Medical Malpractice Issues Surgical Errors

There are inherent risks with any surgical procedure, from a routine, outpatient surgery, to emergency trauma procedures. Unfortunately, medical negligence and malpractice places patients at unnecessary risk for such dangers as surgical errors.

Every year, thousands of individuals are injured because of a mistake during surgery. When this preventable type of medical negligence occurs it can lead to devastating or even life-threatening injuries. When a mistake during surgery results in injury or death, a medical malpractice attorney may be able to help the victim or their family to seek legal recourse.

Common Types of Surgery Mistakes

Listed below are some of the common types of surgery mistakes that can happen:

anesthesia errors;

performing surgery on the wrong site or side;

using unsterile equipment;

perforating or puncturing an organ nearby;

nerve damage;

leaving sponges or surgical tools inside a patient;

performing surgery on the wrong patient;

failure to treat a surgical complication;

surgery is delayed; and/or

unnecessary surgery (because of misdiagnosis).

Common Causes of a Mistake during Surgery

The most common cause of a mistake during surgery is a lack of communication among the staff, particularly if there is more than one surgeon involved in the patient's surgery.

Additionally, when a medical team is overworked, understaffed and fatigued they are at an increased risk of making a mistake during surgery. If the surgeon is inexperienced or poorly trained this can also be a cause for making a surgical error.

When a patient's past medical history is not taken into account or previous negative reactions to anesthesia are not taken into consideration, this can lead to a surgical error. If a patient is not properly monitored, it can lead to surgery mistakes.

Effects of a Surgical Error

No matter what type of surgical error has occurred or what the cause of a mistake during surgery, these can lead to serious injuries such as infection, septic shock or other life-threatening complications.

When a healthcare provider demonstrates medical negligence, they can be held liable for their actions. Individuals who have experienced such a devastating type of mistake may be entitled to seek compensation for their injuries. Compensation may include not only hospital and medical expenses but lost income and pain and suffering.

If you have been the victim of a mistake during surgery, consult with an experienced and knowledgeable medical malpractice attorney who understands cases involving surgical errors. Your medical malpractice attorney can investigate the circumstances of your case to help you determine if negligence played a role in your injuries.


Copyright (c) 2010 Barry D

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