Although most patients trust that their doctor will perform a safe surgery, the risk of being injured because of a surgical error is always present. However, when a surgical error results from negligence that could have been prevented, the victim does have legal options to pursue compensation.
Common Types of Surgical Errors
A surgical error can result from a variety of medical mistakes, such as:
- Misidentification. Misidentification occurs when a surgeon performs surgery on the wrong patient. It can also happen when a surgeon operates on the wrong side of the body or on the wrong body part.
- Failure to treat. This is the result of a doctor failing to recognize that a patient is experiencing surgical complications. Surgical complications can include internal bleeding or infection. These surgical errors can also occur when a surgeon nicks, cuts, or punctures another organ but fails to recognize the mistake and treat it.
- Unnecessary surgery. A surgeon may perform an unnecessary surgery on a patient. This could be caused by reading a chart or medical records incorrectly or the result of a surgeon failing to explore other, less invasive possibilities.
- Failure to operate. This is a circumstance where a surgeon should operate but fails to do so. This can happen when the operation is not completed quickly enough or a doctor thinks it is not needed when it is medically necessary. It can also occur if another healthcare provider, such as a nurse, fails to inform the doctor of changes in a patient’s condition.
Any of these forms of negligence can result in a serious injury.
Consequences of a Surgical Error in Kentucky
The consequences of a surgical error can be life-altering or even life-threatening. While surgeons and hospitals have protocols to prevent surgical mistakes, just one oversight or error can have significant consequences on a patient’s health. Some of the consequences that may occur include:
- Disfigurement.
- Permanent disability.
- Worsened condition.
- Additional surgeries.
- Infection.
- Delayed healing.
- Septic shock.
- Loss of limb(s).
- Excessive bleeding.
- Additional medical expenses.
- Prolonged recovery.
- Emotional trauma.
- Loss of life.
If you have been hurt, or a loved one has been killed, because of a negligent surgical error, then you may be able to recover compensation through a negotiated settlement or a lawsuit.
Damages in a Kentucky Medical Malpractice Claim
Some of the types of damages that you may be able to recover in a Kentucky medical malpractice claim include compensation for:
- Loss of earnings or potential earnings.
- Pain and suffering.
- Medical care and expenses.
- Loss of the ability to enjoy daily activities.
- Permanent impairment.
- Loss of function.
- Disfigurement.
- Other damages specific to your case.
If you have been seriously injured because of a surgical error, you may be eligible to file a medical malpractice claim against the surgeon or any other party whose negligence caused your injuries. Contact an experienced attorney who can look at the specifics of your claim and explain your legal options to you in a free and confidential consultation. Our legal team is available by phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call us now at 888-450-4456 to learn more.
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