Jabar Offers Insight on Medical Negligence, Informed Consent, and Patients’ Rights in Maine
A shocking surgical mistake in Maine has sparked public concern and renewed attention on patient safety. A woman who went in for laparoscopic surgery to treat an ovarian cyst is now suing Northern Light Health after most of her bladder was mistakenly removed. As the case gained media attention, Attorney Jason Jabar of Jabar LaLiberty, LLC was featured in a news segment by WMTW Channel 8, offering legal insight into the significance of informed consent and medical negligence.
“Just because a patient signs an informed consent, that doesn't give the medical provider a free pass to give substandard care,” Jabar said in the segment. “It's just a recognition that there are certain risks that are inherent with certain procedures.”
The case has left many in Maine asking the same question: how could something like this happen?
Understanding Surgical Errors and Medical Malpractice
Surgical errors are one of the most serious forms of medical malpractice. These mistakes go far beyond typical surgical risks and often involve avoidable, life-altering consequences. In this case, the lawsuit alleges that the surgeon failed to correctly identify anatomical structures during the procedure. As a result, most of the patient’s bladder was removed without her knowledge or consent.
These types of mistakes are not just medical issues; they are legal ones. When a surgeon fails to follow proper standards of care, and that failure causes significant harm, patients and their families have the right to pursue justice through a medical malpractice claim.
In Maine, proving malpractice requires evidence that a provider deviated from the accepted standard of care and that this failure caused injury. Surgical errors involving misidentified organs or tissues often meet this standard, especially when followed by serious complications.
Why Informed Consent Is Not an Excuse for Negligence
One of the key issues in the case is the concept of informed consent. According to the lawsuit, the patient was never told that her bladder could be at risk during the procedure. That absence of information matters. Informed consent is not a waiver of responsibility. It is a legal process that requires medical providers to clearly explain the risks, benefits, and alternatives to any procedure.
As Attorney Jabar noted, informed consent does not allow doctors to ignore safety protocols or perform procedures they weren’t authorized to do. Even if a patient agrees to surgery, they are agreeing to a procedure performed with reasonable care—not one marred by avoidable mistakes.
Protecting the Rights of Injured Patients in Maine
Medical malpractice can cause lifelong damage. From chronic pain to permanent disability, the fallout from surgical errors is often severe, and the path to justice can be difficult to navigate. Hospitals and insurance companies have resources and legal teams on their side. Victims need a strong advocate of their own.
Since 1979, Jabar LaLiberty, LLC, has fought for Mainers who have been injured by negligent medical care. With offices in Portland and Waterville, our law firm has recovered millions for victims and their families.
If you or a loved one has been seriously harmed by a surgical mistake or medical error, we are here to help you understand your rights and explore your potential legal options.
Contact Jabar LaLiberty, LLC to Speak With a Medical Malpractice Attorney
No one expects to suffer permanent harm from a routine procedure. But when doctors fail to follow the standards of care, and patients are left injured as a result, accountability matters.
Jabar LaLiberty, LLC is committed to helping injured Mainers hold hospitals and healthcare providers responsible for avoidable mistakes. Schedule a free consultation today to speak with a trusted Maine medical malpractice lawyer. Let us help you move forward.
"I had an amazing experience with Jason. He was a pleasure to work with and went above and beyond to help me out! Highly recommend Jason Jabar!" - Alexis C., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐