Each time a patient consents to undergo surgery, they are placing their life in the hands of a surgeon. Patients rely on the experience, skills, and expertise of the surgical team to believe that nothing will go wrong. Unfortunately, thousands of Americans suffer the consequences of medical negligence, which also includes surgical errors. If you or your loved one have been a victim of medical negligence, you may want to consult a surgical error attorney. Here are some essential facts that need your attention.
Examples of surgical errors
There are inherent risks to any surgery, and surgeons and doctors are expected to explain these risks to the patient in detail. It is also imperative that you understand that doctors are not magicians, and just because the outcome wasn’t what you expected, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a case of medical malpractice. However, if the surgeon or team members violated the standard of care during the surgery, you may have a valid claim. Examples of surgical errors include leaving surgical instruments or other objects inside the patient, causing damage to nearby nerves or muscles, amputating the wrong body part, and anesthesia errors.
Consequences of surgical errors
Depending on what went wrong, a patient may have to endure severe consequences of a surgical error. The list includes long-term nerve, bone, or ligament damage, unnecessary loss of an organ/body part, brain injury, sepsis or infection, and paralysis. Patients have even died of such errors, which are often related to inattention, lack of experience, staffing issues, and general negligence.
Who is liable for your losses?
Each case of medical malpractice is unique, which is why you should consult an experienced injury lawyer to know the scope of your claim. In most cases, surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other attending medical professionals are liable for surgical errors. Your lawyer will complete an investigation to determine who is at fault and the damages you can recover.
Choosing a medical malpractice lawyer
Time is critical for filing medical malpractice lawsuits, and without an attorney, you may miss evidence and details that can strengthen your case. Find an attorney who has handled medical malpractice, especially surgery error lawsuits, in the past and is available. You don’t need to pay the lawyer until you win, and the first consultation doesn’t cost anything. Ask the lawyer for an assessment and ensure that they have trial experience so that you can go to the required extent to win the medical malpractice case.
