Richmond Surgical Errors Lawyer

Surgical Errors Attorney in Richmond, VA

When you require surgery, you trust the doctors, nurses, and other involved medical professionals to keep you safe and handle your procedure with care and attentiveness. When this trust is betrayed, and a surgical error causes you injury, an experienced Richmond surgical errors lawyer is here to help. Whether you had a hip replaced at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital or a surgical procedure at the McGuire Veterans Hospital, Brooks & Baez is here for you.

Brooks & Baez: Here to Serve You

At Brooks & Baez, we have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for past clients and are now ready to do the same for you. While these past results cannot guarantee the same outcome, we are here to put the same amount of effort and legal excellence into your case and advocate for the compensation you deserve. Surgical errors are scary, but with Brooks & Baez by your side, navigating the legal system doesn’t have to be. 

Why Do Surgical Errors Happen?

Surgical errors occur for a variety of reasons across Virginia and the United States as a whole. Nearly 50 million surgeries are performed every year in the U.S., and while many of these surgeries take place with relatively few complications, around 10% of preventable patient harm is reported to happen in a surgical setting. 

While not every poor outcome or unintended result of surgery is considered medical malpractice, when the error happens due to negligence or carelessness, then you likely deserve compensation. The most common causes of surgical errors include:

• Miscommunication. When there is a lack of thorough and precise communication between the medical professionals involved in a surgical procedure, it can lead to devastating failures and errors in the operating room. Any kind of breakdown in communication can lead to serious injuries and even the death of the patient. 
• Improper preparation planning. Before your surgery actually takes place, your medical team should collect your medical history, including all of your allergies and reactions to certain medications. Your doctors should also review all potential risks and disclose those risks to you. 
• Incompetence. All professionals in the medical field undergo rigorous training and education. However, this does not mean that every surgeon properly applies their training in the correct manner when performing a surgery. In certain cases, a surgeon, nurse, or medical assistant can place the patient in danger, especially if they have not stayed up to date with current developments in their field of industry. 
• Negligence. Medical staff can be guilty of negligence when cleaning or failing to sterilize surgical tools and instruments. This can lead to an increased risk of infection, septic shock, and even death. If a surgical instrument is found to be defective, then the manufacturing company may be held liable. 
• Impairment or fatigue. Surgeons, doctors, nurses, and other members of the medical staff can work long and exhausting hours, which can lead to fatigue. Additionally, the stress of the job can lead to behaviors like drug and alcohol abuse. Both of these variables can harm a surgeon’s abilities in the operating room. 

Examples of Common Surgical Errors in Richmond

There are several common examples of surgical errors that can take place in Richmond. These include:

• Performing the wrong surgical procedure
• Operating on the wrong part of the body
• Causing nerve and organ damage
• Leaving surgical tools and instruments inside the body of the patient
• Administering the wrong amount of anesthesia
• Not following the correct sterilization protocol

If you or someone you love has suffered a surgical error in Richmond, the lawyers at Brooks & Baez are here to hold the liable party at fault and help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve during this trying time. 

FAQs

What Damages Can I Recover Following a Surgical Error?

In a surgical error case, there are several forms of compensation, or damages, you may be able to recover. These damages can include the costs of all medical and hospital bills, lost wages or missed employment opportunities, disability, scarring, and permanent injuries, as well as any pain and suffering. In cases of wrongful death, certain family members may also be able to recover funeral and burial costs. 

Are Surgical Errors Considered Medical Malpractice?

Yes, surgical errors are considered medical malpractice. Between 2020 and 2024, the United States reported over 250,000 cases of medical practice occurring nationwide. Whenever a surgeon, anesthesiologist, or other medical professional makes any kind of mistake or error that causes a patient to suffer harm, it can be considered an act of medical malpractice. 

What Should I Do if I Suspect a Surgical Error Injury?

If you suspect that you or a loved one is suffering from a surgical error, it is essential that you seek medical attention right away and document any and all symptoms you may be experiencing, as well as the conversations you have with your healthcare providers. The documentation can serve as critical evidence if you decide to pursue a legal claim in the future. 

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Surgical Error?

In surgical error cases, liability often falls on the surgeons or medical staff who were involved in the original procedure. In very specific cases, the hospital system may also carry some of the liability if any systemic issues are identified as contributing to the error and subsequent injury. In order to establish this liability, however, it is essential to speak with an experienced medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible.

Hire a Surgical Errors Lawyer Serving Virginia Families Today

At Brooks & Baez, our team of bilingual attorneys is here to serve families across Virginia from all walks of life. No one is immune to the possibility of suffering a surgical error, and everyone deserves quality and experienced legal advocacy in Richmond. 

When you hire a surgical errors lawyer from our firm, you can feel confident knowing that you have the right legal team in your corner, advocating for the compensation and justice you deserve. To learn more about your rights after suffering due to medical malpractice, contact our lawyers today and schedule an initial consultation.