Contact a Surgical Errors Lawyer in Palm Beach County, FL

Our law firm knows how to handle complex medical malpractice cases in Florida

Even the most straightforward surgical procedures are not without their risks, and unfortunately, not all surgeons and medical professionals in Florida uphold the required standard of care to mitigate these risks. The consequences of surgical errors are far-reaching, potentially resulting in significant injury or even death.

“Mr. Shomo helped me and my family during some very difficult times. He showed true compassion and concern. Every step of the difficult way, he was there. I would recommend him highly if you are looking for someone with integrity and sincerity.” – Dawn A.H.

At The Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, Mr. Shomo and his team are acutely aware of the severe implications of surgical errors and the profound effect they can have on patients’ lives. With a commitment to delivering compassionate support and strong legal advocacy, our law firm aims to hold responsible medical professionals accountable for their mistakes. Surgery should heal, not cause further harm. By choosing to work with Mr. Shomo and his dedicated team of professionals, you’re taking a critical step toward the justice and accountability you deserve.

Mr. Shomo’s case results include securing a $2,250,000 outcome in a case involving wrong-site surgery. This case result underscores the devastating outcomes that can arise from surgical errors and highlights Mr. Shomo’s dedication to achieving justice for victims of medical malpractice and negligence.

What is a surgical error?

A surgical error refers to any mistake, oversight, or deviation from the standard of care that occurs during a surgical procedure. These errors can occur at any stage of the surgical process, from pre-operative planning to post-operative care, and may involve various members of the surgical team. Surgical errors can potentially result in harm or injury to the patient, ranging from minor complications to life-altering outcomes.

Common types of surgical errors

Surgeries are multifaceted procedures that require precision, skill, and thorough planning. Despite these stringent requirements, errors can occur, often with grave consequences. Here’s an expanded look at common types of surgical errors:

Anesthesia Errors: These occur when an anesthesiologist administers too much, too little, or the wrong type of anesthesia. Complications can include consciousness during surgery, allergic reactions, or severe post-operative pain and cognitive issues.
Wrong-Site Surgery: This grave mistake involves operating on the wrong part of the body. It is a clear violation of surgical protocols and can lead to unnecessary pain, additional surgeries, and loss of function.
Wrong Patient: Surgery performed on the wrong patient can have devastating effects, subjecting individuals to unnecessary procedures and risks while delaying or missing the intended patient’s critical surgery.
Unnecessary Surgery: Performing a surgery that isn’t needed exposes patients to all the risks of surgery without potential benefits. This can happen due to diagnostic errors, misinformation, or unethical practices.
Inaccurate Incisions and Cutting Errors: Precise incisions are crucial in surgery. Inaccurate cuts can damage tissues, muscles, or organs not related to the surgical site, leading to complications or additional corrective surgeries.
Foreign Objects Left in the Body: Surgical instruments, sponges, or other materials left inside a patient post-operation can cause infections, pain, and require further surgery to remove.
Nerve Damage: Improper surgical techniques can lead to accidental nerve damage, resulting in loss of sensation, movement, or function in the affected area, sometimes permanently.
Infection: Sterile environments and procedures are critical in surgery. Failure to adhere to these standards can introduce bacteria into wounds, leading to severe infections and complications.
Organ Perforation: During surgery, unintended perforation of organs can occur, leading to internal bleeding, infection, and the necessity for further surgical interventions.
Hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding during or after surgery can be life-threatening. It can result from severed blood vessels not being properly managed during the procedure.
Equipment Malfunction: The reliance on various medical devices and equipment in surgery means that any malfunction can have dire consequences, potentially compromising the surgical outcome.

Causes of surgical errors

Surgical errors can happen for many reasons. Even the smallest mistake can affect a patient for the rest of their life.

Poor safety protocols

Negligence in surgical settings can manifest as failure to sanitize surgical instruments and equipment properly, leading to an increased risk of post-operative infections. Additionally, neglecting to follow established protocols for patient safety, such as proper positioning and pre-operative assessments, can result in avoidable surgical errors.

Inexperience

Surgeons and medical staff who lack sufficient experience or training in specific procedures may be more prone to making errors during surgery. Inexperience can lead to incorrect incisions, inadequate tissue handling, and overall suboptimal surgical outcomes.

Insufficient planning

Insufficient planning before surgery, including inadequate pre-operative assessments and failure to anticipate potential complications, can contribute to surgical errors. Poor planning may result in incorrect surgical approaches, delays in treatment, and increased risk of post-operative complications.

Misdiagnosis

Misdiagnosis or incorrect identification of the patient’s condition or surgical needs can lead to inappropriate surgical interventions. Performing surgery based on a misdiagnosis can result in unnecessary procedures, increased risk of complications, and failure to address the underlying medical issue effectively.

Taking shortcuts/improper surgery techniques

Rushing through surgical procedures or resorting to improper surgical techniques can increase the risk of surgical errors. Taking shortcuts during surgery, such as skipping essential steps or using outdated equipment, can compromise patient safety and lead to adverse outcomes.

Poor communication

Inadequate communication among members of the surgical team, including surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists, can contribute to surgical errors. Poor communication can result in misunderstandings, delays in critical information sharing, and coordination failures during surgery.

Fatigue

Fatigue among surgical staff, including surgeons, nurses, and support personnel, can impair judgment and performance during surgery. Fatigue-related errors may include lapses in attention, slower reaction times, and increased likelihood of making mistakes during critical surgical procedures.

Impairment

Surgical errors can also occur when surgical staff members are impaired due to factors such as alcohol or drug use. Impaired judgment and motor skills can significantly compromise patient safety and increase the risk of serious surgical complications.

After a surgical error, you can count on our law firm

Some surgery teams in Florida may not be completely prepared to perform a procedure, and because of their negligence, complications can arise, directly affecting patients. However, those who suffer harm because of surgical errors have the right to pursue justice.

If you believe you have been injured due to mistakes made during surgery, our law firm is ready to help. Get the justice and financial compensation you deserve with a law firm you can trust. Take the first step and contact us today or visit us at our office in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida