Surgical mistakes can cause serious injuries and unexpected complications for patients. They may face additional medical treatment, extended recovery periods, and lasting physical harm after a surgical error. Our Harrisburg medical malpractice attorneys help patients understand their legal options when negligent medical care causes an injury.

Common Types of Surgical Mistakes

Surgical errors can happen at different stages of a procedure. A mistake may occur before surgery, during the operation, or while providing care after the procedure. Common surgical mistakes may include:

• Operating on the wrong patient or the wrong body part. A surgical team may perform a procedure on the wrong patient or operate on the wrong side or location of the body.
• Leaving an object inside the patient. Surgical instruments, sponges, or other materials may be accidentally left inside a patient after surgery.
• Performing the wrong procedure. A patient may receive a procedure that was not the procedure intended by the treating physician.
• Causing preventable organ or tissue damage. A surgeon may damage surrounding organs, nerves, blood vessels, or other tissue during a procedure.

Healthcare professionals are expected to follow established safety protocols during every stage of medical treatment. If they fail to uphold these standards and their patient is injured as a result, it can lead to a legal claim against them for negligent conduct.

However, a surgical complication does not automatically mean medical negligence occurred, as most surgeries come with an inherent degree of risk. Mette Attorneys at Law can review the available evidence to determine if the facts support a medical malpractice claim. This can include medical records, informed consent forms, discharge instructions, photographs of injuries, medical bills, communications with healthcare providers, and documentation of lost income.

Steps to Take After a Surgical Error

Taking certain steps after the procedure may help protect your health and preserve important evidence. Consider the following:

• Seek appropriate medical care. Follow up with another qualified medical professional to address whether additional treatment is necessary.
• Request your medical records. These documents may help establish what happened during your care.
• Document your injuries. Keep track of your symptoms, additional treatments, medical expenses, missed work, and other effects of the injury. 
• Keep records of communications. Save messages, letters, bills, and other communications with healthcare providers or insurance companies concerning the surgical error and resulting injuries.
• Speak with a medical malpractice attorney. Pennsylvania medical malpractice claims can involve complex medical and legal issues. An attorney can review your medical records, investigate the circumstances, and explain whether you may have grounds for a claim.

Experienced Harrisburg Medical Malpractice Lawyers for Surgical Injury Claims

Mette Attorneys at Law provides legal guidance to individuals who have suffered harm after medical treatment. We understand how emotionally and financially harmful this type of experience can be and are dedicated to pursuing justice for you. 

Our Harrisburg medical malpractice lawyers work to understand what happened and pursue appropriate legal remedies. If you believe a surgical mistake caused you harm, contact our team today by calling 717-232-5000 or by using our online contact form.