When you have a surgery performed, you assume that the risk of error is rather low; after all, surgeons are one of the most well-trained classes of physicians. And, you assume that because they are operating on a human body, they would do so with the utmost care. Unfortunately, surgical errors happen – and quite frequently in the United States. While some types of surgical errors are less common, there are some that are seen quite frequently.
If you have suffered from a surgical error, you may be entitled to compensation under the law. You will need to speak with a medical malpractice attorney right away to determine if the error was a matter of negligence.
What are the Most Common Surgical Errors?
While they are rare, they do happen. Some of these errors will even surprise you – making you wonder how they could possibly even occur. Sadly, most of these errors are preventable and, sometimes, it is just a matter of inadequate staffing, poor record-keeping, or even overworked and extremely tired surgeons.
Some of the most common surgical errors seen in the United States include:
- Foreign Objects – Surgery involves a lot of tools and equipment. Surgeons may accidentally leave this equipment inside the patient’s body cavity. In most cases, these are removed. However, it is not uncommon for patients to find that they have surgical equipment left inside them – including pads, gauze, scalpels, and even clamps. These can lead to extreme pain, life-threatening infections, or internal bleeding – and could result in death.
- Wrong Patient Surgeries – Sadly, a miscommunication between surgical staff could result in a patient receiving the wrong surgery – and this mix-up could lead to a removal of healthy organs or a death as the result of a complication from that surgery.
- Wrong Side Surgery – This is a very common surgical error that is easily prevented. It can include operating on the wrong arm, removing the wrong kidney, or even having the wrong leg amputated.
- Anesthesia Errors – Anesthesia is often used to help patients relax or stay asleep during dangerous surgical procedures. While safe, there are instances where anesthesia can be administered too little or too much – and lead to breathing complications, brain damage, or even heart failure. If a patient is allergic and given anesthetic which they are allergic to, they could suffer a fatal reaction.
- Nerve Damage – A surgeon could accidentally cause a more serious problem. All it takes is a simple slip of the scalpel to create a damaged nerve – which could lead to permanent damage or even death.
Suing for Medical Errors During Operations
While surgeries have their risks, errors are preventable; therefore, they are not acceptable. If you were injured due to a surgical error or you have lost a loved one due to a preventable medical error, contact a medical malpractice attorney right away. Contact Berkowitz and Hanna LLC today to schedule a no-obligation case evaluation. Call 866-479-7909 or contact us online to get started.
