Wrong site surgery is one of the more common surgical errors that can lead to a medical malpractice lawsuit. This type of surgical error can be devastating to a patient. However, there are ways that doctors and hospitals can prevent wrong site surgery. 

Risk factors that can increase the chance of a wrong site surgery taking place include: 

  • Surgery is an emergency;
  • Multiple surgeons are involved;
  • Multiple procedures are being performed;
  • Patient is obese or has some type of physical abnormality;
  • Time pressure;
  • Mistakes in setting up equipment; and
  • Changing a room. 

Although these risk factors exist, there are methods in place to help doctors and surgical teams prevent wrong site surgery from occurring. The “Provisions of the Universal Protocol” is intended to prevent surgical errors and includes such steps as: 

  • Preoperative verification process – Ensuring that pre-op tasks are completed thoroughly and that current, correct information is available;
  • Surgical site marking – Should be a clear and precise mark, which is visible after prep and draping the patient; and
  • “Time out” immediately before starting – Before starting surgery the entire medical team engages in active communication and does not proceed until all are in agreement. 

These provisions are to be used in all settings where invasive procedures are being performed. 

If you have suffered a serious injury because of surgery performed on the wrong body part or lost a loved one because of a surgical error, contact a medical malpractice attorney who can help you to determine liability. To learn more about common surgical errors, visit our article library.  

Contacting a Medical Malpractice Attorney in Your Area 

When it comes to choosing an attorney, you can’t afford to play a game of chance. Picking an attorney based on a colorful bus ad or a touching TV commercial won’t necessarily put you in touch with the attorney best suited for your case. 

Medical malpractice attorney Theodore Babbitt has spent years building his practice and growing his nationwide network of trusted colleagues and well-respected lawyers. Find The Right Attorney is based on the simple goal of giving victims the opportunity to find the right attorney for their case, no matter what state they live in. Simply fill out our online form, and Mr. Babbitt will personally review your story to see if you have a valid medical malpractice claim. He will then put you in touch with the best attorney to handle your case. There is no cost to get started; 1-877-751-8087