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Explant Surgery Nerve Damage in Cali: My Rights As A Foreign Patient

Imagine you are lying awake at 2 a.m., scrolling through your phone, feeling a mix of fear and confusion. You came to beautiful Cali, Colombia, for what was supposed to be a simple explant surgery, but now you find yourself suffering from nerve damage. Your body feels foreign, and the pain keeps you awake at night. You are not alone in this experience, and it’s important to know that you have rights as a foreign patient. Your husband or partner is ready to support you, but you may not know where to begin. Let’s talk about what happened and how you can seek justice.

What Just Happened to You Is Not Your Fault

First, let’s acknowledge that what happened during your explant surgery is not your fault. Many women travel to Colombia for similar procedures, hoping for a fresh start, only to return home with complications like nerve damage. It’s a distressing reality, but you should know that you are part of a larger group of women who have faced similar challenges. You deserve understanding and support as you navigate this difficult situation.

Is This Medical Malpractice in Colombia?

You might be wondering if what you experienced constitutes medical malpractice under Colombian law. While every case is unique, nerve damage after explant surgery could potentially meet the criteria for malpractice. In Colombia, the standard of care that a medical professional is expected to uphold is known as «lex artis.» If your surgeon did not follow this standard and it resulted in your injury, you may have a valid claim for compensation. It’s crucial to consult with a medical malpractice lawyer in Colombia to explore your options.

Why Colombia Is Different From the US or Canada

Navigating a legal claim in Colombia can differ significantly from how it works in the United States or Canada. For example, Colombia does not operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you might need to pay upfront for legal services. Additionally, the legal process can take three to four years, which can feel daunting. However, it’s important to remember that justice is indeed possible. Many doctors in Colombia rely on the assumption that foreign patients will give up and return home, but you have the strength to fight back. Don’t let fear dictate your path to recovery.

What You Should Do Right Now

In this moment of uncertainty, here are five steps you can take to protect your rights and begin your journey toward justice:

• Gather all your medical records related to the explant surgery, including doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment plans.
• Take photographs of any visible symptoms or any other evidence related to your nerve damage.
• Avoid signing any documents or waivers that may limit your rights without consulting a legal professional first.
• Reach out to a medical malpractice lawyer in Colombia who has experience handling cases like yours.
• Don’t wait too long to take action; you typically have a three-year statute of limitations to file a claim in Colombia.

How Much Compensation Can You Recover?

When it comes to compensation, you may be eligible for various types of damages, including:

• Physical damages related to your pain and suffering
• Psychological harm resulting from your experience
• Costs for any corrective surgeries needed to address the nerve damage
• Loss of income if you are unable to work due to your condition
• Moral damages, which acknowledge the emotional distress caused by your situation

Cases that reach the Colombian Supreme Court can sometimes exceed USD 500,000, highlighting the potential for significant compensation.

Talk to Someone Who Understands — Free Case Review

You don’t have to figure this out alone. At Nisimblat Law, we specialize in representing American and Canadian patients facing the aftermath of medical procedures in Colombia. We offer a free initial case review to discuss your situation. With over 27 years of experience, our team is here to help you navigate this process in English, ensuring you feel supported every step of the way. Please reach out to us at +57 310 485 4137, and let’s take the next steps together.