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MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
Before a patient goes into the operating room for a surgical procedure, they sign an “informed consent” indicating that they realize the risks associated with the surgery. Post-surgical stroke, adverse reaction to anesthesia, cardiac complications during the surgery, or blood loss and possible transfusions are just some of the situations that can occur with any surgical procedure. A surgical error on the other hand is a situation that is unexpected and can injure the patient or even result in a wrongful death.
When a medical professional’s negligence, incompetence, or carelessness causes a surgical error, a claim of medical malpractice can be pursued. All medical professionals and institutions are held to a standard of care that must be provided to all patients at all times. When this level of care is below the standard, the patient can suffer grave consequences. When a surgical error occurs, the experienced and knowledgeable New Jersey medical malpractice lawyers at Folkman Law Offices, P.C. can determine whether you have the basis for a medical malpractice lawsuit and advise you of your best legal strategy.
TYPES AND CAUSES OF SURGICAL ERRORS
There are many types of surgical errors. The most common and preventable errors include:
- Failure to recognize vital signs that indicate a decline in a patient’s status
- Leaving a piece of surgical equipment inside the patient
- Making an incision in the wrong place
- Nerve damage
- Operating on the wrong body part
- Operating on the wrong patient
- Too much or too little anesthesia
With attention to detail and following proper protocol, surgical errors can be prevented.
Incompetence is also a factor in many surgical errors. Inexperience, lack of skill, or failure to prepare adequately for the surgery are examples of incompetence. The surgeon is expected to have reviewed the medical records and information for the patient prior to the surgery, and has ensured that the operating room, surgical equipment, and staff are properly prepared and available. Communication between the doctor, patient, operating room personnel, and equipment operators is vital to a successful procedure. All those involved in the surgical procedure need to know what is expected and be prepared for any emergencies that can occur.
Surgical errors that happen due to negligence, carelessness, or incompetence are inexcusable. When medical professionals act carelessly or disregard safety precautions, the patient is at risk for serious complications. Surgeons must be aware of recalled or defective surgical equipment, ensure that all surgical tools have been properly sanitized and disinfected, and that all has been done to make sure the proper patient receives the scheduled services. Furthermore, surgeons must ensure that they are well-rested, as they can still be held liable for errors they make when fatigued.
WHAT TO DO IF A SURGICAL ERROR OCCURS
If you have been injured or know someone that has lost their life as a result of a surgical error, it is imperative to contact an experienced medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible. Medical malpractice cases are complex. There are deadlines for filing a suit, and copious amounts of evidence needed to prove your case. Our highly skilled and competent New Jersey medical error lawyers are committed to helping our clients claim the maximum compensation available to them.
At Folkman Law, we are dedicated to protecting the legal rights of surgical patients injured by the negligence of a surgeon. All patients have the right to demand the standard level of care expected from all doctors, nurses, medical assistants, and hospitals, and when they fail to provide this level of care, our medical negligence lawyers are prepared to hold them liable.
New Jersey Medical Malpractice Lawyers at Folkman Law Offices, P.C. Represent Victims Injured by Surgical Errors
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury resulting from a surgical error, you may be entitled to compensation. The experienced team of New Jersey surgical error lawyers at Folkman Law Offices, P.C. will protect your legal rights and help you collect the compensation you are entitled to receive.
Call us at 856-354-9444, or contact us online to schedule a consultation today. Our offices are located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and we proudly serve clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
