Medical Malpractice and Surgical Errors (Part A)

Despite the stunning advances in modern medicine, it is not an exact science and surgical errors are more common than you may realize. Surgical errors can result in further injury, change in the quality of life or even loss of life. If you have been injured as a result of a surgical error, a medical malpractice lawyer can work on your behalf to fight for the compensation to which you may be entitled.

When a patient is suffering medically, surgery is supposed to help, not harm the patient. The reality is that some surgeries are not successful and can lead to greater suffering. This happens in many cases where a surgical error occurs. 

Most medical malpractice lawsuits are the result of surgical errors. Many of these surgical errors are preventable. This can be a devastating reality to a patient who has been injured because of a surgical error. 

Causes of Surgical Errors 

Surgical errors can sometimes be caused by defective medical devices. Other times, surgical errors are the result of the negligence of a doctor or anesthesiologist. 

Doctors and anesthesiologists can cause surgical errors if they are: 

• careless;
• inattentive;
• sleep deprived;
• overworked;
• in a rush;
• inexperienced; and/or
• undertrained.  

A lack of communication or a mix-up in communication can also result in surgical errors. These communication break-downs can happen through verbal communications or hospital records and notes. 

Surgical Errors Caused by Infection 

The surgical environment must be clean and sterilized. If the environment is not sterile or the surgical team doesn’t practice good hygiene, it can result in infection.  

When a patient develops an infection after surgery, doctors must be able to recognize and immediately treat any post-operative infections. 

Surgical Errors Caused by Anesthesia 

Administering anesthesia requires careful dosage and monitoring of a patient’s vital signs. If vital signs are not monitored, it can lead to brain damage or death. Anesthesiologists should also be aware of the patient’s past history and any possible complications that could arise from receiving anesthesia. 

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