New Jersey Surgical Error Lawyers

Filing Surgical Malpractice Lawsuits in New Jersey

At Simonson Goodman Platzer PC, we understand the serious consequences of surgical errors and are dedicated to advocating for patients affected by medical negligence. Surgery can be a daunting experience, and when an error occurs, it can lead to prolonged recovery, further medical complications, or even lifelong impairments. If you or a loved one has been a victim of a surgical error, our experienced New Jersey surgical error lawyers are here to help. We have a track record of securing compensation for patients harmed by surgical mistakes, and we’re ready to stand by your side in your pursuit of justice.

Call our office at (800) 817-5029 or contact us online to request a free consultation and discuss your surgery malpractice treatment options.

What is a Surgical Error?

A surgical error is a preventable mistake made during a surgical procedure that deviates from the standard of care expected from medical professionals. These errors can vary in severity, from minor incidents to life-threatening complications. Surgical errors are typically not the result of inherent surgical risks, but rather the result of negligence, poor planning, or inadequate procedures. When a surgeon or other medical professional fails to meet the accepted standard of care, they can be held liable for any harm that results.

Some of the most common types of surgical errors include:

• Wrong Site Surgery: This occurs when a procedure is performed on the wrong part of the body. For instance, a patient may go in for surgery on their left knee, but the surgeon operates on the right knee instead. Wrong site surgeries can have serious and lasting consequences, often requiring additional corrective surgeries.
• Wrong Patient Surgery: In rare cases, surgical teams can mistakenly perform a procedure on the wrong patient. Misidentification or inadequate pre-surgical checks can lead to this severe form of surgical error, which can cause unnecessary harm to the patient and delay the care they actually need.
• Incorrect Procedure: This error happens when the surgeon performs the wrong surgery on the correct patient. Miscommunication and poor record-keeping can contribute to this kind of mistake, putting the patient through an unnecessary and potentially dangerous procedure.
• Anesthesia Errors: Anesthesia errors can include administering the wrong type of anesthesia, incorrect dosage, or failure to monitor the patient properly. These mistakes can lead to severe complications, including brain damage, organ failure, or even death.
• Leaving Foreign Objects in the Body: Sometimes, surgical tools such as sponges, clamps, or gauze are left inside the patient after the surgery. This oversight can cause infection, internal injury, and may necessitate additional surgeries.
• Nerve Damage: During surgery, a surgeon may inadvertently damage surrounding nerves, resulting in lasting pain, numbness, or even paralysis. This type of error is especially common in surgeries involving delicate areas such as the spine, neck, or brain.

Common Causes of Surgical Errors

Common causes of surgical errors include:

• Inadequate Planning: Surgical teams are responsible for adequately preparing for each procedure, including reviewing patient records, planning for potential complications, and ensuring they have the necessary equipment. Failure to properly plan increases the likelihood of a mistake.
• Fatigue: Surgeons and medical staff often work long hours under high-stress conditions, which can lead to fatigue. Exhaustion can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and increase the risk of error.
• Poor Communication: Miscommunication between medical professionals is a leading cause of surgical errors. Whether it’s a misunderstanding about the procedure, mislabeling of records, or failure to convey important patient information, breakdowns in communication can result in devastating mistakes.
• Inexperienced Staff: Surgeons or medical staff who lack the necessary experience or training for a particular procedure are more likely to make mistakes. In some cases, hospitals may allow inexperienced staff to assist with or perform surgeries, putting patients at risk.
• Defective Equipment: Surgical procedures rely on precision instruments and high-quality medical devices. If a piece of equipment malfunctions or is defective, it can result in an error that harms the patient.
• Negligence: Some errors are simply the result of negligence, such as failing to follow established protocols, disregarding safety measures, or cutting corners to save time. When a medical professional acts with disregard for patient safety, they should be held accountable for the consequences.

Who is Liable for a Surgical Error?

Determining liability in a surgical error case is essential for pursuing compensation. Depending on the circumstances, one or more parties may be held responsible, including:

• Surgeons: Surgeons bear primary responsibility for the procedures they perform. If a surgeon’s negligence causes harm to the patient, they may be held liable for medical malpractice.
• Anesthesiologists: Anesthesia errors can result in serious injury or death. If an anesthesiologist fails to administer anesthesia correctly, or fails to monitor the patient properly, they may be liable for any resulting harm.
• Nurses and Surgical Staff: Nurses and surgical assistants play a critical role in preparing for and assisting during surgery. If a mistake made by support staff contributes to the error, they may also share responsibility.
• Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: In some cases, the hospital itself may be liable. If the facility fails to maintain proper standards, hire qualified personnel, or ensure safe equipment, they may be held accountable for any resulting errors.
• Medical Device Manufacturers: If a surgical error results from a defective medical device, the manufacturer may be held liable. This can include equipment used during surgery or implants placed inside the patient.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a surgical error in New Jersey, the experienced team at Simonson Goodman Platzer PC is ready to help. We understand the complexities of surgical error cases and have a proven record of success in holding negligent medical professionals accountable.

Contact us today at (800) 817-5029 to let our firm protect your rights, best interests, and health.