Surgical Errors
Fort Wayne and all of Indiana
Surgeons undergo years of rigorous training in order to meet the high stress demands of their profession. Unfortunately, surgical errors still occur, whether during pre-planned surgeries or in emergency rooms and result in nearly 100,000 fatalities every year. Countless others suffer lifelong injuries due to surgical medical malpractice.
All medical professionals must adhere to a standard in keeping with that of their peers. Appropriate judgment must be used in all medical settings, including pre-surgery consultations, in the operating room itself and when administering post-surgery information.
Common Surgical Errors
A pre-planned surgery, or elective surgery, is scheduled well in advance, permitting the surgeon ample time to be well rested. Over-worked, under-rested surgeons in emergency rooms however, are required to perform urgent surgeries, which increases the likelihood of error.
Regardless of the surgery category, surgical errors occur and can include:
- Performing surgery with unsanitary surgical utensils
- Puncturing an organ
- Accidentally leaving surgical utensils inside a patient
- Making the wrong incision
- Performing surgery on the wrong site
Most Dangerous Surgeries
All surgeries carry certain risks. Anytime you are under anesthetic, you are risking future complications and putting your health at risk. In elective surgeries, it is essential that your surgeon discuss the risks associated with your particular surgery.
While all surgeries are inherently dangerous, the following surgeries have a higher risk of complications due to surgical error:
- Child birth
- Cosmetic surgery
- Cardiothoracic
- Thoracic
- Gastric bypass
If you require surgery, fear of surgical medical malpractice should not deter you from obtaining the treatment you need, as the majority of surgeries do not result in personal injury.
Compensation for Surgical Errors
In the event that a surgeon’s mistake or poor judgment caused you or a loved one personal injury, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, including:
- Medical expenses
- Loss of earnings
- Diminished earning potential
- Loss of companionship and funeral expenses, if the surgical error caused a wrongful death
- Mental and physical suffering
Surgical medical negligence cases are incredibly complicated due to statute of limitations, and physicians unwilling to testify against their peers. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a surgical error, please contact our medical malpractice office online today or call us at 800-628-2904. Make your first call your only call.
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