Surgical staff and the Surgeons are highly trained and qualified medical professionals. Their job is highly precise, leaving no room behind for errors. Handling a medical malpractice case in Georgia becomes challenging. Several factors are involved in medical negligence cases. The process of getting surgery is overwhelming for many patients. People choose surgeons who they can completely trust.
The majority of surgical procedures are successful, yet in some unfortunate cases, medical negligence is reported that causes significant injuries to the patient. In more serious cases, medical negligence can even claim the life of the patient. Patient safety experts at Johns Hopkins estimated that around 250,000 people die each year due to medical malpractice.
When the medical staff fails to provide proper care and make an error during the surgery, you can hold them liable for medical malpractice. When you face this situation, getting help from an experienced medical malpractice attorney is essential. Our attorneys will review your case and provide you with the best legal advice according to your case. We will help you in establishing a valid claim.
Which Surgical Errors Qualify as Georgia Medical Malpractice?
Surgeons are expected to provide patients with consistent care according to their education and experience. You are eligible to file a medical malpractice case in Georgia if you are injured due to medical negligence. Even if it is uncommon, the following surgical errors can occur:
- A surgeon can accidentally leave a sponge, wound dress, scalpel, or any other object inside the patient during operation; This qualifies as a foreign object being left in the patient’s body
- If a surgeon operates the wrong body part
- Unsterilized surgery equipment that may lead to a serious infection
- A surgeon may perform unnecessary surgery in case the medical records of patients get mixed up
- The surgeon can damage another organ or nerve during the operation
There is an accepted level of standard care that every medical professional needs to exhibit during treatment. The standard is accepted within the medical community. If a patient receives treatment that is below that level of care then the patient becomes eligible to file a lawsuit. The level of care means the care any health provider with the same experience and training would have provided the patient under the same circumstances. To establish an applicable standard of care, expert testimony is required.
Why Do Surgical Errors Occur?
There are a variety of reasons behind surgical errors including:
Poor Communication:
Surgical staff may fail to communicate important medical information to surgeons about the patient such as allergies or possible medical complications.
Treatment Issues:
The surgeon may lack the expertise and knowledge to provide accurate medical treatment or they may provide the wrong treatment. Forgetting an essential medication is also medical negligence.
Preoperative Planning Issues:
Mistakes can happen if the surgeon is not properly prepared for the surgery. Surgeons may fail to consider complications. The surgeon may have difficulty in getting medical instruments causing a delay in treatment.
Drug or Alcohol Use:
Alcohol or drug problems can impact the performance of surgeons and medical staff. This in turn, severely impacts the outcome of a patient’s surgery.
Fatigue:
Lack of rest can impact the decision-making of surgeons especially if they are overworked with multiple complicated surgeries.
What Complications Can Occur from a Surgical Error?
Patients can suffer serious injuries that may turn into fatal complications or life-threatening situations, such as:
- Internal Bleeding
- Scarring & disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Disability
- Organ damage
- Sepsis
- Infection
What Does Filing a Claim Include When It Comes to Medical Malpractice in Georgia:
If your surgeon was negligent during the treatment, you can file a medical negligence claim to recover compensation for all the damages. Your medical malpractice attorney will help you in obtaining the claim. You can receive compensation for all the expenses resulted due to negligence including:
- On-going home care
- Corrective surgeries and treatment
- Modification to your vehicle or home
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Lost earning capacity
Get in Touch With an Experienced Attorney:
If you or your loved ones have suffered due to a surgeon’s negligence, speak to our Georgia medical malpractice attorney to file a medical malpractice case in Georgia. They have extensive experience and knowledge in handling similar cases. We have successfully recovered compensation in claims involving doctors and hospital negligence. Our attorneys will deal with all the legal aspects while you focus on a healthy recovery. We aim to strengthen your case and help you in attaining the maximum compensation that you truly deserve.
