The thought of having to go through surgery can be pretty intimidating. No one wants to be cut open in order to fix a problem. However, there can be instances where surgical procedures are a necessity. For example, it could be that you are at a stage where oral medicine is not effective enough.
Or it might be that there is a risk of further damage to your organs. In such instances, surgery can become your only option. However, during your surgical procedure, any miscalculations or mistakes can make things worse for you.
You can end up with additional damage, which can prolong your recovery process. You can even face issues like organ damage, which can change your life forever.
What are Surgical Errors
A surgical error is an injury that is beyond the scope of the intended surgery. There are obviously risks involved with surgery, and these risks are known as acceptable risks. However, if a preventable injury occurs due to the negligence of your doctor during your surgery, it will amount to a surgical error.
There are multiple types of surgical errors. For example, if your surgeon leaves a medical instrument inside your body or if they operate on the wrong area, it would amount to a surgical error. Similarly, if your surgeon carries out the wrong procedure or operates on the wrong person, it will be a surgical error.
Surgery at the Wrong Site
Although rare, it is possible that your surgeon may operate on the wrong site on your body. There can be multiple factors that can lead to such a surgical error. The most common cause for such an event is a lack of communication or miscommunication between your doctors and surgeon.
In such circumstances, you are the one who suffers due to the incompetence of your doctors. The medical institution that you are admitted to will be at fault, and you can hold them liable for your injury because an unnecessary surgery on a healthy part of your body can lead to further complications for you.
Retention of Foreign Objects
A more common and unfortunate surgical injury occurs when a surgeon leaves a foreign object behind in your body. This can be anything used in your surgery, such as scissors or needles. Any foreign object inside your body is a bad thing, but a sharp object can be deadly.
A sharp object, if left in your body, can cause further damage to your organs and the surrounding area of the surgery. Imagine that after all your anxiousness, your surgery went well; however, you get the news that you will need to be operated on once more to fix a mistake of your surgeon.
Such news can fill you with rage and anxiety. You can feel wronged, and rightfully so. You have every right to feel aggrieved, and you can take action against such negligent doctors.
Loss of Functionality
In case of a surgical injury, you can end up losing functionality in your body. If the surgery is performed at the wrong site, it can lead to muscle damage, which can limit your mobility. Similarly, if a surgical instrument was left inside you, there is no telling what kind of damage it can do.
Suppose you experience things like muscle death in your body due to a surgical error. In that case, you can end up having to deal with constant pain, you can lose range of motion in a particular limb, or you can end up with organ damage that can severely reduce the quality of your life.
Dealing with the Trauma
Having to deal with the trauma of a surgical error can be unfathomable. You can already be scared due to your surgical procedure, and you might be wondering if everything will be alright or not. In such circumstances, you can be devastated to find out that things did not go as planned.
After you wake up from anesthesia, instead of being greeted with the good news that everything went well, you get the news that you will have to go through surgery again. The thought of having to endure another surgery can be soul-crushing, and it can leave you with considerable trauma.
Extended Recovery Period
If you have to go through extra surgeries to fix the errors made by your doctors, your recovery period will be extended. A surgical procedure requires the surgeon to cut into your body. These cuts are deep, and they can take a long time to heal properly.
Sutures are required to close up the surgical wounds, and complications can arise during the healing process. You can end up with infections or suture tears that can make recovery more challenging. Having to care for two surgical wounds instead of one can further complicate things for you.
Consult with an Attorney
In case you have suffered a surgical injury, there is nothing that can be done to reverse the damage. The pain and suffering you had to endure are going to remain. However, what you can do instead is to consult with an attorney to hold negligent doctors accountable for their actions.
You can consult your attorney to ensure you receive compensation for your suffering. You can discuss with your attorney to determine the damages you may claim from negligent doctors. These damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for your pain and suffering.
By holding the negligent parties responsible, you will also be able to make sure that no one else has to suffer the same fate as you at the hands of such a negligent doctor.
Keep Things Documented
In order to make a compensation claim, you will need documentation. Things like your original diagnosis and recommended surgical procedure will be needed in writing. Your doctor’s recommendations and a copy of your consent form will be required.
You will also need proof of the surgical injury that you have suffered and any other document that your lawyer may require. Keeping everything documented will improve your chances of success when it comes to a compensation claim.
