Wrong-site surgeries can happen for a few reasons, but these incidents often occur because a medical provider violated their duty of care to a patient. Instances of wrong-site surgery malpractice in Hartford can happen because of actions by doctors as well as nurses or other medical staff at any stage of an operation.
You may be able to hold the hospital as well as any negligent individuals involved legally responsible for your injuries and monetary damages incurred from a wrong-site surgery. An experienced malpractice attorney at Berkowitz Hanna can help you evaluate your legal options.
Wrong-site surgery occurs when a physician operates on the wrong side, limb, or organ. Hospitals have extensive and rigorous protocols in place to ensure that wrong site surgery does not happen, including vital steps involving all members of the medical team that must occur before, during, and post-operation. This means that when wrong-site surgery in Hartford occurs, it is more likely than not the result of medical malpractice.
Causes of wrong-site surgery include, but are not limited to:
Wrong-site errors can occur with any procedure. However, these issues are often reported in spinal surgeries, neurosurgery, muscle and tendon surgery, urologic surgeries, and gynecological surgeries.
Wrong-site surgery victims may be left facing lasting complications, including the need for additional corrective surgery, which can lead to longer recovery periods, pain, and suffering. Patients who are impacted by wrong-site surgeries may also experience disability, disfigurement, dangerous infections, and worsening of the original condition.
Surgeons, nurses, medical staff, hospitals, and healthcare facilities may all be held legally liable in a Hartford wrong-site surgery malpractice claim. To establish medical malpractice, the patient must show that the at-fault party owed them a professional duty of care, violated this duty, that this violation caused the injury, and that the injury led to damages.
An attorney can examine the circumstances that led to a wrong site injury, including combing through medical records, reconstructing the events, and consulting with medical experts. Often, the hospital can be held vicariously liable for the actions of the surgeon or other healthcare worker it employs whose actions resulted in a wrong-site surgery.
Victims of wrong-site surgery may require extensive ongoing medical care, imposing a serious financial burden over time. A wrong site surgery claim for compensation could enable recovery of the value of a wide range of damages, including past and future medical costs, lost wages, disfigurement, scarring, and psychological trauma.
Medical professionals are required to take numerous precautionary measures to avoid wrong-site surgery malpractice in Hartford. From conducting checks and verifications before the surgery, making careful records, confirming the patient’s identity, and marking the surgical site before starting the procedure, wrong site surgeries are almost always avoidable if the healthcare provider does their job correctly.
An attorney can help you understand whether you are eligible to file a malpractice claim and work to secure the compensation you need and deserve. To schedule your free consultation with an experienced member of our legal team, give us a call today.
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