Most Common Surgical Mistakes That Lead to Lawsuits
A surgical error occurs when a preventable mistake is made before, during, or after a surgical procedure. Not every poor outcome constitutes medical malpractice, as all surgeries carry inherent risks. However, healthcare providers may be liable when an injury results from negligence rather than a recognized complication. The Greenville medical malpractice attorneys at Parham, Smith, & Archenhold, LLC, help victims of surgical negligence pursue compensation for the harm they have suffered.
Common Surgical Mistakes
Medical professionals involved in a procedure are expected to follow established protocols designed to protect patient safety. When they fail to do so, serious injuries can occur. Several types of surgical errors frequently lead to medical malpractice claims:
- Operating on the wrong body part or other “never events”, including operating on the wrong patient or leaving surgical tools inside the patient. These types of events should never occur if the professionals follow proper safety protocols.
- Anesthesia errors. An anesthesiologist must carefully evaluate a patient’s medical history and continuously monitor the patient’s condition throughout a procedure. When proper precautions are not taken, the results can be catastrophic. Patients may suffer permanent brain injuries, life-threatening cardiac complications, or even death.
- Damage to organs, nerves, or blood vessels. When a healthcare provider fails to perform a procedure with the appropriate level of care, a patient may suffer serious harm that could have been prevented. These injuries can have lasting consequences and may require extensive medical treatment while significantly affecting the patient’s daily life.
- Postoperative negligence. Healthcare providers have an ongoing responsibility to evaluate the patient’s recovery and address complications as they arise. When medical professionals fail to identify concerning developments post-operation, a patient may suffer serious harm that could have been avoided with proper medical care.
Damages You Can Pursue After a Negligent Surgical Error
A preventable surgical mistake can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life. In addition to the physical pain associated with the injury itself, patients often face mounting medical expenses and personal financial debt. When a healthcare provider’s negligence causes harm, the injured patient may be entitled to pursue compensation for the losses that result. Damages may include:
- The cost of additional medical treatment required to correct the mistake
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Lost income resulting from time away from work
- Diminished earning capacity if the injury affects the patient’s ability to maintain employment
- Emotional suffering caused by the injury and its lasting effects
An experienced attorney can evaluate your losses and determine what damages may be available in your case.
Contact Our Greenville, SC Medical Malpractice Lawyers
At Parham, Smith, & Archenhold, LLC, our medical malpractice lawyers in Greenville are dedicated to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable. If you suffered injuries because of a preventable surgical mistake, it’s important to seek legal counsel and start your case as soon as possible.
Do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with our team by contacting us online today or calling our office at 864-242-9008. Our legal team is ready to review your case and discuss your options for pursuing justice.