Injury as a Result of Surgical Error
Injury as a Result of Surgical Error
Surgical Error Lawyers
Surgery is a vulnerable experience, where we trust medical professionals to uphold the highest standard of care. Tragically, surgical errors—ranging from minor mishaps to life-altering mistakes—occur far too frequently. A study by Johns Hopkins University reveals that approximately 4,000 medical errors in the operating room happen each year in the United States. Most of these surgical mistakes are deemed “completely preventable,” leaving patients and their families devastated.
When a surgeon’s negligence or reckless behavior results in harm, victims and their loved ones deserve justice. Whether it’s a foreign object left inside a patient’s body, wrong-site surgery, or anesthesia errors, these mistakes can cause serious injuries and even wrongful death. At Susan E. Loggans & Associates, P.C., our experienced medical malpractice attorneys are committed to holding negligent healthcare professionals accountable and securing fair compensation for injured patients.
Victims of surgical malpractice may be eligible to pursue legal action for a range of economic and non-economic damages, depending on the severity of their injuries.
Common damages may include but are not limited to the following:
- medical expenses,
- future related medical costs,
- pain and suffering,
- lost wages,
- loss of future wages stemming from an inability to work,
- loss of a normal life,
- reconstructive surgery expenses,
- loss of consortium,
- wrongful death and
- other non-economic damages.
Why Choose Susan E. Loggans & Associates for Your Surgical Error Injury Case?
Dr. Susan E. Loggans is not just an experienced medical malpractice lawyer; she is a trailblazer. A pioneer. And a fierce advocate for justice.
When you choose us, you’re choosing a law firm that values each client, providing personalized legal representation and support. Loggans and her legal team of personal injury attorneys build a trustworthy attorney-client relationship with you. We don’t step back and let others handle the case; we personally manage and oversee every legal proceeding, ensuring you receive the highest level of care and representation.
Our personal injury law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we win your medical malpractice case. Call us today at (312) 588-9773 to schedule a free case evaluation, or fill out our online contact form to get started.
Common Surgical Errors and Their Consequences
Surgical errors are not limited to complex procedures; they can occur in most routine surgeries, resulting in severe complications, painful recoveries, and increased medical bills. Common surgical errors include:
1. Nerve Damage
During a surgical procedure, a minor incision can lead to nerve damage, causing chronic pain, numbness, or even paralysis in the affected area. This type of injury can significantly impact an injured patient’s quality of life.
2. Wrong Patient
Shockingly, there have been cases where surgeons operated on the wrong patient due to poor preoperative verification and hospital staff miscommunication. This devastating error can result in unnecessary procedures and severe health consequences.
3. Anesthesia Errors
Errors by anesthesiologists are particularly dangerous. If too much anesthesia is administered, the patient could experience brain damage or even death. Conversely, insufficient anesthesia could lead to the patient waking up during surgery and experiencing immense pain and psychological trauma.
4. Wrong-Site Surgery
Known as one of the most serious types of surgical errors, wrong surgical site surgery involves operating on the wrong body part. This mistake can cause lasting harm, from damaged nerves to the removal of a healthy organ.
5. Leaving Foreign Objects Behind
Surgical instruments, such as sponges or scalpels, are sometimes left inside the patient’s body. These foreign objects can lead to severe infections and require additional surgeries, placing the patient at increased risk.
These medical errors are preventable. Surgeons and operating room staff are required to follow a strict duty of care, but negligence, fatigue, and lack of preparation still lead to tragic consequences. If you or a family member has suffered due to a surgeon’s mistake, our surgical error attorneys can help you seek justice.
How Do Surgical Errors Happen?
Surgical errors stem from various factors, often linked to medical negligence or poor communication within the healthcare team. Understanding the underlying causes of these mistakes can strengthen your medical malpractice claim:
1. Improper Surgical Procedure
Surgeons may cut corners by skipping crucial steps or taking risky shortcuts during an operation. Such actions compromise patient safety and can have devastating effects.
2. Lack of Preparation
Surgical procedures require meticulous preoperative planning, including reviewing the patient’s medical records and creating a detailed surgery plan. Failure to prepare adequately increases the likelihood of errors.
3. Fatigue and Overwork
Fatigue is a leading cause of surgical errors in operating rooms. Surgeons or hospital staff working long hours without rest may lack focus, increasing the chances of dangerous slip-ups.
4. Incompetence
Surgeons and healthcare professionals must possess the necessary skills and training to perform procedures safely. If a medical professional is inexperienced or incompetent, patients are put at risk.
5. Negligence
Medical negligence occurs when surgeons disregard established protocols, act recklessly, or fail to communicate with their team. This neglect endangers patients and can lead to serious injury.
What Should You Do If You’ve Suffered an Injury from a Surgical Error?
If you believe that you or a loved one has been harmed due to a surgical mistake, taking the following steps can help protect your rights:
1. Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney:
Filing a medical malpractice claim requires knowledge of Illinois healthcare laws and an understanding of the legal standards involved. Consult with a surgical error lawyer to assess your case and determine your options for a surgical error lawsuit.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
Your health and safety come first. Seek prompt medical treatment to address the injury caused by the surgical error. Keeping detailed records of all medical care and treatments will support your case.
3. Gather Evidence:
Obtain copies of your medical records, hospital bills, and other relevant documentation. Photographs of injuries, as well as any communication with hospital staff, can also be valuable evidence.
4. Avoid Talking to Insurance Companies Alone:
Insurance companies may attempt to minimize the value of your claim. Do not provide a statement without legal representation, as they may use your words against you.
5. Document Your Experience:
Keep a record of your pain, medical appointments, and expenses related to the injury. A journal of your recovery process can illustrate the impact of the error on your life and support your claim for damages.
Surgical Error Resources
NMMAA
Visit the official website of the National Medical Malpractice Advocacy Association (NMMAA), a non-partisan civil rights organization that advocates for victims of medical malpractice. Access the site to learn more about medical malpractice, their advocating services and resources for people suffering from a medical mistake.
Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice
Visit the official website of the Illinois General Assembly on how long you have to file a claim for medical malpractice. Access their statutes to learn the exceptions for medical malpractice and what happens when a minor wants to file a claim for a medical mistake.
The Law Firm That Fights for You | Contact Us
If you or a family member has suffered from a surgical error, don’t wait to seek legal advice. The statute of limitations in Illinois imposes a time limit on filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, so it’s crucial to act quickly. At Susan E. Loggans & Associates, P.C., our medical malpractice attorneys have years of experience fighting for injured patients and holding negligent healthcare professionals accountable.
Our surgical error attorneys will guide you through every step of the legal process, from filing a personal injury claim to pursuing maximum compensation in court. Call us today at (312) 588-9773 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and get answers to your legal questions. With Susan E. Loggans & Associates, P.C., you are not alone—we are committed to fighting for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.