Surgical Errors
Seattle Medical Malpractice Attorney
It has been estimated that 50 percent of medical malpractice lawsuits are against surgeons every year. This is because, although they are some of the highest paid and intensely trained medical professionals, surgeons are susceptible to committing medical malpractice like any other doctors. The difference is that surgeons have the greatest influence over the health of their patients in the operation room, which means that a negligent mistake can cause a greater degree of injury.
It is hard to imagine a situation in which one person is more at the mercy of another person than when a patient is lying on the operating table. This means that surgeons have a great responsibility to exercise care and caution in their practice. In fact, the medical standard of care is higher for surgeons because of this very fact. Yet, even in spite of their great responsibility and power, the number of surgical errors occurring every year is devastating.
One study found that a majority of surgical malpractice suits are over mistakes that medical professionals claim "should never happen" and that many of these errors occur during otherwise routine procedures. The dangers of surgical errors are obvious but their effects can be devastating. Not only does the patient not receive the treatment he or she needed before the procedure, but they are likely forced to deal with additional complications and injuries.
While it is true that all surgical procedures carry an inherent risk by nature of the practice, it is inexcusable if that risk is heightened because a doctor or nurse involved in the procedure neglects their duty to exercise a reasonable degree of care. Common errors associated with surgery include:
- Failure to sanitize surgical tools
- Improper administration of anesthesia
- Leaving surgical tools in the operation sight
- Wrong procedure
- Operating on the wrong side
- Operating on the wrong patient
There are all mistakes that both the public and medical professional communities agree should never happen. The unfortunate reality is that they do occur and far more often than we would like to think. However, there is a way for patients injured by surgical errors to be compensated for their injuries. Through the filing of a medical malpractice claim, injured patients or families of patients who have suffered can claim compensation to help them cope with the difficulties caused by such disheartening mistakes.
Call a Seattle Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has suffered at the hands of an incompetent or negligent surgeon, contact a personal injury attorney in Seattle to learn how you can keep them accountable and recover compensation. While money will not make the injuries go away, they can help you deal with the financial losses of the injury and alleviate the stress involved with such an unfortunate event. Innocent victims of medical malpractice deserve justice and the Seattle personal injury attorney the Law Office of J.D. Smith, PLLC has dedicated his practice to seeing that this is done.
Call our office at (206) 537-0106 and learn more about how we want to assist you in recovering what you rightfully deserve.