Surgical procedures are meant to heal, restore function, and improve a patient’s quality of life. However, when a preventable error occurs – such as operating on the wrong body part, the wrong side of the body, or even the wrong patient – the results can be catastrophic. Wrong-site surgery is one of the most alarming and tragic mistakes in modern medicine, often leading to severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences for patients and their families.
If you or a loved one has been affected by wrong-site surgery in Georgia, you may have legal options to seek compensation. Contact Julie A. Rice, Attorney At Law, & Affiliates today at (770) 865-8654 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with an experienced medical malpractice attorney.
Understanding Wrong-Site Surgery
Wrong-site surgery, sometimes called wrong-side surgery, is classified as a “never event” – a term used in the medical community to describe errors that should never happen if proper safety protocols are followed. Despite the implementation of standardized guidelines, wrong-site surgeries still occur across the United States.
Common types of wrong-site surgery include:
- Wrong-Side Surgery: Operating on the incorrect side of the body (e.g., removing the left kidney instead of the right).
- Wrong-Organ Surgery: Performing surgery on an unintended organ or structure.
- Wrong-Procedure Surgery: Conducting a different surgery than the one the patient consented to.
- Wrong-Patient Surgery: Performing a procedure on the wrong individual due to misidentification.
How Does Wrong-Site Surgery Happen?
Several factors can contribute to these devastating errors, including:
- Poor Preoperative Verification: Failing to properly verify the patient’s identity, surgical site, or procedure details before beginning surgery.
- Lack of Communication: Miscommunication between surgeons, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other medical staff.
- Documentation Errors: Incorrect or incomplete medical records that misidentify the surgical site.
- Time Constraints and Fatigue: Surgeons under extreme pressure or experiencing fatigue may make critical mistakes.
- Failure to Follow Safety Protocols: Ignoring or rushing through pre-surgical checklists, such as the “Universal Protocol” set by The Joint Commission.
Consequences of Wrong-Site Surgery
For the patient, wrong-site surgery can result in:
- Unnecessary pain and suffering
- Loss of healthy body parts or organs
- Additional surgeries to correct the mistake
- Permanent disability
- Emotional distress, anxiety, and PTSD
- Increased medical costs and loss of income
Hospitals and surgeons responsible for these errors may also face disciplinary actions, loss of licensure, and legal liability.
Legal Options for Victims of Wrong-Site Surgery
If you have been a victim of wrong-site surgery, you may have a medical malpractice claim. To prove malpractice, your attorney must demonstrate that:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed.
- The medical provider failed to meet the standard of care.
- The surgical error directly caused harm.
- You suffered damages as a result of the error.
Victims of wrong-site surgery may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
Fight for Justice
Wrong-site surgery is a preventable and life-altering mistake. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a surgical error, you have the right to seek justice and compensation. A skilled medical malpractice attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call Julie A. Rice, Attorney At Law, & Affiliates now at (770) 865-8654 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation today.