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Common Surgical Mistakes

Surgical mistakes are not only traumatic, but they are also much more common than most people think.

Surgeons have the life of patients in their hands on a daily basis. They are expected to act with the highest level of care to ensure a patient does not experience further injuries or even death as a result of an operation. Unfortunately, surgeons sometimes act negligently and make mistakes. When they do, a patient can suffer irreparable harm that affects them for the rest of their life. In the worst cases, a medical error is so severe a patient cannot survive it. Any time a surgical mistake occurs, injured patients or their loved ones should speak to a Murrieta medical malpractice lawyer who can advise on their case.

Inappropriate or Unnecessary Surgeries

Surgery is a traumatic experience for the entire body and it should only be used as a course of treatment in the most serious situations. When a doctor recommends surgery, or a surgeon performs surgery when another less invasive procedure is reasonable, it may be a form of medical malpractice. Additionally, sometimes a surgeon may perform surgery on the wrong patient. The charts of two patients may become mixed up, or a member of the surgical team may mistake one patient for another. This is also a case of medical malpractice.

Anesthesia Errors

A number of anesthesia errors may be made during surgery. An anesthesiologist may administer too much anesthesia, which may result in a patient not waking up. Or, too little anesthesia may be administered, which could result in a patient waking up during surgery. The surgical staff may also not fully review a patient’s history and administer anesthesia when the patient is allergic to it.

Perforation of a Bodily Organ

Surgery requires very intricate work and surgeons often work on very small areas of the body. They must know how to perform their work without adversely affecting any other part of the body. When they make a mistake and accidentally cut a bodily organ, or any other part of the body, it can result in internal bleeding and other serious injuries to the patient.

Instruments Left Inside a Patient

People often think the act of leaving a surgical tool or instrument inside a patient is something only seen on television and in movies. In fact, this is one of the most common surgical errors made. Sponges, scissors, drain tips, needles, and clamps are some of the most common surgical instruments left inside patients.

Post-Operative Errors

Not all surgical mistakes occur during surgery. The surgical team is also responsible for monitoring patients after the surgery to ensure they do not suffer any complications. Doctors and surgeons are also responsible for advising the patient of at-home post-operative care and they should always follow up with patients. Whenever doctors, surgeons, and other members of the medical team do not fulfill these duties, they can be found liable for medical malpractice.

Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Murrieta Can Help You File a Claim

Surgical errors are traumatic, and they happen far too often. If you or someone you love has been injured by a surgical error, our Murrieta medical malpractice lawyers at Gibbs & Fuerst, LLP, can advise on your case. Call us today at 951-816-3435 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about the compensation you deserve.