9 of The Most Common Surgical Errors

Surgical errors are a tragic occurrence in the medical world. They can happen for several reasons, from human error to faulty equipment. Whatever the cause, these errors can have devastating consequences for patients, and you should contact a medical malpractice attorney.

Let's look at some of the most common surgical mistakes and what legal actions you can take if you become a victim.

Ask a medical malpractice attorney what 9 of the most common surgical errors are

Wrong-site surgery

This is perhaps the most common type of surgical error. It occurs when the surgeon operates on the wrong body part or site. This can happen due to a miscommunication between the surgeon and the rest of the medical team. It can also occur if the surgeon makes a mistake. Wrong-site surgery is usually treated as a medical malpractice case.

Operating on the wrong patient

This type of error is similar to wrong-site surgery. It occurs when the surgeon operates on the wrong patient. This can happen due to a mix-up of medical records. It can also occur if the surgeon does not verify the identity of the patient before beginning surgery. Operating on the wrong patient is also usually treated as a malpractice case.

Improper technique

This type of error can occur when the surgeon does not have the proper training or experience to perform a certain surgery. It can also happen if the surgeon is tired or distracted during surgery. Improper technique can lead to serious injuries for patients.

Unnecessary surgeries

Sometimes surgeons will operate on patients even though the surgery is not necessary. This can be due to some factors, including greed or negligence. Unnecessary surgeries can lead to serious patient complications and often result in lawsuits.

Anaesthesia mistakes

Anaesthesia errors are one of the most dangerous types of surgical mistakes. They can occur when the anaesthesia is not properly administered. This can happen if the anaesthesia is not properly matched to the patient's needs. It can also happen if the anaesthesia is given in too high a dose.

Instrument or foreign object left in a patient

This type of error occurs when the surgeon leaves an instrument or object in the patient's body after surgery. This can happen if the surgeon is distracted or rushing. It can also happen if the surgical team does not do a proper count of instruments before and after surgery. Leaving an object in a patient's body can be extremely dangerous and often leads to lawsuits.

Post-operative mistakes

These mistakes can occur after the surgery is completed. They can include wrong medications, incorrect dosage of medications, and failure to monitor the patient properly. Post-operative mistakes can be dangerous and often lead to further complications for patients.

Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis can occur before, during, or after surgery. It can lead to the surgeon performing surgery on the wrong part of the body or operating on a patient who does not have cancer or another medical condition. Misdiagnosis is a common cause of surgical errors and often leads to lawsuits.

Birth injuries

Birth injuries can occur during labour and delivery. They can be caused by many things, including negligence on the part of the medical staff. Birth injuries can be extremely serious and can often lead to lifelong complications for the child. If you or your child has been injured due to a surgical error, it is important to contact an attorney.

What to do if you're a victim of surgical error or malpractice

Seek medical attention

If you have been injured as a result of a surgical error, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Do not try to treat the injury yourself. You may need further surgery to correct the problem.

Keep all medical records and documentation

Additionally, it is important to keep all of your medical records and documentation. This will be important if you decide to file a lawsuit. It is also important to keep any documentation from the hospital or surgery centre. This will include surgical reports, anaesthesia records, and patient charts.

Contact an attorney

If a loved one has been injured due to a surgical error, it is important to contact a surgical error lawyer right away. An experienced attorney will be able to review your case and help you determine if you have a claim.

Contact the medical board

If you believe that your surgeon was negligent, you may want to contact the medical board. The medical board can investigate the doctor and take disciplinary action if necessary. This can help ensure that the problem is corrected and that it doesn't happen to others.

Conclusion

Surgical errors are serious and can often lead to life-threatening injuries. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a surgical error, it is important to contact an attorney right away. An experienced attorney can help you determine if you have a claim and can help you get the compensation that you deserve.

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