Surgical Errors in Houston
Many people feel nervous when they are preparing to undergo a surgical procedure. What keeps them calm is that they trust their medical professional to maintain the required professional standards and care while performing the surgery. When a surgeon or their team falls short of these standards, a patient can suffer life-altering harm.
If you have sustained injuries due to surgical malpractice, a surgical error lawyer at Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs can help you recover compensation and hold the negligent surgeon accountable. We have several decades of experience and a multimillion-dollar record of success that speaks for itself. Contact us today for a free consultation with a medical malpractice lawyer in Houston.
What Is Considered a Surgical Error?
A surgical error is a preventable mistake made during a surgical procedure that results in demonstrable harm to the patient. These errors can occur at any stage of the surgery, from pre-operative planning to post-operative care. Surgical errors are a form of medical malpractice, as they involve a breach of the standard of care that surgeons and their teams are expected to provide.
Common Types of Surgical Errors
Various types of surgical errors can occur. Some of the most common medical errors involving surgery include:
- Wrong-site surgery – Operating on the wrong body part or even the wrong patient
- Anesthesia errors – Administering too much or not enough anesthesia or failing to monitor the patient’s vital signs during the surgery
- Retained surgical instruments – Leaving surgical sponges, gauze, or other instruments inside the patient’s body after the surgery
- Nerve damage – Inadvertently cutting, stretching, or otherwise damaging nerves during the surgery
- Infection – Failing to maintain a sterile environment or properly clean and disinfect surgical instruments, leading to post-operative infections
Common Injuries During Surgical Operations
Surgical errors can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which can be life-threatening or permanently disabling. Common injuries resulting from surgical errors include:
- Organ damage – Accidental punctures or lacerations to internal organs
- Excessive bleeding – Uncontrolled bleeding during or after the surgery, which can lead to hemorrhage and shock
- Blood clots – Failure to properly monitor or prevent the formation of blood clots, which can cause pulmonary embolism or stroke
- Sepsis – A severe, life-threatening response to infection that can lead to organ failure and death
- Disfigurement – Scarring or other permanent changes to the patient’s appearance due to surgical mistakes
These injuries can result in significant physical, emotional, and financial hardships for patients and their families, including additional surgeries and higher medical bills to correct the damage.
Can You Sue for Surgical Errors in Houston, Texas?
Texas law allows patients to sue for surgical errors that have caused them harm. A successful medical malpractice lawsuit can allow you to recover compensation for medical expenses, and lost income from forced time off work due to your injury. You must file your lawsuit within two years of the injury to remain eligible to pursue compensation in court for medical negligence.
Contact Our Houston Medical Malpractice Lawyer for Help
Being the victim of a surgical error can cause untold disruption in your life. However, you have an opportunity to hold the wrongdoers accountable for the losses you have suffered. A Board-Certified medical malpractice attorney from the law firm of Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs can work to secure the compensation you deserve so you can move on with your life. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Houston surgical error attorney.