Suffolk County Surgical Error Lawyer

Even if a surgeon has performed a surgery numerous times, the patient's medical history, the surgical team, and the operating room can vary. Numerous factors can result in serious surgical errors, such as leaving foreign objects inside a patient or performing the incorrect procedure.

When you or someone you care about has been injured by medical negligence, contact a Suffolk County surgical error lawyer to discuss possible compensation. Our experienced medical malpractice attorneys could help with navigating your case.

Who is Responsible for Surgical Errors?

Medical facilities and malpractice insurance companies often retain lawyers to address malpractice claims. They work diligently to minimize their legal liability; however, a skilled surgical error lawyer in Suffolk County could help identify responsible parties and pursue compensation.

Surgical Facilities

Hospitals and surgical centers offer operating rooms but may not provide the surgical staff. However, they are still responsible for maintaining a safe environment and equipment for a surgical team. If their failure leads to a surgical error, they may be liable for resulting injuries.

Surgical Teams

Anesthesiologists, surgical and postoperative nurses, and surgeons can contribute to a surgical error. Anesthesiologists may administer the wrong anesthesia or fail to monitor the patient during surgery, resulting in traumatic injuries. Nurses may not follow best practices for maintaining a sterile environment or accounting for tools and sponges after surgery.

Surgeons

Surgeons have a duty of care to their patients through post-operative monitoring. While surgical errors may occur during surgery, they can also happen during recovery. Post-surgical infections can quickly lead to serious complications if the surgeon does not monitor for potential risks like blood clots.

Available Forms of Compensation

Surgical errors can lead to catastrophic injuries that can temporarily or permanently alter a patient's life. Patients may be entitled to compensation for economic and noneconomic damages when this happens.

Economic Compensation

Medical expenses such as hospital stays, emergency services, or physical therapy are covered under economic compensation. Any quantifiable services, medications, or in-home care can be included in current and future compensation.

Noneconomic Compensation

Patients often experience emotional, physical, and financial trauma resulting from surgical errors. Whether it's financial worries from loss of income or emotional stress from lifestyle changes, patients can recover damages for pain and suffering.

In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the medical providers are grossly negligent.

How a Surgical Error Attorney Can Help

A Suffolk County attorney could help clients gather evidence, consult medical experts, and work with financial planners to pursue the best possible outcome after a surgical error occurs.

Gather Evidence

Medical records provide detailed information on patient care. Hospital records contain information regarding the procedure, complications, and post-operative care. Surgical notes contain any deviations from the procedure and any concerns arising during surgery. Medical records should document the type and amount of anesthesia and any medications administered before and after surgery.

Evidence includes laboratory tests and imaging studies performed before and after surgery. The information can show if standard pre-operative tests were performed and the results of those tests. A listing of post-operative tests can highlight any deviations from standard protocols.

Consult Medical Experts

Part of proving negligence is showing that a surgeon in the same specialty under similar circumstances would have acted differently, resulting in surgical errors. Experienced law firms use medical experts to review the evidence and indicate areas of possible negligence. Medical professionals can also help explain the ramifications of surgical errors for patients.

Contact a Surgical Error Attorney in Suffolk County

Risk is inherent in any surgical procedure; however, medical professionals have a duty of care to minimize potential risks. If they fail in that responsibility, they may be negligent and liable for patient damages.

Contact a knowledgeable Suffolk County surgical error lawyer to discuss your case. Our compassionate personal injury attorneys could help gather the evidence you need to prove fault and secure compensation.