Common Surgical Errors and Injuries

Surgical errors typically occur due to negligence, lack of communication, or failure to adhere to proper protocols. Victims of such errors often turn to a White Plains medical malpractice lawyer or a Westchester County medical malpractice lawyer for help. Some of the most common types of errors are as follows.

Wrong Site Surgery

This occurs when a surgeon operates on the wrong body part, such as performing surgery on the left knee instead of the right. Such errors often result from mislabeling or poor preoperative verification.

Wrong Procedure

A surgeon may perform a procedure that was not intended for the patient, leading to unnecessary complications or damage. This can occur due to miscommunication among the medical team or errors in the patient’s medical records.

Retained Surgical Instruments

Leaving surgical tools, such as sponges or clamps, inside a patient is a dangerous and preventable error. This mistake can lead to severe infections, organ damage, or additional surgeries to retrieve the items.

Nerve or Organ Damage

Accidental injury to nearby nerves, organs, or blood vessels during surgery can cause permanent damage or life-threatening complications. These injuries often result from poor technique or lack of experience.

Anesthesia Errors

Administering the wrong dosage of anesthesia can lead to complications ranging from severe pain during the procedure to brain damage or death. Errors in monitoring a patient’s vital signs during anesthesia are also common.

Infections and Poor Sterilization

Failing to maintain a sterile environment during surgery can lead to severe post-operative infections, which may require prolonged treatment or additional surgeries.

Failure to Monitor Post-Surgery

Neglecting a patient’s condition after surgery can result in undetected complications, such as internal bleeding, blood clots, or infections, leading to worsening health or death.

Causes of Surgical Errors

While surgical errors are often preventable, they frequently occur due to the following factors:

• Fatigue: Surgeons and medical staff working long hours may experience reduced focus and decision-making abilities, increasing the likelihood of mistakes.

• Inadequate Training: Lack of experience or proper training can result in errors, especially during complex procedures.

• Poor Communication: Miscommunication between surgeons, nurses, and other medical staff about the patient’s condition, procedure, or surgical site can lead to devastating errors.

• Inadequate Preoperative Planning: Failing to review a patient’s medical history, allergies, or unique health conditions can result in complications during surgery.

• Time Pressures: Surgeons rushing through procedures due to high patient volume may cut corners, increasing the risk of errors.

How an Attorney Can Help

When a surgical error causes harm, a New York Surgical Error Attorney can provide critical support to help victims seek justice and compensation. For example:

• Investigation and Evidence Collection Attorneys gather medical records, consult with expert witnesses, and analyze surgical procedures to establish negligence.
• Building a Strong Case They will identify how the surgical error deviated from the standard of care and connect it to the harm suffered by the patient.
• Negotiating Settlements Attorneys will handle all communication and negotiations with hospitals, insurance companies, and opposing counsel to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering.
• Litigation Support If a settlement cannot be reached, a lawyer can represent you in court, presenting a compelling case to hold the responsible parties accountable.