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Seattle Surgical Errors Lawyers
Our Seattle-area attorneys advocate for those injured during surgery
In the realm of medical procedures, the stakes are high, and surgical errors can have lasting consequences for patients and their families. When trust is broken in the operating room, seeking justice becomes not only a right but a necessity. At Smith McBroom, our experienced team of Seattle surgical error attorneys understands the delicate nature of these cases, recognizing the physical, emotional, and financial toll they take on those affected. We stand as advocates for those who have endured the consequences of surgical negligence. Our legal team provides the legal expertise and compassionate support necessary to navigate the complexities of medical malpractice and ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
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What types of surgical error cases does your Seattle firm handle?
Surgical errors are serious mistakes that can occur during surgical procedures. These errors can have serious consequences for patients and may lead to medical malpractice claims. Here are some examples of surgical errors:
- Wrong-site surgery. Performing a surgical procedure on the wrong part of the body. This can include operating on the wrong limb, organ, or side of the body.
- Wrong-procedure surgery. Conducting a different procedure than what the patient consented to or that was intended. This could involve confusion or miscommunication in the operating room.
- Surgical instrument errors. Leaving surgical instruments, such as sponges, clamps, or scalpels, inside the patient's body after surgery.
- Anesthesia errors. Administering too much or too little anesthesia, leading to complications or awareness during surgery.
- Nerve damage. Accidentally damaging nerves during surgery, which can result in pain, numbness, or loss of function in the affected area.
- Infection due to inadequate sterilization. Failing to properly sterilize surgical instruments or maintain a sterile environment, which can lead to postoperative infections.
- Perforation or damage to organs. Accidentally injuring organs or blood vessels during surgery, which can cause complications and additional medical issues.
- Postoperative care negligence. Failing to provide appropriate care after surgery, leading to complications, infections, or other adverse outcomes.
- Failure to monitor vital signs. Inadequate monitoring of the patient's vital signs during surgery, which can lead to delayed recognition of complications.
- Inadequate communication among surgical team members. Poor communication between members of the surgical team, leading to mistakes or misunderstandings during the procedure.
It's important to note that not all complications or unfavorable outcomes in surgery are the result of errors or medical malpractice. However, when surgical errors occur due to negligence or a deviation from the standard of care, patients may have legal grounds to pursue a medical malpractice claim. If you believe you have been a victim of a surgical error, it's advisable to consult with the Seattle medical malpractice attorneys at Smith McBroom to discuss the specifics of your case.
What consequences do surgical errors cause patients?
Surgical errors can have serious and sometimes life-altering consequences for patients. The effects of a surgical error depend on various factors, including the type and severity of the error, the patient's overall health, and the timeliness of identifying and addressing the mistake.
- Patients may experience physical harm as a direct result of the surgical error, including damage to organs, blood vessels, nerves, or tissues, leading to pain, impaired function, or disability. Infections can also arise from surgical errors, such as inadequate sterilization or leaving foreign objects in the body, increasing the risk of postoperative infections that may range from mild to severe, requiring additional medical treatment.
- Errors during surgery can contribute to a longer and more challenging recovery process for patients. This may involve additional surgeries, prolonged hospital stays, and increased rehabilitation efforts. Nerve damage, organ injuries, or other complications can result in chronic pain that persists long after the surgery.
- The emotional and psychological impact of surgical errors should not be underestimated. Patients who experience such errors may suffer from emotional distress, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The trauma of a surgical error can have lasting psychological effects.
- Depending on the nature of the error, patients may experience disfigurement or scarring, impacting their appearance and self-esteem. Loss of function in a particular body part or system can significantly affect a patient's quality of life and daily activities.
- Surgical errors may result in additional medical expenses, including the cost of corrective procedures, ongoing treatments, and rehabilitation. Patients may also face economic challenges due to lost income during extended recovery periods.
- In extreme cases, surgical errors can lead to fatal outcomes, as patients may die from complications such as uncontrolled bleeding, infections, or organ failure.
It's important to note that not all surgical complications are the result of errors or negligence. However, when errors occur due to a breach of the standard of care, patients may have legal options to seek compensation for the harm they have suffered. If you believe you or a loved one has been a victim of a surgical error, consulting with a Seattle surgical error attorney at Smith McBroom is advisable to discuss the specifics of your case.
What are the elements of a Seattle medical malpractice case?
Medical malpractice cases typically involve the following key elements that must be established to pursue a legal claim:
- Doctor-patient relationship. The plaintiff (injured party) must establish that a doctor-patient relationship existed. This relationship implies that the doctor owed the patient a duty of care.
- Breach of standard of care. The plaintiff must demonstrate that the healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, etc.) breached the standard of care. The standard of care is the level of care and skill that a reasonably competent healthcare professional in the same field would provide under similar circumstances.
- Causation. The plaintiff must establish a causal connection between the healthcare professional's breach of the standard of care and the injuries suffered. It must be shown that the injuries were a direct result of the medical professional's actions or omissions.
- Injuries or damages. The plaintiff must have suffered actual harm as a result of the medical professional's actions. This harm can include physical pain, emotional distress, additional medical expenses, loss of income, or other damages.
It's important to note that medical malpractice cases can be complex, and each case is unique. Consulting with an experienced Seattle surgical errors attorney is crucial for understanding the specific elements relevant to your situation, gathering evidence, and navigating the legal process effectively.
Who can be held liable for my Seattle surgical error claim?
In a surgical error claim in Seattle, multiple parties may potentially be held liable, depending on the circumstances surrounding the case. Liability can extend to various individuals and entities involved in the surgical process. Potential parties that might be held responsible include:
- Surgeon. The primary surgeon who performed the procedure may be held liable for surgical errors if they deviated from the standard of care, made mistakes during the surgery, or failed to meet professional standards.
- Surgical team. Other members of the surgical team, such as nurses, anesthesiologists, and surgical assistants, can be held liable if their actions or negligence contribute to surgical errors.
- Hospital or surgical facility. The hospital or surgical facility where the surgery took place may be held responsible for surgical errors, especially if there were issues related to staffing, training, or maintaining a safe and sterile environment.
- Medical staff. Liability can extend to other medical staff involved in the patient's care, such as those responsible for pre-operative or post-operative care, if their negligence contributes to the surgical error or complications.
- Manufacturers of medical devices or equipment. If a surgical error results from a defect in medical devices or equipment used during the procedure, the manufacturers of those products might be held liable.
- Anesthesiologist. If the surgical error is related to anesthesia, the anesthesiologist may be held liable for errors in administering anesthesia or monitoring the patient during the procedure.
- Medical professionals providing consultation. If other medical professionals were consulted or involved in the decision-making process for the surgery, they may be held liable if their actions contributed to the error.
It's important to note that determining liability in a surgical error case can be complex, and multiple parties may share responsibility. The specific circumstances of each case will dictate who can be held accountable. Consulting with a surgical error attorney in Seattle is crucial for a thorough investigation, gathering evidence, and determining the appropriate parties to include in the legal action.
Do you have a Seattle surgical error attorney near me?
Smith McBroom is located at 16400 Southcenter Parkway, Suite #210, Seattle, Washington, 98188. We’re right off I-5 and I-405, near Southcenter Mall. There is a bus stop near our office, and we offer free on-site parking.
Our Seattle surgical errors attorneys work to protect you
Surgical errors can have devastating consequences, impacting your health, well-being, and quality of life. If you believe you've been a victim of medical malpractice, don't wait. Take the first step towards justice by consulting with a dedicated Seattle surgical errors attorney from Smith McBroom. To schedule a meeting with one of our skilled attorneys, call our Tukwila-based offices or fill out our contact form today.