When you undergo surgery in Pittsburgh, PA, you trust your healthcare provider to deliver safe, professional care. However, surgical errors can occur, leading to severe consequences that may constitute medical malpractice. At Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam, our experienced Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorneys are dedicated to helping victims of surgical errors seek justice and fair compensation. Below, we explore common surgical errors, their impact, and how to pursue a medical malpractice claim in Pittsburgh, PA.
What Are Surgical Errors in Medical Malpractice?
Surgical errors are preventable mistakes made during surgery that fall below the standard of care expected from medical professionals. These errors can lead to life-altering injuries, prolonged recovery, or even wrongful death. In Pittsburgh, PA, medical malpractice occurs when a surgeon, anesthesiologist, or other healthcare provider acts negligently, causing harm to a patient. According to the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority, preventable surgical errors, often referred to as “never events,” occur far too frequently, with significant consequences for patients.
Common Types of Surgical Errors in Pittsburgh, PA
Surgical errors can take many forms, each potentially leading to a medical malpractice claim. Below, we outline some of the most common surgical errors we see at Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam:
1. Foreign Objects Left in the Body
Negligence during surgery can result in foreign objects, such as sponges, gauzes, or surgical instruments, being left inside a patient’s body. For instance, these “retained surgical items” can cause severe infections, internal damage, or the need for additional surgeries. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, over 4,000 such incidents occur annually in the U.S., many of which are preventable with proper post-surgical protocols. If you’ve suffered from this type of error, our surgical errors attorneys can help.
2. Wrong-Site or Wrong-Patient Surgery
Wrong-site surgery, where a surgeon operates on the wrong body part or even the wrong patient, is a shocking but real form of medical malpractice. Specifically, these errors often stem from miscommunication or inadequate preoperative protocols. In Pittsburgh, PA, such “never events” are considered egregious and almost always justify a medical malpractice claim, as noted by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. Therefore, contact our Pittsburgh medical malpractice team to explore your legal options at (412) 338-1800.
3. Anesthesia Errors
Moreover, anesthesia errors can be life-threatening. Administering too much anesthesia may lead to brain damage or death, while too little can cause a patient to wake up during surgery, experiencing extreme pain and trauma. Consequently, these errors often result from incompetence or carelessness, both grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. To learn more, visit our surgical errors page.
4. Nerve Injuries
Nerve damage during surgery can result in loss of sensation, chronic pain, or impaired physical abilities. For example, a surgeon’s mistake during a spinal procedure could lead to paralysis. As a result, these injuries often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, adding to the financial and emotional burden on victims. Thus, our Pittsburgh personal injury attorneys have the expertise to pursue compensation for such damages.
5. Surgical Infections Due to Negligence
Finally, failure to properly sterilize equipment or maintain a sterile operating environment can lead to post-surgical infections. These infections can cause prolonged hospital stays, additional surgeries, or even sepsis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes the importance of strict infection control protocols to prevent such outcomes. Our firm investigates these cases thoroughly to hold negligent providers accountable.
Why Surgical Errors Constitute Medical Malpractice in Pittsburgh, PA
Not every surgical complication is medical malpractice, but when a healthcare provider’s negligence causes harm, you may have a valid claim. To prove medical malpractice in Pittsburgh, PA, you must demonstrate:
- Duty of Care: The healthcare provider owed you a professional standard of care.
- Breach of Duty: The provider failed to meet this standard through negligent actions.
- Causation: The negligence directly caused your injury.
- Damages: You suffered measurable harm, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Our Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorneys work with medical experts to build strong cases, ensuring all elements of negligence are proven. The American Bar Association notes that surgical errors, such as wrong-site surgeries or retained foreign objects, are among the most serious types of medical malpractice due to the profound trust patients place in their surgical teams and the potential for catastrophic outcomes.
Steps to Take After a Surgical Error in Pittsburgh, PA
If you suspect you’re a victim of a surgical error, taking prompt action is critical due to Pennsylvania’s two-year statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims, which may start when the injury is discovered (the “discovery rule”). Here’s what to do:
- Seek a Second Medical Opinion: Another doctor can confirm whether a surgical error occurred and document the harm caused. This can serve as valuable evidence.
- Document Everything: Keep records of medical bills, surgical reports, and any communication with healthcare providers.
- Contact a Pittsburgh Medical Malpractice Attorney: At Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam, we offer free consultations to evaluate your case. Call us at (412) 338-1800.
- File a Claim: Our attorneys will investigate your case, consult medical experts, and file a claim to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Why Choose Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam for Your Medical Malpractice Case?
At Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam, we have a proven track record of securing compensation for victims of surgical errors across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. Our team combines legal expertise with medical knowledge to thoroughly investigate medical malpractice cases, uncovering evidence that others might miss. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a surgical error in Pittsburgh, PA, don’t wait to seek justice. Contact Massa Butler Giglione & Dirlam for a free consultation. Call us at (412) 338-1800 or visit our surgical errors page to learn more about how we can help you pursue a medical malpractice claim.