Chicago Surgical Errors Lawyers

When we undergo surgery we are placing our lives in the hands of the surgeon and the nurses, anesthesiologists and other professionals who are supporting the surgeon. That level of faith is often rewarded with sophisticated medical care that relieves injury and illness. However, this is not always the case. When surgical errors occur, the results can create new injuries, create a need for additional surgeries and maim or cause death in the worst scenarios.

Common examples of surgical error include:

• Wrong site surgery – This type of surgical error is unfortunately too common. Simple miscommunications can result in the amputation of a healthy limb or organ changing that person’s life forever.
• Foreign object – Surgeons have a responsibility to ensure that all steps of a surgery, including an inventory and removal of all surgical materials such as sponges, are accomplished. Failing to do so can result in further injury and more surgeries.
• Birth injuries – Birth can be a delicate process. When errors are made it can leave a child with lasting issues such as cerebral palsy which will affect the child for the rest of his or her life.
• Nicking or perforating internal organs – When a surgeon is operating he or she must be careful to avoid nicking or perforating veins, arteries and internal organs. Minor injuries such as this can go unnoticed during the surgery, but create major issues such as internal bleeding following the surgery.