Surgical Errors & Injuries
In the medical community, surgical errors are often referred to as “never events,” because these types of mistakes should simply never happen. However, thousands of patients in the United States are injured or die due to surgical errors every year.
At Brown & Barron, we aggressively represent victims of surgical errors, as well as the families of those who sadly pass away due tomedical malpractice and negligence.
Our team is passionate about helping injured patients and families fight for justice, and we have recovered some of the largest settlements and verdicts in this area of law to date.
If you or your loved one suffered a serious injury or health complication due to a surgical mistake, contact our Annapolis surgical error lawyers at (410) 547-0202 for a free consultation.
How Common Are Surgical Errors?
According to a well-known study by Johns Hopkins Medicine, approximately 10% of all deaths in the U.S. result from preventable medical errors and negligence. Furthermore, researchers found thatat least 4,000 surgical errors categorized as “never events” occur every year.
The actual rate of surgical errors is likely much higher. This is because the study looked at documented medical malpractice cases involving surgical adverse events, but many such events likely go undetected and unreported. Notably, the study found that these surgical errors were entirely preventable, meaning they should have never occurred.
Common Types of Surgical Errors
Some of the most common types of surgical errors include:
- Wrong-site surgery
- Unnecessary surgery
- Surgery performed on the wrong patient
- Anesthesia and medication errors
- Leaving behind foreign objects in the body
- Damage to internal organs
- Operating on the wrong body part
- Failure to obtain informed consent
- Poor follow-up or aftercare
- Surgical site infections
Surgeons and other medical providers should utilize extreme caution when operating on patients to avoid causingcatastrophic injury. Failure to do so may constitute a breach of the standard of care, and the liable party could be held legally responsible.
FIGHTING FOR YOUR FULL RECOVERY
A surgical error can lead to devastating physical consequences, various emotional and mental health concerns, and thousands of dollars in medical bills, lost income, and other unexpected costs. At Brown & Barron, we understand the challenges you are facing—and we know how to help.
Our Annapolis surgical error lawyers are committed to maximizing your recovery, even if that means taking your case to trial. We utilize cutting-edge technology, expert testimony from highly respected medical professionals, and other invaluable resources when developing cases for our clients. As your legal team, we will be there to guide you through each stage of the process, providing consistent communication and 24/7 accessibility.
Contact us online or by phone at (410) 547-0202 to schedule a complimentary case review.
What Happens If a Surgeon Makes a Mistake?
Surgeons, hospitals, and other medical providers are required to follow strict standards of care when it comes to providing surgical procedures. When they fail to do so, patients can suffer severe bodily injury, serious health complications, and may even die as a result.Surgical errors can result in:
- Damage to internal organs
- Excessive bleeding (hemorrhage)
- New or worsened health conditions
- Life-threatening complications
- Infections, such as sepsis
- Death
Patients and their families do not have to suffer the consequences of a medical provider’s negligence on their own. By taking legal action, you can seek financial compensation for your “damages,” or the losses you have endured as a result of the surgical error. Common damages in surgical error claims include:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses related to treating injuries and other conditions caused by the surgical error
- Lost income, wages, and employment benefits due to time taken off work to recover and/or receive treatment
- Physical and mental pain and suffering, including emotional distress, anguish, and mental health conditions associated with the event
- Physical and mental/cognitive rehabilitation, physical therapy, medications, and other related treatment costs
- Loss of earning ability due to severe, permanent injury, as well as new or worsened medical conditions caused by the surgical error
- Loss of or diminished enjoyment/quality of life related to the incident and the victim’s injuries or medical condition
If you believe that you or a loved one was the victim of a surgical error, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Make sure you get the care you need, then contact an experienced surgical error attorney in Annapolis. These are highly complex cases; you need someone who can review the available evidence and effectively prove your claim.
At Brown & Barron, our attorneys have helped numerous victims of surgical errors and other forms of medical malpractice throughout Maryland. We have recovered more than $82 million for our clients and have earned more than 130 five-star reviews from our clients. Our team is ready to help you fight for the justice you and your family deserve.