Surgery is stressful and often frightening. Improperly performed surgery, or surgical error, can lead to severe and permanent injury and even wrongful death. You have no control during the procedure yet depend entirely on your surgical team for safe and expert care. We all expect this level of care when we undergo surgery.
Surgery is complex and risky, but surgeons are accountable for mistakes that harm or kill patients. Our team of dedicated surgical error attorneys in Chicago is here to help. Call us to set up an appointment; initial consultations are always free. We’ll discuss your surgical error case and explain how we can assist you.
How Our Chicago Surgical Errors Lawyer Can Help You, No Matter the Complexity
Surgical errors are among the most common medical malpractices nationwide. No matter what caused the surgical error that harmed you or a loved one, our Chicago Injury Lawyer team is here to help. We will:
- Thorough Investigation
We dig deep, gathering every detail. Then, we review records and consult experts to expose the full extent of the surgical error.
- Professional Consultation
Our network of medical experts strengthens your case, providing insight and testimony to validate the surgical error’s impact.
- Strategic Negotiation
We negotiate assertively with insurance companies and responsible parties to seek fair compensation without delay.
- Detailed Case Preparation
From documentation to witness preparation, we ensure your case is courtroom-ready and compelling.
- Aggressive Trial Representation
If a fair settlement isn’t reached, we fight for your rights in court, aiming for maximum compensation.
- Comprehensive Post-Trial Support
We stay by your side even after trial, assisting with appeals and any remaining legal needs.
Don’t suffer from a surgeon’s mistake without taking action. Contact our surgical error lawyer in Chicago to build your personal injury claims.
Common Surgical Errors That Happen in the Operating Room
Doctors and medical staff must follow established protocols before, during, and after surgery to prevent injuries and mistakes. Thus, mistakes can occur when a surgeon, nurse, radiologist, or anesthesiologist fails to follow standards or acts negligently.
Examples of surgical errors include:
- Surgical Tool Errors: If a scalpel accidentally cuts or even nicks a major artery or tendon, it can cause severe bleeding, loss of function, or even death.
- Anesthesia Errors: If an anesthesiologist incorrectly administers anesthesia, it can lead to permanent brain injuries or nerve damage.
- Catheter Injuries: Improper catheter insertion can harm blood vessels or damage nerves. It can also introduce air into the bloodstream, leading to serious risks like stroke, heart attack, or embolism.
- Incorrect Operations: Although rare, it’s tragic when a surgeon operates on the wrong body part. This often happens due to pre-operative negligence by the staff.
- Post-Operative Negligence: Doctors and nurses must monitor your recovery after surgery. They should check for signs of infection, blood clots, hemorrhages, embolisms, heart problems, or breathing issues. Failing to do this can cause serious complications.
- Foreign Objects: Leaving objects like surgical tools or sponges inside a patient can cause internal bleeding and severe infections.
Common Surgical Errors That Happen Outside the Operating Room
Surgical errors aren’t limited to the operating table. Consider these examples:
- Lack of Informed Consent: Not providing essential preoperative information, like risks and alternatives, can lead to uninformed decisions.
- Missed Preoperative Testing: Not performing all necessary preoperative tests can put patients at risk.
- Unnecessary Procedures: Scheduling unnecessary or advisable procedures can harm patients.
- Inadequate Postoperative Care: Failing to address complications like infections quickly can lead to serious problems.
- Lack of Specialist Consultation: Not consulting the appropriate specialists before surgery can result in poor patient outcomes.
You may file a wrongful death lawsuit if you lost a family member due to a surgery mistake. Do you need a professional Chicago surgical errors attorney? Learn more by filling out our contact form or calling (312) 261-5656 today.
Leading Causes of Surgical Errors You Should Know
Medical professionals don’t usually intend to make mistakes in surgery, but certain factors often lead to errors. Here are some of the most common causes:
- Fatigue
Doctors, surgeons, and medical staff work long, exhausting hours. When fatigue affects their performance, it becomes a serious issue. Fatigued people, including surgeons, are more prone to errors.
- Incompetence or Lack of Experience
Unskilled or inexperienced surgeons shouldn’t perform certain procedures. Inexperienced surgeons need supervision from skilled surgeons. Building experience requires oversight, not independence.
- Insufficient Preoperative Planning
Surgery requires thorough planning to account for all variables. Serious errors can occur if the facility lacks proper preoperative systems or the team fails to follow them.
- Failure to Communicate
Surgery involves a team of professionals coordinating within a busy facility. Poor communication can lead to significant mistakes. Clear communication is crucial at every stage of surgery. Miscommunication can lead to extreme errors, like marking the wrong site for surgery.
- Impairment
Surgery should never be done under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Unfortunately, it happens. Surgeons with substance issues may operate under the control, risking patient safety.
- Carelessness
No patient wants a careless surgeon. Medical procedures need a high level of care and commitment. Examples of carelessness include using unsterilized instruments or leaving tools or debris inside the patient.
How to Handle the Aftermath of a Surgical Error
Here are some crucial actions to take if a surgical error happens:
✔Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Address any complications immediately to prevent further harm.
✔Request Your Medical Records: Obtain all relevant documents related to the surgery for future reference.
✔Keep Detailed Notes: Record everything about the surgery, symptoms, and the impact on your life.
✔Avoid Speaking to Insurance or Hospital Representatives: They may try to downplay the mistake. It’s best to consult a lawyer first.
✔Contact a Surgical Error Lawyer: An experienced attorney can guide you throughout the legal process and help you pursue compensation.
Compensation You Can Recover in a Surgical Error Lawsuit
Surgical malpractice cases often seek damages for:
| Type of Damage | Description |
| Additional Medical Expenses | Costs for medical treatments are needed to correct surgical mistakes. |
| Future Medical Expenses | Anticipated future costs for dealing with complications from the surgical error. |
| Permanent Disability and Loss of Enjoyment of Life | Compensation for lasting disabilities and reduced quality of life caused by the mistake. |
| Lost Wages and Reduced Future Earnings Potential | Compensation for lost income and the impact on future earning capacity due to the injury. |
| Pain and Suffering | Damages for physical pain endured as a result of the surgical error. |
| Mental and Emotional Distress | Compensation for psychological anguish and emotional suffering caused by the mistake. |
Schedule a Free Consultation
Whenever a surgical error harms you or a loved one, you deserve justice. If you live in Chicago and suffered from a surgical mistake, call (312) 261-5656 or send a Chicago Injury Lawyer a message today. Our surgical error attorney offers free legal advice and only charges if we win compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Surgical Procedures Have the Highest Risk and Difficulty Rates?
Researchers ranked these surgeries by risk and difficulty:
Large intestine removal
Small intestine removal
Gallbladder removal
Stomach ulcer surgery
Abdominal scar tissue removal
Appendix removal
Abdominal exploration
How long do I have to file a surgical error claim in Chicago?
In Illinois, you typically have two years from the date of the surgical injury or when the harm was discovered to file a claim. Still, deadlines can vary depending on the details of your case, so it’s best to consult an attorney promptly.
How do I know if I have a surgical error case?
If you suffered harm during or after surgery due to negligence or a mistake by your surgeon, nurse, or medical team, you may have a case. Our Chicago surgical errors lawyer will assess your case in a free consultation to see if you have a valid claim.
