Despite the presence of skilled physicians and world-renowned healthcare facilities, anyone can make mistakes. In the case of surgery, these mistakes have the potential to damage healthy organs while complicating underlying medical conditions.
If you are living with the consequences of injuries you believe were caused by a negligent surgeon, a skilled malpractice attorney might be able to help collect financial compensation. Before you attempt to resolve your claim on your own, speak with an Atlanta surgical error lawyer from Childers, Schlueter & Smith in a free consultation.
Examples of Mistakes During Surgery
There are many different errors that can occur on the operating table. These mistakes have the potential to result in serious or even life-threatening medical consequences. Often, errors during a surgical operation further complicate the existing issues the patient is facing. An Atlanta surgical error attorney can help injured individuals pursue a lawsuit under the following scenarios.
Wrong Site Surgery
When a facility rushes safety measures, and medical staff fail to follow proper protocols, there is a risk of a surgeon performing a procedure on the wrong part of a patient’s body. For example, this could involve a procedure on the left leg as opposed to the right leg.
These errors can result in devastating consequences, such as the amputation of an incorrect limb or the removal of a wrong organ. While these mistakes are always tragic, they also pose life-threatening risks.
Objects Left in a Patient
Leaving foreign objects in a patient after a procedure is one of the most frequent types of surgical errors. These objects can range from clamps to sponges or gauze. When doctors and their operation team fail to properly inspect and monitor all components used during a procedure, it can lead to disastrous consequences. Not only does leaving an object behind cause discomfort for the patient, but it can also result in infections or even death if the object is not removed as soon as possible.
Wrong Patient
Some mistakes involve a surgeon operating on the wrong person entirely, often due to administrative errors or physician carelessness.
When Mistakes Lead to Litigation
Surgeons are human, and humans make mistakes. Medical professionals are held to a higher standard than the general public when it comes to the treatment of their patients. A malpractice claim could be viable when a doctor or healthcare professional fails to meet the accepted standard of care, as opposed to the accepted duty of care that applies to other types of injury claims.
To be liable in civil courts, a medical practitioner must act in a way that does not comply with the standards that another professional in their position with their experience would adhere to. Compensation is also only available for injuries that cause direct harm. These damages could include anything from future medical expenses to chronic pain. An Atlanta lawyer can provide more specific details on what damages someone who experienced a surgical error may be able to recover during an initial consultation.
Call an Atlanta Surgical Error Attorney for Legal Support
There are few things more distressing than waking up from surgery only to learn that something went wrong. We put great trust in our medical care providers, and any violation of that trust should be taken seriously.
You have the right to seek justice when these mistakes have a harmful impact on your quality of life. Contact an Atlanta surgical error lawyer to learn more about your legal options during a free consultation.
