Burn Injuries During Surgery in Sunbury, PA
When you go under anesthesia for a surgical procedure, you should understand the potential risks involved. If you wake up afterward with burns, an extremely rare but serious surgical injury risk, it could be a sign that your medical team was negligent with your care during the procedure. No matter what happened during your surgery, you need the experience of a medical malpractice attorney in Sunbury at Fanelli, Evans & Patel to guide you through your legal case.
How Burn Injuries Can Occur in the Operating Room
Modern operating rooms rely on advanced technology, electrical equipment, heat-producing instruments, and chemicals to perform procedures safely and effectively. However, when mistakes occur, patients can suffer significant burns. These injuries are often classified as ‘never events’, meaning they should never occur if proper safety procedures are followed.
Electrosurgical Equipment Errors
Electrosurgical tools are commonly used to cut tissue or control bleeding through electrical currents. If this equipment is improperly used or is defective, patients can suffer serious electrical burns. These injuries may occur internally or externally and can sometimes go unnoticed until after surgery.
Surgical Fires
Operating room fires are among the most preventable surgical accidents. Fires can occur when three elements come together:
- An ignition source, such as a laser or electrosurgical device
- An oxygen-rich environment
- Flammable materials like surgical drapes
Even a brief surgical fire can cause devastating burn injuries to the patient.
Improper Use of Heating Devices
Heating blankets and warming pads are frequently used during surgery to help regulate body temperature. When these devices malfunction or are improperly monitored, they can burn patients who are unable to respond while under anesthesia.
Chemical Burns
Chemical burns in the operating room are uncommon, but when they occur, they can be extremely painful. Surgical teams routinely use powerful cleaning solutions to reduce the risk of infection during procedures. However, if these chemicals are applied improperly, they can damage the patient’s skin and tissues.
Pursuing Compensation after a Surgical Burn Injury
Burn injuries during surgery are often preventable and may result from negligence or systemic failures within the hospital. Common underlying causes include insufficient staff training, defective medical devices, poor communication between the surgical team members, and failure to follow safety protocols.
If you suffered a burn injury during surgery, you may be entitled to compensation for the losses you experienced. Depending on the circumstances, a medical malpractice claim may help you recover damages related to:
- Medical bills and future treatment costs
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
Our Sunbury Medical Malpractice Lawyers Can Advocate On Your Behalf
Recovering from surgical burns can involve long months of medical treatment and therapy. Not only can these burns affect your body, but the emotional trauma surrounding medical treatment can be substantial and make future care difficult to pursue. When dealing with such heavy losses, you need the help of a Sunbury medical malpractice attorney at Fanelli, Evans & Patel. Give our firm a call at 570-286-6500 or contact us online today.