Surgery is one of those medical procedures with little room for error. Even the slightest of mistakes can put a patient’s life at risk. When medical negligence leads to errors in the operating room, you ought to hold the healthcare provider responsible for the injuries or harm you suffered.
Some common forms of surgical errors include:
- Operating at the wrong site or patient
- Injuring a nerve during the procedure
- Leaving surgical instruments inside the patient’s body
- Administering an incorrect amount of anesthesia
Thousands fall victim to this kind of medical negligence every year, and for the lucky few who manage to get back on their feet, recovery usually involves extended stays in the hospital. Unfortunately, some patients never recover from their injuries.
Why do these mistakes happen during surgery?
Surgical errors occur due to several reasons. In most cases, it all boils down to negligence by the operating team. For instance, fatigue can lead to slip-ups when conducting an operation. Similarly, when there is insufficient preoperative planning by the surgical team or poor communication during the procedure, something is bound to go wrong.
Other possible reasons are incompetence or the use of drugs and alcohol by a member of the operating team. All these instances are avoidable if due diligence is followed.
Surgical negligence is inexcusable
If you or a loved one has fallen victim to errors in the operating room, it is possible to claim compensation from the responsible party. However, medical malpractice claims can get complicated in terms of meeting the legal threshold and navigating the somewhat complex field of medicine.
Therefore, it is crucial to prepare yourself before taking any action to better understand the possibilities.
