Hagerstown Surgical Errors Lawyer

Medical Malpractice Attorney for Errors in Surgical Procedures in Hagerstown, MD

Surgical procedures always carry certain risks. However, when a preventable surgical error occurs due to the negligence of a surgeon or other medical personnel, the consequences can be devastating. Surgical errors can result in severe complications, prolonged recovery, permanent disability, or even wrongful death. When an injury has occurred due to a surgical mistake, it is important to understand your legal rights and your options for recovering compensation.

At Serafini Law, our medical malpractice lawyer can help you take steps to achieve justice for the harm you have suffered due to negligence during surgery. We will work to hold negligent medical professionals accountable for their actions. Whether your injury resulted from a surgeon's mistake, a failure to provide appropriate post-operative care, or a hospital error, our attorney is committed to securing the compensation you need to recover from the injuries you have suffered.

Types of Surgical Errors

Errors may occur during surgery as the result of negligence or a failure to follow proper medical protocols. These errors can take many forms, and the impact on patients can vary from temporary setbacks to life-threatening conditions. Some of the most common types of surgical errors include:

• Wrong-Site Surgery: In some of the most alarming types of surgical errors, a surgeon may operate on the wrong body part or the wrong patient entirely. For example, a patient may go in for knee surgery on their right leg, but they may wake up to find that the procedure was performed on their left leg instead. Wrong-site surgeries can lead to unnecessary pain, further surgeries, and irreversible damage.
• Surgical Instruments Left Inside the Body: During surgery, it is critical that all instruments, sponges, and other tools are accounted for before closing the incision. In some cases, however, medical staff may leave a foreign object inside the patient's body, resulting in infections, internal damage, and the need for additional surgery to remove the object.
• Nerve Damage: During surgery, a mistake with a scalpel or other tool can result in the unintended cutting or stretching of nerves. This can lead to permanent nerve damage, causing numbness, chronic pain, or loss of function in the affected area.
• Organ Perforation: A surgeon may accidentally perforate or puncture an organ, such as the intestines, bladder, or blood vessels. If this damage is not immediately identified and repaired, a patient may experience internal bleeding, infections, and other life-threatening complications.
• Anesthesia Errors: During surgical procedures, anesthesia must be administered with precision, as administering too much or too little of a drug can have serious consequences. An overdose of anesthesia can result in brain damage or death, while too little anesthesia can cause the patient to wake up during surgery, leading to severe pain and psychological trauma.
• Infections: Post-operative infections may occur due to poor sanitation in the operating room, failure to follow proper sterilization protocols, or inadequate post-surgical care. Infections can lead to life-threatening complications, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems.
• Improper Surgical Technique: Surgeons are required to follow specific medical protocols during each procedure. Using improper techniques, rushing through surgery, or failing to communicate effectively with the surgical team can lead to serious errors that can endanger the patient's life.
• Improper Post-Operative Care: After a successful surgery, patients rely on medical professionals to ensure that they can maintain proper health while addressing potential complications. Neglecting to monitor a patient's condition, failing to recognize signs of complications, or discharging a patient too early can lead to preventable injuries or even death.

Compensation for Surgical Errors

Negligence related to surgical procedures can leave patients facing significant financial and emotional burdens. Fortunately, a skilled attorney can help patients take steps to address these issues and recover from their injuries. A successful medical malpractice claim can provide compensation for the following damages:

• Medical Expenses: A person may be compensated for the cost of the original surgery, additional procedures to correct errors, hospitalization, medications, physical therapy, and other types of ongoing treatment. Future medical costs related to long-term health complications may also be addressed.
• Lost Wages: If a surgical error has the patient to miss work or has impacted their ability to earn income, they may recover compensation for their lost wages. Compensation can also address a reduced earning capacity if an injury has prevented them from returning to their previous job or career.
• Disability and Disfigurement: If a surgical error has resulted in a permanent disability or visible disfigurement, additional compensation may account for these life-changing effects.
• Pain and Suffering: The pain a person has experienced, their emotional trauma, and other physical and psychological effects of surgical errors may be addressed through compensation. A person may also be compensated for the impact the injury has had on their quality of life.

Contact Our Hagerstown, Maryland Surgical Malpractice Attorney

At Serafini Law, we understand how devastating a surgical error can be for you and your family. Our medical malpractice lawyer can help you hold negligent medical professionals accountable for the harm they have caused. We will fight to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve. Set up your free consultation and get legal help today by calling 240-744-1600 or contacting us online.