Maryland readers may agree with the characterization of a surgical procedure as a delicate ballet. Each member of the surgical team relies on the others to perform their parts flawlessly. When surgical errors occur, it is often because one or more of the team failed to meet the accepted standard of care, which puts the patient's life in jeopardy.
The ballet begins when the patient is prepped for surgery and continues until the patient has recovered from the procedure. Not all of the danger is eliminated when the patient leaves the hospital. Often, it is not until that point that an error is discovered. By that time, the patient could experience serious injuries or death.
Nearly everyone in Maryland has heard nightmare stories of surgical instruments being left inside a patient or that a surgeon operated on the wrong body part, which often occurs when the communication between medical professionals is poor. Unfortunately, those nightmares are reality for some patients. During a procedure, any number of things can go wrong, from anesthesia errors to the surgeon nicking an organ, vein or artery. Still, other patients develop post-operative infections.
Any of these surgical errors could result in the maiming or death of the patient. In many cases, each of them also constitutes medical malpractice. If you or a loved one suffered at the hands of a surgical team, a medical malpractice suit may be appropriate. A thorough review of your case is the first step. Thereafter, negligence must be proved in order for the court to award damages that will provide restitution for the wrong committed by medical professionals.
