Undergoing a surgical procedure already comes with risks. Unfortunately, errors made by surgeons, doctors, anesthesiologists, and other medical providers can injure victims. Surgical mistakes caused by negligence can have devastating outcomes, including fatalities. If you’ve been injured due to a surgical error, you need a team of experienced attorneys on your side.
Surgical errors are unacceptable. You deserve medical care from competent medical providers who will not commit medical malpractice. By pursuing a medical malpractice claim, you can hold liable parties accountable for your injuries while recovering compensation for your damages.
Our team at LawMD is made of attorneys who are also doctors. We understand the medical field, and we know how to get you the outcome you deserve. To learn more about our DC surgical error lawyers, contact us today.
What Are Surgical Errors?
Surgical errors include any preventable mistakes that medical providers make during surgery. Medical providers can include nurses, doctors, anesthesiologists, and more. Surgical errors often happen because of a lack of communication, poor planning, lack of skill, or carelessness.
Even surgeries without surgical mistakes carry an inherent risk to the patient. When medical professionals make mistakes, the risk greatly increases for injury or even death.
If you’ve been harmed by a surgical error, you will need to prove that the medical professionals responsible did not meet the standard of care that is required of them. The standard of care is defined as the general level of care that any other healthcare professional with the same training would provide under similar circumstances. If you can prove that the care you received did not meet this standard, it is very likely that you can pursue a medical malpractice case.
Our medical malpractice attorneys will help you gather evidence and provide proof of medical negligence. We have successfully helped clients just like you in Washington DC recover compensation for their injuries. Medical errors are dangerous, and you deserve to seek justice.
What Are the Most Common Examples of Surgical Errors?
There are many kinds of surgical errors that can cause injuries. Unfortunately, errors during surgery can happen in a variety of ways.
The most common examples of surgical errors include:
Leaving Surgical Equipment Inside a Patient
Surgeons use many tools and equipment during surgery. Surgical instruments like sponges, gauze, instruments, and medical devices can be left inside a patient, causing infections and pain. Many victims require additional surgery to remove the foreign object.
Anesthesia Errors
Administering too much or too little anesthesia during surgery can cause complications like pain and neurological damage. Doctors must also ensure they have the patient’s full medical history and diet before administering anesthesia.
Nerve Injuries
Damage to the nerves can cause pain, loss of function, and paralysis. Nerves may be damaged during surgery, causing permanent complications.
Operating on the Wrong Body Part
Operating on the wrong body part can lead to additional surgeries to correct the mistake and operate on the right body part. In some cases, an operation in the wrong area can lead to delayed treatment.
Operating on the Wrong Patient
Different patients have different medical needs. Operating on the wrong patient, even if they receive the correct procedure, can lead to dangerous complications.
Unsanitary Environment
All equipment and objects used during surgery must be sterile. If victims are operated on in an unsanitary environment, it can lead to deadly infections.
Unnecessary Procedures
Receiving surgery that isn’t medically necessary can lead to unnecessary pain and suffering. Some doctors may order the surgery because they misread lab results or the patient’s chart.
Delaying Surgery
Delaying medically necessary surgery can lead to additional injuries or harm. If you suffered damages because of a delay, our medical malpractice lawyer could classify it as a surgical error.
What Are the Consequences of Surgical Errors?
Surgical errors can have both short-term and long-term consequences. Mistakes during surgery can be life-threatening; in fact, some victims pass away because of errors made by their surgeons.
The additional consequences of surgical errors include:
- Infections
- Scarring
- Increased medical expenses
- Additional surgeries
- Delays in necessary medical care
- Lost wages from time off work
- Permanent disabilities
If you have suffered harm because of a surgical error, you deserve to work with our team of medical malpractice lawyers. We can help you seek justice and recover compensation.
What Kind of Damages Can You Recover After a Surgical Error?
In medical malpractice cases, any losses you have suffered as a result of negligence are called damages. Our ultimate goal as your legal team is to recover compensation to pay for all of your damages.
Damages are typically classified as the following:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are any costs you have to pay for because of a surgical error. They also include any financial losses you suffered. In most cases, victims request compensation for the following:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Medical equipment, including wheelchairs and walkers
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages include any emotional damages you suffered because of medical malpractice. Medical mistakes can be devastating, and you can recover financial compensation for your mental well-being. Non-economic damages can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability
- Loss of companionship (for wrongful death cases)
How Can Our Surgical Error Attorneys Help You?
Medical malpractice claims can be complex. Proving negligence is essential, especially in surgical malpractice cases. Fortunately, our attorneys have experience in the medical field, so we know how to get the evidence you need to back up your claim.
When you work with our team, we’ll do the following:
Investigate Your Case
We’ll look into the details of your surgical error to identify all liable parties. We can do this using medical records and testimonies from medical professionals.
Gather Evidence
Evidence like medical records and witness testimonies are essential in a medical malpractice claim. We’ll gather evidence on your behalf.
Negotiate for Compensation
In some cases, the best way to recover compensation is by negotiating with liable parties. Many hospitals have teams of lawyers on retainer, so we’ll use our experience to negotiate for the maximum settlement.
Are You a Victim of Surgical Error?
Errors during surgery can lead to serious injury. If you have suffered at the hands of a negligent medical professional, you deserve compensation. A surgical error lawyer on our team is here to advocate for you and protect your rights throughout your legal case.
The legal team at LawMD is made up of legal professionals with experience in the medical field. We are confident that we can get you the best possible outcome in your medical malpractice claim. For more information, contact our law office today.