The Most Common Causes of Preventable Injuries in the Operating Room
When patients undergo surgery, they trust their medical team to provide competent care throughout every stage of the procedure. While many operations are completed successfully, errors that occur before, during, or after surgery may be considered negligence and result in a malpractice claim.
If you or a loved one suffered harm because of a surgical mistake, it is important to understand your legal rights. The Reading medical malpractice lawyers at Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C., are dedicated to helping injured patients pursue accountability when healthcare providers fail to keep them safe.
How Preventable Operating Room Injuries Occur
Medical professionals have a duty to follow established safety protocols and provide treatment that meets the accepted standard of care. When professionals fail to uphold these responsibilities, patients can suffer avoidable injuries. Some of the most common causes of preventable injuries in the operating room include:
- Surgical errors, including operating on the wrong site or performing the wrong procedure
- Retained surgical instruments or other foreign objects left inside the patient
- Anesthesia mistakes involving improper dosage or medication errors
- Inadequate patient monitoring during surgery
- Communication breakdowns among members of the surgical team
- Failure to properly sterilize instruments, resulting in infection
- Delays in responding to surgical complications or emergencies post-operation
What Steps Should You Take After a Surgical Injury?
Not every surgical complication is the result of malpractice. However, when a healthcare provider’s actions fall below the accepted standard of care and directly cause injury, the patient may have grounds for a claim. If you believe a preventable operating room error caused your injury, acting quickly can help protect your legal rights. It’s vital to:
- Seek immediate medical treatment to address your injury and document it.
- Gather copies of your medical records.
- Keep records of financial and emotional losses, such as your medical bills, lost wages, and a timeline of your symptoms and how they impact your standard of living.
- Consult with a medical malpractice attorney to evaluate your potential claim and help you file your case.
Compensation Available in a Medical Malpractice Claim
Patients injured by preventable operating room mistakes may be entitled to recover compensation for a variety of losses. Depending on the circumstances of the case, damages may include medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Every case is unique, and the amount of compensation you can request depends on factors such as the severity of your injuries and how much evidence is available in your situation. Working with an attorney is key to understanding the full extent of your claim.
Choose Our Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Reading, PA, Today
When healthcare providers fail to deliver safe care, they should be held accountable for the harm they cause. The Reading medical malpractice attorneys at Fanelli, Evans & Patel, P.C., are ready to help you pursue justice. If you believe a surgical error or other operating room mistake caused your injury, contact us today online or by calling 570-622-2455 to discuss your case.