In New York, no one goes into surgery expecting to experience a mistake, but unfortunately, they do happen. Sometimes they are minor and can be easily fixed, while others can have life-altering consequences.
Examples of common surgical mistakes
One of the most common surgical errors is performing the wrong procedure. This can happen when the surgeon gets confused and mixes up two patients or simply performs the incorrect procedure for the patient they’re treating. Another common mistake is leaving foreign objects in the body. This usually happens when a surgeon leaves a sponge or piece of equipment inside after the surgery.
It’s also possible for surgeons to damage surrounding tissues and organs during an operation. For example, they may accidentally puncture the colon while trying to access the appendix.
Seeking compensation
After suffering from a surgical mistake you should prepare to show that the hospital and/or surgeon breached their duty of care. You should seek ways that prove that the health professional did not exercise a reasonable standard of care and skill when conducting the medical procedure. You should also keep all of your medical records and receipts related to the surgery as these will be important when filing a claim.
If you’re considering legal action, make sure to do your research and understand the statute of limitations in your state. This is the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit after the date of the injury. In New York, for example, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice is two and a half years.
Surgical mistakes are unfortunately all too common. But if you or a loved one has been a victim of one, know that you have options and resources available to you. If your claim is successful, you can recover damages to help pay for things, like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
