AboutPaul D. Friedman, M.A., Ph.D., J.D. Expertise I have been a practicing civil trial attorney since 1989 dealing primarily with malpractice issues. I litigate very select medical malpractice cases on behalf of patients or their families. I am a Certified Civil Trial Specialist by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. I am also Certified in Injury and Wrongful Death by the Arizona State Bar Board of Legal Specialization.
In addition to my law degree, I received a Master of Arts in Bioethics and a Doctorate of Philosophy involving Medical Ethics. Because I am also an Adjunct Professor in Research and Medical Ethics at a medical school, I routinely consult with physicians and hospitals regarding medical ethics issues in an effort to improve patient care.
I can answer questions dealing with medical ethics principles. I can also respond to questions regarding potential malpractice issues.
Experience Experience in the area I have been a practicing trial attorney since 1989 and I have a masters degree in bioethics and a doctorate of philosophy regarding comparative ethics.
Organizations State Bar of Arizona
State Bar of Colorado (inactive)
District of Columbia Bar (inactive)
Federal Bar
Licensed in Arizona District Court
Licensed in Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
licensed in the United States Supreme Court American Bar Association National Board of Trial Advocacy American Association for Justice Arizona Trial Lawyers Association American Society for Bioethics and Humanities Kennedy Institute of Ethics National Association of Realtors
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Arts 1985
Juris Doctorate 1989
Master of Arts in Bioethics 2004 Doctorate of Philosophy 2006
Awards and Honors Phi Beta Kappa
Multiple Who's Who
Publications A list of my copyrighted publications and presentations is contained at WWW.EXPERTETHICS.COM
Question My wife had 2 step surgery done 3 days ago where her chin implant was removed and then sliding genioplasty performed. There was a complication during the surgery- the surgeon accidentaly cut one of the mental nerves (on the right site). He said that he has not expected the nerve to be positioned in that area. He also said that has repaired the damage by sewing the nerve endings back together and he is unsure of the outcome, he is not excluding permanent nerve damage. My wife has no sensation in the right area of her chin so far. Is this a case for medical malpractice? What can be done?
Answer Kevin,
I am not a surgeon but the facts alone do not sound like malpractice. The physician knew that he cut the nerve and tried to remedy the situation. This is a known complication of the surgery.
It really depends on how the surgery was performed and you need to speak to another surgeon. You should also bring the second opinion a copy of the surgical report.
I also suggest you speak to a malpractice attorney in your area since different attorneys, like doctors, have different opinions.
I hope your wife has a full recovery. It sounds like it will take time for the nerve to regenerate and I hope it does.
