I visited a Kaiser Permanente Ear, Nose, Throat specialist on Wednesday with what felt like a blockage in left ear. Upon meeting the Doctor, he proceeded to remove two pieces of ear wax that were lodged in my main ear canal. Following the removal of he wax he indicated that my ear drum appeared to be healthy, but that there was some dry skin surrounding the area. As he attempted to remove this skin, he uttered the word "Ooops" at which point I replied, "Oops?" while clinching my fists in pain. He quickly indicated that the dry skin he had removed had managed to break the thin layer of skin around the ear drum similar to what a scab might do if you had scratched it. At this point I was experiencing a moderate level of pain as my ear canal began to fill with blood. He continued to watch my ear canal for approximately 30 seconds before stating that he was going to attempt to stop the bleeding. As he pushed his device into the canal and touched my ear drum, I experienced another shooting pain which caused my fists to clinch yet again. He apologized at this point and said that the bleeding would likely stop soon and that I would be ok.
It's now three days later and after nearly 2-3 hours of bleeding on Wednesday afternoon, the entire left side of my head is very sore. Additionally, I'm experiencing sharp stabbing pains inside my ear that consistently occur every 5-8 minutes.
My question to anyone here is whether or not I should return to Kaiser (obviously a different doctor) or seek medical advice from a doctor who is not affiliated with the HMO in the event that there was negligence involved. I appreciate the help...thank you.
Michael B
I would first go to the emergency room and have them look it over and explain what has happen. Then once they are able to help you then on Monday contact an attorney and tell them what has happen.
EMPac99
In most states there are 2 components to malpractice, negligence and damage. While you have some grounds for damage, you may have trouble getting someone to stand up and say he was negligent in doing what he did. I have no opinion either way, but I think you'd be best off to write a complaint to the Kaiser facility Medical Director, and seeing someone else, within Kaiser or not. I don't think there's much of a settlement for you in this case, but I'm no attorney, so what do I know?
julius
Bottom line short of the pain, is there permenant damge and will it cost anything to fix what's broken? If not I doubt a lawyer will take the case as very little money will be involved.
In addition, its difficult to sue Kaiser.
Orignal From: Should I consult a medical malpractice lawyer?
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