Fort Lauderdale Surgical Error Lawyer
Every surgery, no matter how major or minor, comes with risks. However, we expect our surgeons to use the utmost care during the procedure to minimize those risks. Unfortunately, some surgeons are negligent in their treatment of patients, and as a result surgical errors occur. Surgical errors happen far more often than people realize, and the complications that can arise from a surgical error can be serious.
Not every surgical error rises to the level of medical malpractice. That’s why you need an experienced surgical error attorney to go over your claims and see if you may be entitled to compensation. At Leifer & Ramirez, our Fort Lauderdale surgical error lawyers have years of experience defending our clients who have suffered from surgical errors at the hands of their doctors.
Common Causes of Surgical Error
A surgical error is defined as any mistake that happens during surgery. There are many reasons why a surgical error happens during a procedure, and if the surgeon, anesthesiologist, or other medical professional causes that error because of negligence or recklessness during surgery they may be liable for medical malpractice. The most common causes of surgical error include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Surgeon incompetence
- Failure to review patient medical history
- Missing a step of the procedure during surgery
- Lack of communication with medical staff
- Fatigue
- Drug or alcohol use
- Distractions in the operating room
- Leaving a surgical instrument in the patient
- Improper sanitation of surgical instruments
- Operating on wrong patient
Injuries Caused by Surgical Error
Because every surgery is different, the types of injuries caused by surgical errors is lengthy. However, the most common complaints of injuries following a surgical error include nerve injuries, complications arising from too much or too little anesthesia, incorrect body parts operated on, physical disfigurement or disability, loss of limbs, internal organ damage, bleeding, chronic pain, and more.
In addition, victims of surgical error are also subjected to additional medical testing and potentially another surgery. The error and the necessary follow up treatment can cause permanent disability or disfigurement. The medical expenses and lost wages can be incredibly high, and the effects of a surgical error, physically and emotionally, can last a lifetime.
Compensation for Surgical Error
Victims of surgical error caused by medical malpractice may be entitled to compensation for their case. Economic damages may be awarded for present and future medical bills, disability, lost wages, and loss of future earning capacity. Non-economic compensation may also be awarded for the pain and suffering caused by the malpractice, which includes damages for emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and disfigurement.
Leifer & Ramirez Can Help
Surgical errors can be painful and costly. Don’t let your doctor get away with being negligent with your care. If you or a loved one has been injured by a surgical error, you may have a claim for medical malpractice. Call or contact the medical malpractice lawyers at Leifer & Ramirez in Fort Lauderdale today for a free review of your case.