SURGICAL MALPRACTICE
What Is Surgical Malpractice?
Surgical malpractice is a type of medical malpractice that occurs when a doctor or other medical professional makes a mistake during surgery. This can include mistakes made before, during, or after the surgery. These mistakes can range from minor to life-threatening and can result in serious, long-term consequences for the patient.
When a patient suffers due to a medical professional’s negligence, they may be entitled to compensation. A malpractice lawsuit is a legal action taken by an injured patient, or the family of a deceased patient, to recover damages resulting from a medical professional’s negligence.
What Type of Mistakes Can Occur During Surgery?
The types of mistakes that can occur during surgery are numerous and range from minor to serious. Some of the most common types of mistakes made during surgery include:
- Operating on the wrong body part
- Making a mistake during the anesthesia process
- Performing surgery on the wrong patient
- Leaving surgical instruments inside the patient
- Failing to take appropriate precautions to prevent infection
- Failing to properly diagnose an illness or condition
- Failing to provide the necessary post-operative care
These are just a few of the many potential mistakes that can occur during surgery. No matter how minor the mistake may be, it can still have serious consequences for the patient.
Causes of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice can occur for a variety of reasons. It can be caused by a doctor’s negligence, such as failing to diagnose an illness or condition, or it can be caused by a medical professional’s incompetence, such as failing to provide the necessary post-operative care. In some cases, medical malpractice can be caused by a combination of factors, such as a doctor’s negligence combined with a hospital’s inadequate staffing or equipment.
When Should You Contact a Surgical Malpractice Lawyer?
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a medical professional’s negligence, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. A surgical malpractice lawyer will be able to assess your case and help you determine whether you have a valid claim.
It is important to remember the statute of limitations for filing a malpractice claim. If you wait too long to file your claim, you may not be able to recover any damages. Therefore, it is essential to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible if you believe you have a valid claim.
Types of Damages Awarded in a Surgical Malpractice Case
If you have suffered due to a medical professional’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover damages. Damages awarded in a surgical malpractice case can include medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded.
It is important to note that the amount of damages you can recover depends on the specifics of your case, such as the severity of your injuries and the extent of your losses. A surgical malpractice lawyer can help you determine the best course of action for recovering the damages you are entitled to.
Conclusion
Surgical malpractice cases can be complex and difficult to prove. It is important to understand the types of mistakes that can occur during surgery and the causes of medical malpractice so you can be prepared if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to file a malpractice lawsuit. If you have suffered due to a medical professional’s negligence, it is important to contact a surgical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible to ensure your rights are protected.
At Ballenger & Roche, our experienced team of medical malpractice attorneys has the knowledge and resources to help you get the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you with your surgical malpractice case.