Pennsylvania Wrong Site Surgery Attorneys
Anticipating a surgical procedure is a highly stressful time for many people. We are rarely, if ever, more vulnerable than when we undergo surgery. Fortunately, the majority of surgeries go well and the patient is better off in the end. When a surgeon makes a critical mistake, however, a patient may suffer medical, emotional, and financial repercussions.
One of the most egregious errors a surgeon can commit is performing the operation at the wrong surgical site. This generally happens to symmetrical parts of the body such as eyes, knees, or kidneys. It can also happen when one patient is mistaken for another, or when surgeons are confused about which procedure a given patient needs.
Wrong Site Surgery: Causes and Consequences
These serious mistakes are always preventable, and yet statistics estimate that 5 – 10 wrong site surgeries are performed across the US every day. These are most often the result of:
- Multiple surgeons for one patient, especially when they do not communicate
- Lack of any system for double-checking before surgery is performed
- Surgeons under pressure to complete the procedure quickly
- Failure to communicate with the patient before the surgery
Following a wrong site surgery, the patient can suffer from many problems, including:
- Progression of the original condition
- Disability
- Medical expenses, such as the cost of having the correct procedure done
- Loss of wages and/or earning capacity
- Psychological trauma
Pennsylvania Wrong Site Surgery Lawsuits
A medical malpractice lawsuit is a way for victimized patients to win compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering. It is also a way to help future patients. When surgeons receive the message that mistakes will lead to severe financial losses, they will have a strong motivation to do well.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent surgeon, contact the Pennsylvania wrong site surgery attorneys of the Lowenthal & Abrams law firm at 610-667-7511.