No one wants to have surgery but sometimes, it is a necessary treatment that allows a person to recover from an injury or disease. Unfortunately, surgery does not always go as planned. Just like with anything else in life, surgical mistakes sometimes happen and when they do, patients suffer greater harm as a result. Surgical mistakes are more common than people think and when you are hurt by this type of medical malpractice, it is critical that you know what to do.
Types of Surgical Errors
Unfortunately, there are many types of surgical errors that can occur. The most common of these include:
- Wrong patient
- Wrong surgical site
- Wrong procedure
- Foreign object left in body
- Anesthesia error
- Failing to diagnose a medical condition during surgery
- Damage to healthy organs during surgery
- Failing to prevent or correct complications during surgery
Regardless of the type of surgical error that occurs, it is critical that patients know what to do afterward.
What to Do After a Surgical Error
Patients should always act as their own healthcare advocates, and this begins even before surgery. If you need surgery, you should research your diagnosis and know the full range of treatment options available to you. It is always best to seek a second opinion when necessary, and ask the surgeon what will occur during surgery, as well as the types of complications you may face. Prior to the surgery, you should also ask for a follow-up appointment with the surgeon that performed your surgery.
After the surgery, you should always tell your surgeon or doctor about any intense or sharp pain you are feeling, or any other issue you may experience. If your surgeon or doctor tells you a surgical error was made, ask for a copy of all your hospital records. You should also ask for the hospital to start an investigation and submit a complaint or grievance with the state medical board and the hospital.
As soon as possible after learning of the surgical error, you should contact an attorney that has the necessary experience with medical malpractice cases. A lawyer will conduct their own investigation to determine which party was negligent and will help you file a claim for compensation. Medical malpractice claims are some of the most complex types of personal injury cases and you do not want to file alone. A lawyer will advise on the necessary steps you must take to recover the maximum damages you deserve and will ensure your claim is filed on time.
Call a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
If you or someone you love has been hurt by a surgical error, it is important to call a medical malpractice attorney today. You do deserve compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and more and a skilled attorney can help you obtain it. You only have a limited amount of time to file a medical malpractice lawsuit for surgical errors. Reach out to an experienced lawyer today and get the sound legal advice you need.
Written by Lara Harper
