Surgical Errors: What You Need to Know

Peter Olszewski

People can often expect things to go wrong. Errors happen, especially in surgery, but not all errors are accidents or out of our control. When surgical errors become an all-too-common occurrence, it’s no longer an accident, but something our medical professionals are causing.

According to the National Library of Medicine, medical errors have caused over 251,000 deaths in the United States. In Pennsylvania, Scartelli Olszewski, P.C., is dedicated to helping victims of medical malpractice and surgical errors seek justice and compensation for their injuries.

Surgical errors can take many forms. There’s no one way for surgery to go wrong. In some cases, these mistakes can be life-threatening or even fatal. It’s important for patients to understand what to do if they’re the victims of surgical errors, and know what steps they can take if they believe they have been the victim of a surgical error.

Types of Surgical Errors

The most common types of surgical errors include:

• Operating on the wrong body part or patient
• Performing the wrong type of surgery
• Leaving foreign objects inside a patient after surgery
• Anesthesia errors
• Failure to diagnose a dangerous medical condition during surgery

These types of mistakes can lead to a new injury or condition entirely, worsening the original injury or condition, or even death. Patients may suffer from infections, organ damage, paralysis, brain injury, and other life-changing complications as a result of these errors.

In some cases, these mistakes may not be discovered for months or even years. By then, it may be too late to stop the error from causing an even worse issue.

Prevention & Reducing Medical Errors

There are steps that healthcare providers can take to reduce the risk of surgical errors and other medical mistakes. Some hospitals have implemented protocols such as “time outs” before surgeries where doctors and nurses double-check that they have the correct patient, tools, supplies, and plan for the procedure before beginning any operation.

Some hospitals have particular healthcare providers and labeling systems to support their staff, but some only do the bare minimum.

What To Do If You Suspect A Surgical Error

If you believe you have been the victim of a surgical error or medical mistake, it’s important to seek legal advice right away. At Scartelli Olszewski P.C., our experienced attorneys will review your case and help you understand your legal options for seeking justice and compensation for your injuries.

We understand how devastating these types of mistakes can be for victims and their families; we are here to fight for your rights every step of the way so that you get the justice you deserve.

Contact Us Today For Help With Your Case

If you believe you have been injured due to a surgical error or medical mistake in Pennsylvania, contact Scartelli Olszewski P.C., today at (570) 346-2600 or visit us online. Our experienced attorneys will review your case and help you understand your legal options so that you get the justice you deserve!