When a Surgical Instrument is Left in a Patient
When you go in for surgery, you expect your medical team to remain vigilant at all times to protect your health. If you leave the operating room with a surgical tool left inside of you, it can cause life-altering medical complications that can take time to recognize. These claims are among the most severe and require experienced legal counsel. The medical malpractice attorneys at Fanelli, Evans & Patel are ready to hear the unique details of your case and help you navigate the next steps.
Retained Surgical Objects
When a surgical instrument or object is accidentally left inside a patient after surgery, it is referred to as a retained surgical object. These incidents are considered preventable medical errors because they should not occur when proper protocols are followed. Objects commonly left behind during surgery include:
- Surgical sponges
- Forceps
- Clamps
- Needles
- Scalpels or fragments of surgical tools
- Tubing or drains
A retained surgical instrument can cause extensive physical harm and may require additional surgeries to correct. Common complications can include internal bleeding, infections, organ and nerve damage, and more life-threatening conditions. In some cases, the object remains undiscovered for an extended period before symptoms become severe enough to warrant further testing. This period of time can cause the victim extreme mental anguish, as they may not understand why they are in pain.
How These Errors Happen
Medical teams are expected to follow strict safety procedures designed to prevent retained surgical objects. When those procedures are carried out improperly, dangerous mistakes can occur. Factors that commonly contribute to these errors include:
- Failure to properly count surgical tools before closing the incision
- Fatigue caused by understaffing or excessively long shifts
- Emergency surgical situations that lead to rushed decisions
- Failure to follow established hospital safety protocols
In many cases, more than one party may share responsibility for the mistake since surgeries often require an entire team of medical professionals to oversee. Depending on the evidence uncovered during the discovery process of your case, you may be able to file a claim against the hospital itself.
When the Hospital or Medical Facility May Be Liable
Liability does not always rest solely with the surgeon. Hospitals and surgical facilities can also contribute to the error. You may be able to file your legal claim against the hospital if your attorney uncovers practices such as inadequate staff training, understaffing, failure to enforce safety procedures, a previous history of similar negligence, and more.
Determining liability in a retained surgical object case often requires a detailed investigation into what occurred before, during, and after the procedure.
Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Pottsville Are Here to Help
If you have been injured due to negligence in a surgical procedure, our empathetic Pottsville medical malpractice lawyers at Fanelli, Evans & Patel are ready to advocate for your legal rights. The longer you wait to start your claim, the more your financial and personal losses can continue to grow. Contact us online or by calling our firm at 570-622-2455.