Surgery is a critical medical procedure aimed at saving lives, alleviating pain, or improving quality of life. Patients trust surgeons and medical staff to perform their duties with precision and care. However, surgical errors do occur, and when they do, the consequences can be devastating. These errors often constitute medical negligence, giving patients the right to claim compensation for the harm suffered.
This article outlines the most common types of surgical errors and explains how National Claims can connect you with experienced solicitors to help you win your case.
1. Wrong-Site Surgery
One of the most glaring surgical errors is operating on the wrong site. This can mean performing surgery on the wrong body part, side of the body, or even the wrong patient entirely. Such errors often stem from poor pre-surgical checks or miscommunication among medical staff.
For instance, a surgeon may amputate the wrong limb or operate on the left kidney when the right one is diseased. The impact of wrong-site surgery is profound, leaving patients with unnecessary trauma and requiring additional corrective procedures.
2. Retained Surgical Instruments
The idea of a surgical tool being left inside a patient’s body may seem unimaginable, but it happens more often than you might think. Items such as sponges, clamps, or scissors are sometimes mistakenly left inside the surgical site. This type of negligence can lead to severe infections, internal damage, and even death if not detected and treated promptly.
Retained instruments are often the result of inadequate counting protocols before closing up the surgical site. Patients who experience this form of negligence are entitled to compensation for both the physical harm and the psychological toll it takes.
3. Anaesthesia Errors
Anaesthesia is a critical component of many surgical procedures, ensuring patients do not feel pain or discomfort. However, anaesthesia-related mistakes can have severe consequences, including brain damage or death.
Errors in this category include administering the wrong dose, failure to monitor the patient properly, or using defective equipment. Patients may suffer long-term damage due to hypoxia (lack of oxygen) during surgery or wake up in the middle of the procedure, leading to immense trauma.
4. Nerve Damage
Surgeons must navigate delicate areas of the body with precision to avoid damaging nerves. Unfortunately, improper techniques or a lack of expertise can result in nerve damage, causing permanent pain, numbness, or loss of function in affected areas.
For example, nerve damage may occur during orthopaedic surgeries, dental procedures, or spinal operations. When nerve damage results from negligence, patients can seek compensation for the loss of mobility or sensation that significantly impacts their quality of life.
Claiming Compensation for Surgical Errors
Suffering due to a surgical error can leave you physically, emotionally, and financially drained. Whether the negligence involved wrong-site surgery, retained instruments, or anaesthesia mistakes, the law entitles you to seek compensation for the harm caused.
However, pursuing a medical negligence claim can be complex. It requires gathering evidence, consulting medical experts, and navigating legal procedures. This is where National Claims comes in.
How National Claims Can Help
At National Claims, we understand the impact surgical errors can have on your life. That’s why we connect you with experienced solicitors who specialise in medical negligence claims.
Our network of legal professionals is skilled at building strong cases to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Whether your claim involves significant financial losses, ongoing medical costs, or emotional distress, our solicitors are dedicated to fighting for justice on your behalf.
With their expertise and commitment, you can focus on recovery while they handle the legal complexities of your case. National Claims is here to make the process straightforward and stress-free.
Take the First Step Today
If you or a loved one has suffered due to a surgical error, don’t wait. Contact National Claims to be put in touch with experienced solicitors who will fight tirelessly to win your claim. Compensation not only helps you recover financially but also holds negligent parties accountable, improving safety standards for others.
Reach out today to start your journey toward justice and peace of mind.
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