Medical Malpractice in Surgery: The Errors that May Lead to a Lawsuit October 10, 2012.
Injury or death occurs in approximately 90 percent of all medical malpractice cases. The causes of these malpractice cases are vast. However, surgical errors seem to be a major cause. It is responsible for as many as 100,000 wrongful deaths a year. Learn the types of surgical errors, why they happen, and how to seek help from a malpractice attorney if you are a victim.
Types of Surgical Errors
Surgical errors may include operating on the wrong body part or operating on the wrong person. Some patients have even had surgical instruments left inside their bodies after a surgery. Although these mistakes seem outlandish, they unfortunately do occur.
Why Surgical Errors Occur
Many blame overcrowding in hospitals, miscommunication, illegible handwriting, fatigue, inadequate pre-operative planning, and failure to note drug allergies. Although some of these may not seem like the doctor’s fault, he or she is responsible for ensuring patients receive adequate, accurate care. When negligence gets in the way of that care, the doctor may be subject to a medical malpractice suit for a patient’s personal injury or wrongful death.
If surgical errors are to blame for the wrongful death of your loved one, contact us today at (440) 333-3800.