Natal hospital and doctor ordered to pay damages for surgical burn

A civil court in Natal, Brazil, has ordered a surgeon and a private hospital to pay R$ 20,000 in compensation to a patient who suffered a third-degree burn during a surgical procedure in 2016.

The patient was undergoing surgery to remove a cyst near the coccyx when an electric scalpel caused a deep burn on his right forearm. The injury left a permanent scar and resulted in ongoing pain, swelling, and redness. The patient testified that the injury impacted his quality of life, causing him to abandon sports like volleyball and leading to bullying in academic environments.

The 1st Civil Court of the Comarca of Natal ruled that the defendants are jointly liable for the damages. The compensation is divided into R$ 15,000 for aesthetic damages and R$ 5,000 for moral damages. While the defense argued that safety protocols were followed and that the medical records did not note any complications, the court upheld the claim for damages.