What are the Most Common Surgical Errors?
July 24, 2024 in Blog, Medical Malpractice
What are the Most Common Surgical Errors?
Surgical procedures are typically undergone to improve a patients’ health and, in many cases, save lives. However, all medical procedures come with risk. While some complications are unavoidable, others are the direct result of negligence by healthcare professionals.
Below, the experienced malpractice lawyers at Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo explain the most common surgical errors and why it’s important to consult a NYC medical malpractice lawyer if you believe you are a victim of such errors.
What is a Surgical Error?
Surgical errors refer to mistakes that occur during surgery that could have been prevented. These errors can have severe consequences, leading to additional medical issues, prolonged recovery periods, or even wrongful death. The role of medical malpractice lawyers in NYC and beyond is to investigate these incidents and hold responsible parties accountable.
Common Types of Surgical Errors
Some of the most common types of surgical errors include:
- Wrong-Site Surgery
One of the most alarming surgical errors is wrong-site surgery, where a procedure is performed on the wrong part of the body. For example, a surgeon may operate on the left knee instead of the right. Despite protocols like marking the surgical site, these errors still occur. Wrong-site surgeries are clear grounds for seeking the help of a NYC medical malpractice lawyer.
- Surgical Instruments Left Inside the Body
Another common error involves surgical instruments or accessories being left inside of a patient’s body. These items can cause infections, severe pain, and require additional surgeries to remove. If you or a loved one has experienced such negligence, an experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you file a claim to seek compensation for the undue harm caused.
- Anesthesia Errors
Administering anesthesia is a critical part of many surgeries. These errors can range from administering too much or too little anesthesia to failing to monitor the patient’s vital signs adequately before, during, and after surgery. Such errors can lead to severe consequences, including brain damage or death.
- Nerve Damage
Nerve damage during surgery can result from a surgeon’s improper handling of surgical instruments. This can lead to loss of function or chronic pain. Nerve damage is often preventable, and if you have suffered from it a NYC medical malpractice lawyer can assist in holding the negligent party accountable.
- Infections
Post-surgical infections are a significant risk. While not all infections are due to negligence, some result from unsanitary surgical environments or improper post-operative care that deviates from the standard of care expected following surgery. If an infection can be traced back to negligence, a NYC medical malpractice lawyer can help you pursue a claim.
- Failure to Monitor
In many cases, post-operative care can be as critical to a successful surgery as the surgery itself. Failing to monitor a patient’s condition after surgery can lead to severe complications, including conditions like sepsis, internal bleeding, or respiratory issues.
- Incorrect Incisions
Making an incorrect incision during surgery can lead to unnecessary damage to organs or tissues. This type of error often necessitates additional surgeries and can significantly impact a patient’s recovery.
The Importance of Legal Representation
If you or a loved one has experienced a surgical error, seeking competent legal representation can provide the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of a medical malpractice case. Not only can medical malpractice lawyers explain your rights and the legal process involved in filing a claim but they also have the resources and knowledge to gather necessary medical records, expert testimonies, and other evidence crucial to your case. Lastly, many medical malpractice cases are settled out of court. A good medical malpractice attorney is a skilled negotiator who can help you secure a fair settlement without the stress of a trial.
Surgical errors can have devastating effects on patients and their families. If you believe you are a victim of a surgical error, reach out to our team of medical malpractice attorneys today to discuss your case and explore your options.
Contact an Experienced NYC Medical Malpractice Lawyer at SPBMCC Today
Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. is a reputable, full-service personal injury law firm specializing in various areas. Our dedicated litigation support teams are committed to vigorously representing clients in personal injury cases, 9/11-related illnesses, firefighter accidents, car accidents, construction accidents, premises liability, and medical malpractice across New York City, Long Island, Nassau, Suffolk counties, and New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more about our firm or schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.