When you go to the doctor, you trust that the level of care you are receiving meets a certain standard. You assume that you are receiving proper care that is appropriate for your specific medical needs, and you trust that any interventions will help you feel better or improve your quality of life. When a doctor suggests surgery, you likely assume that it is because you need this type of procedure, and you agree because you trust your provider.
It can be devastating to learn that things did not go as planned during your surgical procedure. If the doctors or other medical professionals caused you harm due to a mistake or error, you could wake up to additional medical problems or find that your prognosis is worse. Surgical errors are never events, meaning that they should never happen, and you do not have to remain silent if you are suffering because of this.
Tips for reducing the likelihood of these mistakes
Surgical errors are preventable. They are often the result of negligence, improper training, rushing through the procedure and more. Unfortunately, a simple mistake during surgery can result in devastating consequences for an Arizona patient, including additional pain and suffering, more procedures and other negative effects. Preventing these types of events is possible, and the following steps are helpful in reducing the chance that these things happen:
- Ensure that staff resolve any interpersonal problems between them before working together in the operating room.
- Meet with the surgical staff beforehand to ensure that each surgery is well-planned and organized.
- Have checklists and time-outs in place to review where the surgeon will cut, what equipment is necessary and what each staff person will do during surgery.
Even these simple steps can reduce the chance that a mistake will happen during surgery. If you are suffering after a medical procedure due to a preventable error, there may be legal options available to you.
The aftermath of a medical mistake
If you are the victim of a surgical error, you do not have to suffer in silence. It is possible that you may have grounds to pursue compensation through a medical malpractice claim. While the aftermath of a medical mistake can be devastating, you do not have to walk through it alone. You will benefit from seeking the legal guidance of an experienced professional who can offer insight regarding your options.