The Mistakes That Lead to a Wrong Amputation April 8, 2020.
For a procedure as life-changing and severe as an amputation, one would think that surgeons would take extra measures to ensure that no mistakes are made. Yet, these unthinkable mix-ups, such as amputating the wrong body part, occur more often than one may believe.
If you have experienced this kind of horrific mistake, a medical malpractice lawyer can help you hold negligent medical professionals responsible.
Preventing Wrong Amputations
Many wrong-side amputations occur before patients even get in the operating room. Some errors originate with other doctors or staff, rather than surgeons, who may mix up patient records, X-rays, biopsy samples, and the diagnosis process. Generally, all these mistakes can be traced back to some form of miscommunication.
According to the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, there are steps surgeons can follow to combat the chances of a surgical error or wrong amputation, including:
Marking the operation site and involving patients in the process
Requiring oral verification of the correct site by each member of the operating team
Following a verification checklist that ensures that the limb being amputated is the correct limb and that the limb is in need of amputation
Directly involving the operating surgeon in the informed consent process
Engaging in ongoing monitoring to make sure verification procedures are followed
Amputations of the wrong limb can lead to serious physical and emotional damage. Even by following the steps above, surgeons and medical professionals are not immune to making mistakes.
Suffered from a Medical Error? Contact Us Today
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial turmoil that a medical malpractice victim may experience. We’re here to protect their rights from the interests of large hospitals and insurance companies.
Contact The Mellino Law Firm LLC today at (440) 333-3800 to schedule a free consultation.
