When Surgery Goes Wrong: Fighting for a Man Injured by a Failed Shoulder Replacement

I recently had the privilege of representing an Arizona man who suffered injury after a shoulder replacement surgery—a procedure that was supposed to ease his pain and restore function, but instead left him with permanent impairment and chronic suffering.

Before the operation, my client was active and independent. He trusted his orthopedic surgeon to perform a routine shoulder arthroplasty with competence and care. The surgical team failed to do reasonable pre operative planning and have the correct instruments on hand to successfully replace the joint. As a result, he was left with permanent pain and limitations.  

Patients bringing a medical malpractice claim must follow strict procedural requirements, including the filing of a Preliminary Expert Opinion Affidavit under A.R.S. § 12-2603. This affidavit, prepared by a qualified medical expert, must affirm that the defendant health care provider breached the applicable standard of care and caused injury.

We met that burden. Working with top orthopedic experts, we showed that the surgical errors in this case were not a known risk of the procedure, but a clear deviation from the accepted standard of care. We successfully resolved the case, securing compensation for our the lasting impact this injury has had on his quality of life.

Surgical malpractice cases are highly technical and often strongly defended. But when a preventable error causes permanent harm, the law provides a path to justice—and I'm proud to help patients walk that path.

If you or a loved one has experienced a serious injury after orthopedic surgery in Arizona, and you suspect negligence may be involved, I encourage you to reach out. We can help you determine whether you have a viable claim and guide you through Arizona's legal process from start to finish