us at (301) 441-2022 to discuss how we can support you in seeking accountability and justice.