3 Common Questions Regarding Surgical Errors

Medical malpractice can have devastating effects on your health and wellbeing, and a significant portion of medical malpractice claims arise from surgical errors. All surgery carries a risk–even minor and routine procedures. As a patient, though, you are putting your trust and faith in the medical staff, and it is only natural to hope for the best.

If you are suffering from pain or unforeseen complications following a procedure, a New Orleans medical malpractice lawyer may be able to help. At The Bowling Law Firm, we specialize in representing victims of medical malpractice.

We have more than 30 years of trial experience, and we can use our expertise to assess your claim and determine if you may be entitled to compensation. Call us today at (504) 586-5200, and read on for three common questions regarding medical errors.

1. What constitutes a surgical error?

American Board of Professional Liability Attorneys draws a distinction between medical malpractice and surgical errors. A simple surgical error does not necessarily mean the doctor is liable for medical malpractice. In order for a court to consider the error to be medical malpractice, the treatment must have also been sub-standard and caused harm to the patient.

Even if you can prove there was a surgical error, it will be difficult to prove medical malpractice if it did not harm you. Much of the emphasis in medical malpractice cases rests on standard care, and if you establish that a specific surgical error constitutes a violation of standard care, you may be able to prove malpractice.

A surgical error is a mistake made during surgery that a doctor could have prevented. All surgery carries with it a degree of risk, and a surgical error must go beyond the acknowledged risks of the procedure. As such, a surgical error is not a potential or expected complication.

2. What causes surgical errors?

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, there are several causes of surgical errors. They can vary from case to case, and it is important to remember that each surgery carries with it different risks and possible complications.

Typically, the most common causes of surgical errors are incompetence or inadequate planning prior to the operation. Other issues that may play a role include poor communication between the patient and the doctor, tiredness, recklessness or neglect.

3. What are common surgical errors?

Surgical errors are often diverse, but several common ones do exist. These include nerve damage, incorrect administration of medication, incorrect incisions, omitting to remove surgical equipment from the body and operating on the wrong body part.

If you feel you have been the victim of medical malpractice, give The Bowling Law Firm a call at (504) 586-5200. We have extensive trial experience, and we are an AV-rated law Firm under Martindale-Hubbell’s peer review rating system. A New Orleans medical malpractice attorney can assess your case and determine if you may be entitled to compensation.