Surgical Errors: Mistakes made during surgery can have severe implications.

Surgeries, though often necessary and life-saving, come with inherent risks. Patients put immense trust in their medical professionals, believing that they will perform these procedures with the utmost care and precision. However, mistakes can and do happen. In Alabama, when surgical errors occur due to negligence, patients have rights protected under the Alabama Medical Liability Act. This guide aims to illuminate the common surgical errors patients may encounter, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and seeking rightful compensation when malpractice occurs.

Wrong-Site Surgery

One of the most alarming surgical mistakes, wrong-site surgeries involve operating on the incorrect part of the body. Causes include:

• Communication Breakdown: Often, a lapse in communication between medical teams can lead to this catastrophic error.
• Inadequate Pre-Surgery Protocols: Not verifying the surgery site multiple times or lacking a standardized checking process.

Incorrect Procedure Performed

Imagine expecting one type of surgery and receiving another. This nightmarish scenario can result from:

• Miscommunication: Misinterpretation of medical records or verbal instructions.
• Documentation Errors: Wrong details recorded or misreading a patient's chart.

Surgical Instruments Left Inside a Patient

Post-surgery, some patients discover foreign objects left inside them, which can lead to:

• Severe infections.
• Internal injuries.
• Extended hospital stays or additional surgeries.

Causes might include a rushed procedure or a lack of rigorous checks post-surgery.

Damage to Organs or Tissues

During surgery, surrounding tissues and organs can inadvertently be harmed, leading to:

• Prolonged recovery periods.
• Complications like internal bleeding or organ failure.
• Additional medical treatments or surgeries.

These errors often result from a lapse in technique, inadequate training, or fatigue.

Post-Surgical Infections

While infections are potential post-surgical risks, negligence can increase this likelihood:

• Non-sterile environments.
• Improper wound care or dressing techniques.
• Lack of post-operative care guidelines provided to the patient.

Pursuing Justice: Alabama and Surgical Errors

For Alabamians who've suffered due to surgical errors, knowing one's rights is paramount. Here's what to consider:

• Documentation: Ensure that you have all medical records related to the surgery. Document symptoms, take photographs if applicable, and gather testimonies from witnesses if possible.
• Expert Testimony: In many cases, a medical expert is necessary to testify that the surgical error was a result of negligence and not a known risk of the procedure.
• Legal Assistance: Engage with a proficient Alabama medical malpractice attorney. They can navigate the intricate waters of the Alabama Medical Liability Act and help determine the strength of your case.

Surgical errors, while distressing, are a reality many face. Armed with knowledge, patients can better navigate their health journeys and, when necessary, seek justice for the wrongs they've endured.

Free Initial Strategy Session

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During your Initial Strategy Session, I will asist you in creating a strategy on how to best pursue your claim, whether it be the result of a Car Accident Claim, 18 Wheeler Injury, or, Alabama Workers' Compensation Claim. At your Initial Strategy Session, you will receive the following:

• First - I will listen to your story. You will have a chance to tell everything to someone who wants to hear what happened to you.
• Based on the information that you provide, I will give you my best advice on both what claims you have, and the next steps you should consider to proceed with your claim(s).
• If your claim is something that I think I can help you with, I will explain the services that I can provide for you, and what the next steps are that we should take. We will start working immediately.
• If your matter is something that I do not think I can help you with, then I will attempt to put you in contact with another lawyer that might be able to help you.
• Either way, what should happen is we will put to rest some of the unkowns that you may be experiencing. We will start to shed some light on what you can expect, and how to best pursue the benefits you deserve.

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