In medical malpractice law, a surgical error is any mistake or deviation from the standard of care during a surgical procedure. This can include mistakes made by the surgeon, such as operating on the wrong part or performing the wrong procedure. It also includes errors made by other surgical team members, such as anesthesiologists or nurses.

Surgical errors can occur for various reasons, including fatigue, distraction, inadequate training, or a failure to follow proper protocols. In order to succeed in a surgical error claim, the plaintiff must prove that the mistake was a variation from the standard of care and that this deviation caused their injuries or damages. In this case, hiring a surgical error attorney in Connecticut is advisable.

Let’s examine the common surgical errors you can sue for in Connecticut.

The wrong surgical procedure

We have seen cases of a surgeon performing the wrong operation on a patient. Patient mix-ups may result in the wrong patient waiting for the wrong surgery. This can be extremely harmful and can result from administrative errors, communication slip-ups, or even scheduling issues. Patients who undergo the incorrect surgery risk having vital organs removed or developing dangerous complications because they did not receive the proper procedure.

Leaving a surgical instrument inside the patient

Leaving a foreign item in a patient’s body, such as a knife, surgical clamp, or gauze, can cause severe pain, discomfort, or infection. This could occur in an operating room that is unorganized or otherwise chaotic, making it difficult for the medical team to do their jobs effectively.

When a foreign object remains inside a patient after surgery, it frequently requires another surgery to remove it. You can sue for compensation if you are a victim of this surgical error.

Wrong site operation

This occurs when a surgeon operates on the wrong body part or performs the wrong procedure. “Wrong site” procedures, which can result from carelessness or communication issues, can severely impair a patient’s quality of life. Patients have had healthy organs extracted rather than diseased organs or the incorrect limb amputated.

Anesthesia errors

This can include administering the wrong dosage of anesthesia, failing to monitor the patient’s vital signs during surgery, or administering the anesthesia to the wrong patient. A surplus of anesthetic can cause brain injury, oxygen deprivation, or even death. A patient who receives insufficient anesthetic may awaken during the treatment and undergo pain and psychological anguish that lasts a lifetime.

Unnecessary scarring

When surgical staff injures or punctures otherwise healthy organs or body parts, it can result in severe injuries and possibly require repeated surgeries to restore the damage. This can happen due to improper technique or a lack of attention. Nerve damage can also occur if the surgical team is inattentive or reckless while performing a surgical procedure.

Last words

If you are a victim of a surgical error, it is essential to speak with an experienced surgical error attorney as soon as possible.