While medical malpractice can take many forms in California, surgical malpractice is one of the most egregious examples. Mistakes made during surgery can result in significant harm to patients and potentially lead to lifelong disabilities or death.
Examples of surgical malpractice
Surgical errors might form the basis of a medical malpractice lawsuit when they result from medical negligence on the part of a doctor, nurse, anesthetist, surgeon or other hospital staff involved in the procedure. Some examples of surgical errors that might form the basis of a lawsuit include the following:
- Performing wrong site surgery
- Performing wrong patient surgery
- Ordering unnecessary surgery
- Damaging tissues or organs during surgery
- Leaving foreign objects in the body
- Making anesthesia errors
- Failing to sterilize equipment
- Damaging nerves either temporarily or permanently
- Incorrectly making an incision
These types of surgical errors can cause serious injuries or death. People who are the victims of surgical errors might need to undergo multiple surgeries to correct the damage and could be left with permanent disabilities or paralysis, depending on the particular type of mistake made. Some people develop debilitating infections and succumb to their injuries.
When to get an attorney’s help
Surgical errors can cause injuries ranging from minor to severe. When a person suffers serious injuries because of a surgical error, they or their family members might want to speak to a medical malpractice attorney about their legal rights. An attorney may review the medical records and work with a medical expert to determine whether malpractice has occurred. If the lawyer agrees to accept the case, he or she may file a medical malpractice lawsuit against all of the potentially liable parties to try to hold them accountable and secure compensation for his or her client.
