Sometimes not detected for months or years following an operation, surgical mistakes can cause serious injuries or wrongful death, and those whose negligence is responsible for playing a role in causing these mistakes and injuries can be held liable for their actions. Examples of surgical mistakes include (but are not limited to):
- failure to accurately assess a patient’s allergies, medication use, and/or medical history
- failure to adequately inform patients of the risks associated with certain procedures (particularly if it is likely that the procedure can have drawbacks or complications)
- failure to check patients’ vital signs while they are sedated
- failure to detect and promptly treat indications that the patient is under distress
- improper administration of anesthesia or other drugs
- leaving surgical instruments in patients
- performing the wrong procedure or performing the procedure on the wrong area of the body
Causes of Surgical Mistake
Mistakes can be made during surgery for a number of reasons, some of which include:
- dysfunctional or unsanitary medical equipment
- a hospital’s reckless policies
- inadequate staff at the hospital
- inattention, distraction, fatigue, or drug use of medical professionals
- lack of training and competency of medical professionals
Effects of Surgical Errors
When surgical errors are made, patients can be left to deal with a variety of injuries, including:
- amputation of a healthy limb
- blindness or vision loss
- brain damage
- nerve damage
- para or quadriplegia
- severe potentially incurable infections
- wrongful death
Lawsuits and Compensation for Surgical Mistakes
Those who have been injured by errors made during surgery (or those who have lost a family member due to a surgical mistake) are strongly encouraged to consult with a malpractice lawyer once their health is stable, so that they can learn more about their legal rights and entitlements. Victims may have compelling cases against any negligent doctor(s), nurse(s), and possibly the hospital itself, any may be able to secure compensation for their injuries, losses, pain, and suffering by following through with a malpractice lawsuit.
If you or a loved one believe you have been affected by an injury related to a surgical mistake or medical malpractice, you should contact Chaffin Luhana’s medical malpractice lawyers immediately for a free and confidential case review. Our surgical error attorneys are skilled litigators who not only have experience going up against corporate lawyers and insurance companies but who also are dedicated to helping victims assert their rights and secure the maximum possible settlement.
You may be entitled to financial compensation, and Chaffin Luhana may be able to help you recover. Call our toll free number today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation: 1-888-480-1123.
