Langhorne, PA Lawyers for Victims of Surgical Errors
Bucks County medical malpractice litigators pursue compensation for injured patients
Surgical procedures require skilled execution and strict adherence to safety protocols. Preventable mistakes occur when medical professionals fail to meet accepted standards of care. Surgical errors can cause severe complications, permanent injuries or even death. If you or a loved one has suffered injury due to a surgical error, the Law Offices of Paul R. Weber in Langhorne is ready to help. Our medical malpractice attorneys serve injured patients in Bucks County and throughout Pennsylvania.
Common types of surgical errors
Surgical errors can occur before, during or after an operation. They can include the following:
- Wrong-site surgery, involving the wrong limb or body part
- Wrong-patient surgery, where a procedure is performed on the incorrect patient
- Surgical instruments or other objects left inside the body
- Anesthesia errors
- Nerve or organ damage due to careless incisions
- Infections due to improper sterilization
- Post-operative negligence
Some mistakes are considered “never events,” meaning they should never happen when healthcare providers follow proper procedures.
How and why surgical errors occur
Although surgery involves inherent risks, mistakes occur when staff does not follow established safety procedures. Common causes of surgical errors include:
- Breakdowns in communication among team members
- Inadequate preoperative planning or patient verification
- Failure to follow established safety protocols
- Lack of proper training or experience
- Staff fatigue or distraction
- Poorly coordinated care
Hospitals and surgical teams are responsible for implementing procedures that reduce the likelihood of these errors. Failure to do so can lead to legal liability.
Who might be held liable for surgical errors?
Multiple healthcare professionals may participate in surgical operations and might share responsibility for mistakes. Potentially liable parties include:
- The surgeon
- The anesthesiologist
- Nurses or surgical assistants
- Hospitals, outpatient facilities or healthcare systems employing the medical staff
Hospitals and medical facilities may be liable for systemic failures, such as inadequate training, improper staffing or failure to enforce safety protocols.
Determining liability for medical malpractice requires a careful review of medical records, surgical reports and hospital procedures. Our firm consults experts to determine whether performance by any participating professional fell below the accepted standard of care.
Potential consequences of surgical errors for patients
The impact of a surgical mistake can be devastating. Patients can face physical, emotional and financial hardships long after the procedure. Possible consequences include:
- Infections
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Nerve injuries causing loss of sensation or mobility
- Chronic pain
- Permanent disability
- Extended hospitalization or additional surgeries
- Emotional trauma and loss of quality of life
In the most serious cases, surgical errors result in life-threatening complications or death. Even errors that are less severe may require corrective procedures and prolonged recovery periods.
Damages available in surgical error claims
Patients who suffer harm from surgical mistakes may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses for corrective treatment and ongoing care
- Future medical costs related to complications or rehabilitation
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Costs associated with long-term disability or home care
Surgical malpractice claims must comply with specific requirements set by Pennsylvania law, including filing deadlines and the submission of a certificate of merit from a qualified medical expert.
Our experienced attorneys investigate the circumstances surrounding a surgical error, consult with medical experts and pursue fair compensation from all responsible parties. Taking legal action might also help improve patient safety generally by holding negligent providers accountable and encouraging healthcare systems to strengthen their safeguards against preventable surgical mistakes.
Contact a Bucks County medical malpractice lawyers for a free consultation
The Law Offices of Paul R. Weber In Langhorne, Pennsylvania represents injured victims of surgical errors. Call 215-752-7676 or contact us online to learn how we can help you.
