Surgeons undergo many years of extensive training, and medical advancements have reduced the risk of complications. However, surgeons are only human, and they make mistakes just like anyone else.
The reality, though, is that a surgical mistake can have devastating consequences. Common examples of surgical errors include:
- Leaving a surgical tool inside a patient’s body;
- Performing surgery on the wrong patient;
- Performing surgery on the wrong body part; and
- Performing the wrong surgery.
If you were injured or lost a family member due to medical negligence, contact Morris Bart, LLC. A personal-injury lawyer in Lake Charles will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income and other damages. Call 800-537-8185 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Let’s take a closer look at four common examples of surgical malpractice:
Leaving a Surgical Tool inside a Patient’s Body
According to USA Today, an alarming number of surgeons leave tools inside patients during operations. This happens more than 4,000 times per year and can cause infections, long-term complications and even death.
In addition to causing health problems, the patient will need to undergo additional surgeries to remove the surgical tool. This increases the risk of complications and can cause permanent scarring.
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Performing Surgery on the Wrong Patient
Although hospital communication systems are more efficient than ever before, all it takes is a small error to cause a major surgical mistake. One possible consequence of a communication error is performing surgery on the wrong patient.
Performing Surgery on the Wrong Body Part
A lack of surgical preparation or a failure in communication can cause a surgeon to operate on the wrong body part. As a result, the patient may lose a healthy organ or limb. Some patients wind up losing two limbs instead of one, which can dramatically affect their independence and enjoyment in life.
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Performing the Wrong Surgery
If a doctor makes a diagnostic error or there is a failure in communication, it is possible that a surgeon will perform the wrong procedure. This, again, could result in the removal of a healthy organ or limb. Also, the patient’s original condition can worsen if it is left untreated.
Other Common Examples of Medical Negligence
Although surgical mistakes are one of the most common forms of medical malpractice, there are several ways that a negligent medical worker can injure a patient. These include:
- Incorrectly diagnosing a patient;
- Injuring an infant during birth;
- Prescribing the wrong medication to a patient;
- Mixing up two patients’ medications; and
- Making an anesthesia error.
If you were injured by a negligent health-care worker in Louisiana, contact a Lake Charles injury attorney from Morris Bart, LLC. Our lawyers will gather evidence, interview your medical team, and help you recover the maximum compensation.
Schedule a free consultation today by calling 800-537-8185.
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