Surgical procedures carry inherent risks, but when medical professionals make preventable mistakes, the consequences can be life-altering. Patients who suffer due to surgical malpractice in New York have legal options, and an experienced NYC malpractice attorney can help them seek justice.
Common Surgical Errors
Mistakes in the operating room can stem from negligence, fatigue, miscommunication, or procedural errors. Some of the most common types of surgical malpractice include:
- Wrong-site surgery: Operating on the wrong body part or even the wrong patient
- Anesthesia errors: Administering too much or too little anesthesia, leading to complications
- Foreign objects left in the body: Surgical tools like sponges or instruments being left inside a patient
- Nerve damage: Accidental cutting of nerves that can cause long-term disability
- Infections due to negligence: Failure to follow proper sterilization protocols, leading to post-surgical infections
Proving Surgical Malpractice
To establish a medical error lawsuit, the plaintiff must prove:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed, meaning the surgeon had a duty of care.
- The surgeon or medical staff breached the standard of care by making an avoidable mistake.
- The breach directly caused harm to the patient.
- The patient suffered measurable damages, such as additional medical costs, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Medical malpractice claims often rely on expert testimony to establish that the NYC malpractice attorney’s client did not receive the accepted standard of care.
Seeking Compensation for Surgical Malpractice
Patients affected by surgical malpractice may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, ongoing rehabilitation, and emotional distress. Given the complexity of medical error lawsuits, consulting an NYC malpractice attorney is critical to building a strong case and maximizing recovery.
About the Firm
As a full-service personal injury firm, Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C.. specializes in all areas of personal injury. Our dedicated litigation support teams diligently and vigorously represent clients, including matters related to 9/11-related illness, personal injury, car accidents, construction accidents, medical malpractice, premises liability, product liability, and firefighter law. across New York City, Long Island, Nassau, and Suffolk counties, as well as New Jersey. To learn more about our firm or schedule a consultation with an attorney, contact us today.