Surgical Errors
Having to undergo surgery can be frightening, but a surgical error can change a patient forever.
Most people know that before a surgical procedure is undertaken, the patient is typically informed about the risks of the procedure. While almost every surgery carries risks, such as an anesthesia reaction, infection, or healing complications, a risk of the procedure does not include having to anticipate surgical errors.
Unfortunately, surgical errors are not as rare as we are led to believe. Thousands of people are injured and die every year due to the complications of surgical errors related to medical negligence, and these injuries can cause some of the most devastating of all medical consequences.
Do We Have Experience Handling Surgical Error Cases?
Yes. Medical malpractice is a terrible thing, and surgical errors can be devastating. Because our firm has taken many of these types of cases to trial, our attorneys have gained a working knowledge of the medical facts and complex issues involved. This background enables them to be better prepared to take on the hospital and insurance company experts opposing them at trial. Additionally, our firm has developed our own network of doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals with whom we work closely on these matters. We are extremely comprehensive in every aspect of our preparation and completely dedicated to achieving successful results that will make a real difference in the lives of our clients.
Common Types of Surgical Errors
Lack Of Proper Pre-Operative Planning
Before any surgery is undertaken, it is considered a surgical error if the doctor does not fully consider his patient (i.e., why the surgery is needed and if the surgery should be done in the first place). Examples include the doctor’s failure to fully investigate or understand the patient’s medical history, the patient’s ability to undergo the operation, and whether it is in the best interests of the patient to have the surgery. Proper planning can help stop future problems after surgery.
Surgical Errors During the Operation
The majority of surgical errors occur at this point; that is during the procedure. Examples include making incorrect incisions, damaging nearby organs or causing nerve damage. Other examples include prolonged surgeries due to unanticipated complications which can lead to anesthesia complications, brain damage, cardiovascular problems and death. The most obvious surgical errors are when a doctor operates on the wrong part of the body or leaves a sponge or other type of medical instrument in a patient, causing post-operative damage, pain and further unnecessary surgeries.
Post-Operative Injuries
Surgical errors also include those injuries that occur post-operatively, because many times it is an error during the surgery that causes post-operative complications. This includes infections, delayed healing, or the need for other, unanticipated further surgeries.