Surgical errors are a tragic occurrence in the medical world, including in Maryland. They can happen for a number of 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 take a 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 in Maryland: 9 of the Most Common Surgical Errors
1. 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 simply makes a mistake. Wrong site surgery is usually treated as a medical malpractice case.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Unnecessary Surgeries
Sometimes surgeons will operate on patients even though the surgery is not necessary. This can be due to a number of factors, including greed or negligence. Unnecessary surgeries can lead to serious complications for patients and often result in lawsuits.
5. Anesthesia Mistakes
Anesthesia errors are one of the most dangerous types of surgical mistakes. They can occur when the anesthesia is not properly administered. This can happen if the anesthesia is not properly matched to the patient’s needs. It can also happen if the anesthesia is given in too high a dose.
6. Instrument or Foreign Object Left in 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.\
7. Post-Operative Mistakes
These mistakes can occur after surgery is completed. They can include things like wrong medications, incorrect dosage of medications, and failure to properly monitor the patient. Post-operative mistakes can be dangerous and often lead to further complications for patients.
8. 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.
9. Birth Injuries
Birth injuries can occur during labor and delivery. They can be caused by a number of 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 your or your child has been injured as a result of a surgical error, it is important to contact an attorney.
What to Do If You’re a Victim of Surgical Error or Malpractice
1. 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.
2. 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 center. This will include things like surgical reports, anesthesia records, and patient charts.
3. Contact an Attorney
If you’re in the Baltimore area and you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a surgical error, it is important to contact a surgical error lawyer in Baltimore right away. An experienced attorney will be able to review your case and help you determine if you have a claim.
4. 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 as a result of 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.
