We put our trust and faith in doctors and surgeons to treat and care for us to the best of their ability, but unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. In our most vulnerable moments, like in surgery, errors happen. Common surgical errors can lead to extended pain and suffering, and even death. If you or a loved one have been impacted by surgical malpractice or a surgical procedure went wrong, you are entitled to compensation.
Medical malpractice in the United States accounts for approximately 251,000 deaths annually, and numbers are even higher related to surgical complications. Malpractice related deaths are now ranked as the third leading cause of death. Less than 10% of medical errors are reported despite the United States holding a significant rank for medical malpractice related deaths and complications when compared to other developed countries including Canada, New Zealand, Australia, The United Kingdom, and Germany.
What is medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice is a legal term for a cause of action occurring due to medical error by a medical professional, surgeon, or other hospital staff. When a professional deviates from the standard of care within their specialty causing injury or death, a medical malpractice lawsuit is possible. Malpractice is also associated with improper diagnosis, failure to treat a disease or illness, or errors in post-surgery or post-medical care.
If you or a loved one has experienced medical errors or wishes to file a claim against a surgeon for a malpractice case, contact a qualified lawyer immediately. There are important steps and advocation that will significantly improve your settlement when a medical malpractice professional is representing you.
When you or a loved one is suffering from permanent, irreparable harm there are many factors at play to incorporate into a settlement. Malpractice lawsuits serve as a check and balance system for medical professionals in Arizona and throughout the United States. Patient advocacy serves as an opportunity for medical professionals and hospitals to investigate their own training protocols, procedures, and surgeon qualifications to best serve the quality of care offered to patients who are sick, injured, and in need of the best possible care.
What are the most common surgical errors?
There are several types of surgical errors that are seen most often:
1. Anesthesia errors
Anesthesia errors can be fatal to the patient. Excessive anesthesia starves the brain of oxygen and can result in brain damage and death.
2. Leaving a foreign object in a patient
Simple and complicated procedures require many different surgical tools, gauze, sponges, and pads. Most procedures are performed by multiple healthcare professionals including a surgeon, nurse, or surgical technician. During the procedure tools and other items can be left inside a patient during surgery. This can cause infection or longstanding health-related issues that may feel more like a mystery to the patient.
This serious error may result in a second or third surgery, creating more pain and suffering for the patient.
3. Incorrect procedure
We expect a surgeon to perform the surgery agreed upon by a patient or medical team. Unfortunately, doctors and surgeons perform the wrong surgery on occasion. This causes issues with healing the original medical issue as well as causing additional damage to the patient for repeated procedures following the incorrect procedure.
4. Sustained nerve damage
If a scalpel slips or surgery is performed causing damage to surrounding nerves and tissues, you may have a case for medical malpractice. Severe nerve damage and paralysis may be an indication of a surgical error
5. Surgery on the wrong body part
Unfortunately, surgeons still make egregious errors and amputate or operate on the wrong limb or organ. These cases are devastating for the patient and can result in a surgical error claim.
Contact Snyder & Wenner with your case
With over 90 years of combined experience and nationally recognized verdicts, our team of attorneys will advocate for your medical malpractice case by investigating the details, interviewing healthcare professionals, and exploring all options to give you the compensation you deserve. We fight for your rights and advocate for you to win your case. Contact us today for a free consultation.
