The Different Types of Surgical Errors

We rely on physicians and surgeons every day to help diagnose and treat our ailments. It is not uncommon for doctors to make mistakes, but if the doctor acts negligently and their mistakes lead to life-altering circumstances, they must be held responsible. 

The Winkler Kurtz, LLP team has years of experience representing victims of surgical errors. We have helped our clients earn the compensation they were rightfully owed. If you have questions about surgical error lawsuits or have been a victim yourself, contact our team for help today!

Surgical errors in medical malpractice cases can encompass a range of mistakes made during surgical procedures. Some common types of surgical errors include:

1. Wrong-site surgery: Performing surgery on the wrong body part is a serious error. This can result from miscommunication, misidentification of the surgical site, or inadequate preoperative verification.
2. Wrong-patient surgery: Similar to wrong-site surgery, wrong-patient surgery occurs when a surgical procedure is performed on the wrong patient. This may happen if there is a mix-up in patient identification.
3. Surgical instrument errors: Leaving surgical instruments, such as sponges, scalpels, or clamps, inside a patient’s body is dangerous. This can lead to infections, organ damage, or other complications.
4. Anesthesia errors: Administering too much or too little anesthesia can result in serious complications. Anesthesia errors may also involve administering the wrong type of anesthesia or failing to monitor the patient adequately during the procedure.
5. Nerve damage: Accidental nerve damage during surgery can lead to long-term pain, loss of sensation, or other neurological issues.
6. Infection: Surgical site infections can occur if proper sterilization procedures are not followed or if the surgical team fails to maintain a sterile environment during the procedure.
7. Delayed surgery: Failing to perform surgery promptly can be considered malpractice, especially if the delay worsens the patient’s condition.
8. Inadequate postoperative care: Negligence in proper care after surgery can result in complications. This may include failure to monitor the patient, provide necessary medications, or respond promptly to postoperative issues.
9. Lack of informed consent: If a patient is not adequately informed about the risks and potential complications of a surgical procedure and suffers harm that was not disclosed, it may be considered a form of medical malpractice.
10. Lack of proper preoperative evaluation: Failing to conduct a thorough preoperative assessment, including reviewing the patient’s medical history and ensuring they are suitable for surgery, can lead to complications.

Surgical Error Lawyer – Winkler Kurtz, LLP

It’s important to note that each case is unique, and the specific details surrounding a surgical error will determine the legal implications. Suppose you believe you or a loved one has been a victim of surgical malpractice. In that case, it’s advisable to consult with our medical malpractice attorney to assess the specifics of your situation.