Atlanta Surgical Errors Lawyers

Injured After Surgery in Atlanta, GA?

Surgical errors are the most serious consequence of a doctor's mistakes. Medical professionals who are negligent when performing operations can cause serious and lasting damage to their patients. What makes these cases even worse is that these errors are often avoidable. A surgeon may use poor tools, operate while sleep-deprived, or use unnecessary post-operative procedures that cause infections. When a doctor makes any of these or any other mistakes they may be sued for medical malpractice. At DGL Attorneys, our Atlanta surgical error attorneys help injured patients and their families take on damaging medical mistakes and are passionate about holding negligent healthcare professionals accountable.

Interested in filing a surgical error lawsuit? Contact us at (770) 404-8239 to request a free case review and start exploring your options.

Understanding Surgical Errors

Surgery is a medical procedure that involves the physical manipulation of tissues and organs to diagnose, treat, or prevent health conditions. It can range from minor procedures, such as removing a cyst, to major operations, like open-heart surgery. While surgeries are often necessary and life-saving, they come with inherent risks. Unfortunately, surgical errors can occur, leading to serious complications, additional medical costs, and prolonged suffering.

People undergo surgery for a variety of reasons, typically when less invasive treatments have failed or are deemed insufficient. Some common reasons include:

• Diagnosis: Surgeons may perform exploratory surgery to diagnose underlying health issues that imaging tests cannot reveal.
• Treatment of Disease: Surgical procedures are often necessary for treating diseases, such as cancer, where tumors need to be removed.
• Correcting Injuries: Many surgeries address injuries sustained in accidents, such as fractures or lacerations that require surgical intervention.
• Repairing Defects: Congenital defects or abnormalities may necessitate surgical correction to improve function or appearance.
• Improving Quality of Life: Some surgeries aim to relieve symptoms of chronic conditions, such as joint replacements for arthritis patients.

While surgery can be beneficial, it is essential to recognize that there are risks involved, including the potential for surgical errors.

Common Types of Surgical Errors

Surgical errors can manifest in various ways, leading to severe consequences. Some of the most common types of surgical errors include:

• Wrong Site Surgery: This error occurs when a surgeon operates on the wrong body part or even the wrong patient. Such mistakes are particularly egregious and can lead to life-altering consequences.
• Anesthesia Errors: Anesthesia complications can arise from incorrect dosages or failure to monitor the patient properly during surgery, leading to serious health risks.
• Instrument Retention: Surgeons sometimes inadvertently leave surgical instruments or sponges inside the patient's body after completing the procedure. This can lead to infections and necessitate further surgery.
• Infection: Surgical sites can become infected if proper sterile techniques are not employed during the operation. This can result in prolonged recovery times and additional medical treatment.
• Nerve Damage: Inadvertent damage to nerves during surgery can lead to long-term pain, loss of function, or even paralysis in severe cases.

Understanding these potential errors can help patients recognize when they may have a valid claim for malpractice.

Who is Liable for a Surgical Error?

Determining liability for a surgical error can be complex, as multiple parties may be involved in the surgical process. Potentially liable parties include:

• Surgeons: If a surgeon fails to adhere to the standard of care expected in their profession, they may be held liable for their mistakes.
• Anesthesiologists: Anesthesia errors may fall on the anesthesiologist, especially if they miscalculate dosages or fail to monitor the patient adequately.
• Surgical Staff: Nurses and surgical technicians play critical roles in the operating room. Errors on their part, such as improper instrument management or communication failures, can lead to surgical mistakes.
• Hospitals: In some cases, the hospital may share liability if inadequate training or policies contributed to the error. Hospitals are responsible for ensuring their staff is adequately trained and that proper protocols are followed.
• Medical Device Manufacturers: If a surgical error occurs due to a faulty device or instrument, the manufacturer may also be held liable for the defect.

To successfully establish liability, it is crucial to demonstrate that the responsible party failed to meet the accepted standard of care, leading to the error.

The Importance of Legal Representation

If you or a loved one has suffered from a surgical error, seeking the counsel of an Atlanta surgical error lawyer is essential. The experienced attorneys at DGL Attorneys At Law can help you navigate the complex legal landscape surrounding medical malpractice cases. They will work diligently to investigate the circumstances of your case, gather the necessary evidence, and build a compelling argument to seek the compensation you deserve.

When you choose DGL Attorneys At Law, you can expect a thorough and supportive legal process:

1. Free Initial Consultation: The process begins with a free consultation to discuss your case and assess the circumstances surrounding your surgical error.
2. Investigation: Your attorney will conduct a comprehensive investigation, gathering medical records, expert opinions, and other evidence to support your claim.
3. Negotiation: Many medical malpractice cases are resolved through negotiation. Your attorney will negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement on your behalf.
4. Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your attorney is prepared to take your case to court, advocating vigorously for your rights.

To schedule a free consultation, call (770) 404-8239 or contact us online today.