What Are Surgical Errors? What Should I Do Next?

By Your Health Magazine

Chicago is home to some of the most reputable hospitals and surgical centers in the country, known for their advanced medical technologies and skilled professionals. Despite this, surgical errors still occur and can have devastating consequences for patients and their families. When such mistakes happen, victims often seek the help of surgical error lawyers in Chicago to understand their rights and explore legal remedies.

Understanding Surgical Errors

Surgical errors are mistakes that happen during surgery that could have been prevented. These errors are a form of medical malpractice, especially when they result from negligence, poor planning, or a lack of proper communication.

Common examples of surgical errors include:

Operating on the wrong body part
Performing the wrong procedure
Leaving surgical instruments inside the patient
Administering too much or too little anesthesia
Failing to monitor vital signs properly during surgery

These errors often lead to complications such as infection, organ damage, prolonged recovery, or even death. In many cases, victims may require additional surgeries or ongoing treatment to correct the damage.

Causes of Surgical Errors

Several factors contribute to surgical mistakes. One of the most common is poor communication between the surgical team members. Mislabeling of body parts, incomplete medical histories, or unclear instructions can easily lead to critical errors.

Fatigue is another major cause. Surgeons and medical staff often work long hours under stressful conditions. This can impair their judgment and attention to detail.

Inadequate preoperative planning, such as failing to review a patient’s medical history or not preparing for possible complications, can also result in surgical errors. Additionally, technical errors due to inexperience or a lack of training can be a factor.

The Impact on Patients

The emotional and physical toll of a surgical error can be overwhelming. Patients may lose trust in the healthcare system and suffer from chronic pain, disability, or mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Financially, they may face mounting medical bills, lost income due to time off work, and ongoing rehabilitation costs.

What Should You Do After a Surgical Error?

If you suspect that a surgical error has occurred, there are several steps you should take immediately:

1. Seek Medical Attention
Your health should be the top priority. Get a second opinion or visit another medical professional to assess the damage and determine the next steps for treatment.

2. Document Everything
Keep records of all surgeries, follow-up treatments, prescriptions, and communications with healthcare providers. Photographs of injuries and a written account of your symptoms and concerns can also be useful.

3. Request Your Medical Records
You are entitled to access your medical records. These documents can help establish what went wrong and are essential in building a legal case.

4. Avoid Signing Anything Prematurely
Hospitals or insurance companies may try to settle quickly. Don’t sign any forms or agreements without fully understanding the consequences. Doing so could prevent you from pursuing a legal claim.

5. Contact a Surgical Error Lawyer
Legal representation is crucial. A lawyer can help investigate the incident, work with medical experts, and file a malpractice claim if necessary.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Proving a surgical error involves more than just showing that something went wrong. You must demonstrate that the healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care and that this failure directly caused your injury. This often requires expert testimony and a thorough investigation.

Experienced attorneys can guide you through the complex legal process, from filing claims to negotiating settlements or going to trial. They can also help estimate damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.

Final Thoughts

Surgical errors are not only tragic but also preventable. If you or a loved one has been affected, don’t try to handle the situation on your own. Take action promptly and consult a qualified attorney. With the support of skilled legal professionals, you can hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.