Medical malpractice can include a number of different types of harms suffered by patients. Surgical errors are one of the most common types of medical error suffered by patients, which may lead to a medical malpractice claim against a negligent surgeon, nurse, anesthesiologist, other medical professional or, sometimes, hospitals. Surgical errors can lead to serious injuries, including brain injuries, paralysis and nerve damage
When there has been a failure to provide the proper standard of care before, during or after a surgical procedure, serious injuries or even a fatal outcome may result. Examples of surgical errors that may cause serious harm can include: when the wrong body part has been operated on; in situations when a anesthesia error has occurred; when a surgical procedure has been negligently performed; when instruments or other objects have been left in the patient; when a postoperative infection arises; when there has been a lack of communication between medical professionals involved in the care of the patient; or in other circumstances when a doctor, nurse or other medical professional has behaved in a negligent fashion.
Because surgical errors or other types of medical errors can result in serious injuries or fatal outcomes, different options may be available to victims and their loved ones. Victims and families members alike may be able to recover damages for the physical, financial and emotional harm suffered because of a surgical error through a medical malpractice claim for damages. Medical malpractice claims can be critically important to victims who have suffered damages. However, they can also be complex, which is why it is important that victims are familiar with the remedies and options available to them following the occurrence of a surgical or medical error.
