Riverside Surgical Error Attorney

Ready to Help You After a Devastating Surgical Error

When you undergo surgery, you trust medical professionals with your health, and in many cases, your life. Unfortunately, surgical errors can occur, leading to serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to a surgical mistake, the experienced team at Bostwick & Peterson, LLP is here to help. As trusted Riverside surgical error lawyers, we are dedicated to holding negligent parties accountable and ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

To schedule a free case evaluation and discuss your case, call (951) 435-8229 or contact us online today.

Common Types of Surgical Errors

Surgical errors can take many forms, each with the potential to cause severe harm. Some of the most common types of surgical errors include:

• Wrong-Site Surgery: Performing surgery on the wrong body part or the wrong side of the body.
• Wrong Procedure: Conducting a procedure different from the one planned or necessary.
• Retained Surgical Instruments: Leaving surgical tools, such as sponges or clamps, inside the patient’s body.
• Anesthesia Errors: Administering too much or too little anesthesia, leading to complications such as brain damage or death.
• Infections: Failing to maintain a sterile environment, resulting in post-operative infections.
• Nerve or Organ Damage: Accidentally damaging nerves or organs during the procedure.
• Delayed Surgery: Unjustifiable delays in performing surgery that exacerbate a patient’s condition.

Common Causes of Surgical Errors

Surgical errors often stem from preventable mistakes. Some of the leading causes include:

• Inadequate Training: Surgeons or staff lacking the necessary experience or skills.
• Fatigue: Overworked medical professionals making critical errors due to exhaustion.
• Communication Breakdowns: Miscommunication among surgical teams leading to mistakes.
• Improper Preoperative Planning: Failing to review patient records or adequately plan the procedure.
• Failure to Follow Protocols: Ignoring established safety guidelines and procedures.
• Equipment Malfunction: Using defective or improperly maintained surgical equipment.
• Rushed Procedures: Performing surgery under time constraints that lead to carelessness.

The Impact of Surgical Errors

Surgical errors can have devastating effects on patients and their families. The consequences often include:

• Physical Injuries: Complications such as infections, chronic pain, or permanent disability.
• Emotional Distress: Anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from the experience.
• Financial Losses: Mounting medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care expenses.
• Loss of Trust: A diminished sense of confidence in the medical community.

Who is Liable for Surgical Errors?

Determining liability in surgical error cases can be complex. Potentially liable parties may include:

• Surgeons: Responsible for performing the procedure and ensuring its success.
• Anesthesiologists: Accountable for the correct administration of anesthesia.
• Nurses and Surgical Staff: Charged with supporting the surgical team and maintaining a sterile environment.
• Hospitals: Obligated to hire competent staff, maintain equipment, and enforce safety protocols.
• Medical Device Manufacturers: Liable for defective surgical instruments or equipment.

How Bostwick & Peterson, LLP Can Help

Navigating a surgical error claim can be overwhelming, especially while recovering from a traumatic experience. Bostwick & Peterson, LLP has decades of experience advocating for victims of medical malpractice in Riverside, CA, and beyond. Here’s how we can assist:

• Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We review your case details to determine the best course of action.
• Expert Collaboration: Working with medical experts to establish negligence and causation.
• Aggressive Representation: Advocating for maximum compensation in negotiations or at trial.
• Personalized Support: Providing compassionate guidance throughout the legal process.

Contact us today at (951) 435-8229 to request a free case review with our team.