Patients trust their surgeons to perform procedures safely and competently. However, when errors occur, the impact can be far-reaching, leading to costly medical treatments and, in some cases, permanent damage.
Medical malpractice claims related to surgical errors are often complicated, but they are critical for ensuring accountability in the healthcare system. If you or a loved one has experienced a surgical error, it’s important to understand potential mistakes and seek professional advice to explore your legal options.
Incorrect Site Surgery
One of the most alarming types of surgical errors is performing surgery on the wrong site. This can include operating on the wrong side of the body, the wrong organ, or the wrong patient. It can result from a failure in preoperative verification processes, such as mislabeling medical charts or failing to mark the correct surgical site. A simple mistake, like a nurse or surgeon overlooking a critical detail, can lead to unnecessary procedures, additional surgeries, or even permanent injury.
For example, a surgeon may mistakenly perform a knee surgery on the wrong leg, causing unnecessary pain and requiring further corrective procedures. The consequences of such errors can be severe, especially if the wrong organ or body part is operated on, requiring urgent medical intervention to prevent additional harm.
Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia errors can be life-threatening, and they often occur due to improper administration or monitoring. A common error is the administration of too much anesthesia, which can lead to respiratory failure, brain injury, or even death. On the other hand, not providing enough anesthesia can cause a patient to wake up during surgery, experiencing excruciating pain without the ability to communicate.
Anesthesia-related mistakes can occur when the anesthesiologist fails to assess the patient’s medical history properly or does not account for specific medications or allergies. In some cases, equipment malfunctions may also contribute to these types of errors. The risks associated with anesthesia require careful attention and precise management, and mistakes can lead to devastating consequences.
Surgical Instrument Errors
Surgical instruments must be handled with precision, and the results can be disastrous when mistakes occur. Retained surgical instruments—such as sponges, clamps, or scissors—left inside the body after surgery are a common form of surgical error. These errors can lead to infections, internal bleeding, or damage to organs, requiring additional surgeries to remove the foreign objects.
A lack of proper counting and documentation during the surgical procedure can cause such errors. When medical staff fail to properly track the number of instruments used, items may be left inside the patient’s body. This type of mistake is preventable through better communication and adherence to standard safety protocols, but unfortunately, it still happens too often.
Nerve Damage
Surgical procedures can sometimes lead to unintentional nerve damage, which can cause lasting complications. Nerves may be accidentally cut, stretched, or pinched during surgery, leading to issues like numbness, weakness, or even paralysis in the affected area. Nerve damage can occur in any surgery, but it is more common in complex procedures or those involving the spine, brain, or peripheral nerves.
In some cases, nerve damage can be corrected with further surgery, but in other instances, the damage may be permanent. If a surgeon fails to take the proper precautions or lacks sufficient skill in performing a delicate procedure, it can result in serious, long-term consequences for the patient.
Infections Due to Surgical Errors
Post-surgical infections are a common complication but can also be the result of surgical errors. Infections often occur when a surgical site is not properly sterilized, or if the surgeon or medical team does not follow proper infection control protocols. Contamination during surgery can introduce bacteria or other pathogens into the body, leading to painful and sometimes life-threatening infections.
Infections can delay recovery, require additional treatments, and sometimes lead to permanent complications. Proper wound care, sterilization, and hygiene are essential to preventing infections. Failure to follow these measures may be grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
Contact Us Today for Legal Assistance
Suffering from a surgical error can leave you overwhelmed with medical bills, emotional distress, and uncertainty about your future. You don’t have to face this challenging time alone. An experienced medical malpractice attorney like ours at Michael J. Doyle, Attorney At Law can help you understand your legal options, gather evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Learn more about how we can help you with your claim by contacting us today.