Surgery comes with inherent risks. Patients place immense trust in medical professionals, hoping for a better outcome. However, when surgical errors occur, the results can be devastating, especially in the most tragic cases of wrongful death. This is a painful reality, but understanding patients’ rights and the complexities of surgical procedures is essential.
Understanding the scope
A recent CNN report revealed some alarming statistics about surgical complications and medical errors:
- Over 250,000 deaths occur annually due to medical errors in the U.S.
- Surgical errors account for a significant portion of these deaths
- One in 10 patients experiences complications after surgery
- Up to half of these complications may be preventable
These numbers are sobering. They show that surgical errors are more common than many people realize.
Doctors are human, but standards matter
Doctors are people, and like all people, they can make mistakes. However, medical professionals have a responsibility to adhere to specific standards of care. This means following established procedures, using proper techniques and providing appropriate post-operative care.
Consequences of failing to adhere to standards can include:
- Incorrect incisions: Cutting in the wrong location during surgery.
- Anesthesia errors: Giving too much or too little anesthesia, leading to complications.
- Leaving foreign objects: Unintentionally leaving surgical instruments inside the patient’s body.
- Nerve damage: Causing injury to nerves during the procedure.
- Post-operative neglect: Failing to monitor the patient adequately after surgery, leading to complications
If something went wrong during surgery, it is not okay, and you are right to wonder if someone could have done more. You have a right to pursue that avenue of inquiry and explore malpractice claims.
Holding negligent parties accountable in Florida
If a surgical error in Florida leads to the wrongful death of a loved one, you may have grounds to hold the negligent parties accountable. This could include the surgeon, other medical staff or the hospital itself. By filing a claim, you may be able to receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses that accumulated before your loved one’s passing
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of income and support
- Pain and suffering
Legal action can result in financial and legal remedies for those affected by a surgical mistake. It can also bring about positive change by encouraging hospitals and medical professionals to improve their safety protocols and prevent similar tragedies from happening in the future.