Surgical Errors

Experienced Savannah Medical Malpractice Attorneys Committed to Obtaining Justice on Behalf of Patients and Their Loved Ones

Surgical procedures are often life-saving or essential for improving a patient’s quality of life. And while all surgeries carry inherent risks, some complications arise not from the procedure itself but from preventable surgical errors that are the result of medical negligence. At Suthers & Harper, our Savannah surgical error attorneys represent victims of malpractice across Georgia, helping them seek accountability and fair compensation for the harm they’ve endured.

What Are Surgical Errors?

Surgical errors are preventable mistakes that occur before, during, or after a surgical procedure and deviate from the accepted standard of care. Unlike inherent risks or unavoidable complications, these medical errors result from negligence, such as a lack of attention, skill, or adherence to protocols. Some of the most common examples of surgical errors include:

• Wrong-Site Surgery: Operating on the wrong body part or the wrong side of the body.
• Wrong Procedure: Performing a surgery that was not intended or necessary for the patient.
• Foreign Objects Left Inside the Body: Surgical sponges, tools, or instruments accidentally left inside the patient.
• Organ or Nerve Damage: Accidental cutting or puncturing of surrounding tissues or organs.
• Anesthesia Errors: Incorrect administration of anesthesia, leading to complications during surgery.

These errors can lead to severe physical harm, emotional trauma, and financial burdens for the patient and their family.

Why Do Surgical Errors Happen?

Surgical errors often stem from systemic issues within healthcare facilities or individual negligence. Common causes include:

• Poor Communication – Miscommunication between surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists can lead to errors such as wrong-site surgery or incorrect dosage of anesthesia.
• Inadequate Preoperative Planning – Failing to review the patient’s medical history, allergies, or test results can result in preventable complications.
• Fatigue or Distraction – Overworked or distracted surgical teams are more likely to make critical mistakes.
• Inexperienced Staff – Surgeons or staff without sufficient training may lack the skills needed to perform the procedure safely.
• Equipment Failure – Faulty or improperly maintained surgical tools can contribute to errors during procedures.

Each of these causes highlights the importance of adhering to strict surgical protocols and prioritizing patient safety at every stage of care.

Common Complications Resulting From Surgical Errors

Surgical errors can lead to a wide range of complications, many of which can be incredibly painful and require additional medical intervention. These include:

• Infections: Contaminated instruments or poor hygiene practices can cause life-threatening infections.
• Chronic Pain: Nerve damage or improper healing can result in long-term pain and discomfort.
• Internal Bleeding: Errors during surgery can lead to undetected internal injuries, which may become life-threatening.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Incorrect incisions or improper surgical techniques can result in permanent physical changes.
• Death: In severe cases, surgical errors can lead to fatal outcomes, devastating families.

These complications often leave patients and their families facing not only physical and emotional pain but also significant financial strain.

How to Determine if a Surgical Error Constitutes Medical Malpractice

Not all poor outcomes are the result of medical negligence. To establish a surgical error constitutes medical malpractice, the following elements must be proven:

1. The surgeon and surgical team owed the patient a duty to provide competent care.
2. The surgical team failed to meet the accepted standard of care, such as performing the wrong procedure or failing to monitor the patient properly.
3. The breach of duty directly caused the patient’s injury or worsened condition.
4. The patient suffered measurable harm, such as physical injury, emotional trauma, or financial losses.

An experienced Savannah medical malpractice lawyer with Suthers & Harper can help you gather the evidence needed to build a strong case and identify the specific acts of negligence involved.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Surgical Errors?

Liability for surgical errors can extend beyond the surgeon to other parties involved in the procedure. For example, nurses and surgical assistants may be liable if they commit errors during preparation or post-operative care. Similarly, anesthesiologists could be liable for any mistakes related to the administration or monitoring of anesthesia. Finally, healthcare facilities may be held accountable for systemic issues, such as understaffing, poor training, or defective equipment.

Determining liability in a surgical error case often requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the procedure.

How Suthers & Harper Can Help You After a Surgical Error

At Suthers & Harper, our Savannah medical malpractice lawyers understand the devastating impact surgical errors can have on your life. Our team is committed to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable and pursuing the compensation you need and deserve. While the available compensation depends on the surrounding circumstances, generally, medical malpractice cases allow patients to recover for the following:

• Medical expenses, including additional surgeries and rehabilitation.
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering caused by the error and its aftermath.
• Emotional distress and loss of quality of life.

With decades of experience in medical malpractice cases, Suthers & Harper has the knowledge and resources to build a compelling case on your behalf.

Speak With a Savannah Surgical Errors Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a preventable surgical error, you have the right to seek justice and compensation. Georgia law imposes strict deadlines for filing medical malpractice claims, so it’s essential to act quickly. To learn more and to schedule a free consultation with a Savannah medical malpractice lawyer at Suthers & Harper, give us a call at 800-320-2384. You can also reach us by completing our secure online contact form.