The Reasons Behind Surgical Mistakes In Tampa
Having surgery is never easy and is often only an option as a last resort and a more conservative approach. Patients are generally so worried about the overall situation, their health, and any upcoming procedures that they may overlook a common hazard, which is the risk of surgical mistakes. Unfortunately, these can end up having major and potentially catastrophic impacts on your health or that of someone you love. Our Tampa medical malpractice attorney explains some of the reasons why surgical errors happen.
Surgical Errors In Tampa Pose Significant Threats
Medical mistakes are an unfortunately common problem and a leading cause of death and disability. Surgical errors are one of the most common ways in which they can happen. According to the National Institutes Of Health, over 4,000 surgical errors are reported each year in the United States. Thousands more likely go unreported by patients or their family members. These pose serious risks to residents in our area and generally occur in one of the following ways:
- Leaving sponges or other tools in the patient’s body;
- Making mistakes in performing procedures;
- Accidental hemorrhages during surgery or due to failure to close the site properly;
- Operating on the wrong patient or on the wrong body part;
- Performing the wrong procedure.
These or other mistakes can have devastating impacts on patients for years after and may even prove fatal in some cases. When they occur due to negligent behavior on the part of surgeons or other medical providers, victims and their families are entitled under the Florida Statutes to hold those at fault accountable.
Six Common Reasons Behind Tampa Surgical Errors
Operating on various body parts and performing complicated surgery is a complex skill. However, according to the NIH, the reasons behind surgical errors are surprisingly simple. The following are six of the most common:
- Poor staffing, resulting in being rushed and cutting corners;
- Overscheduling surgeons for either the same or different procedures;
- Being distracted by calls or texts coming in on electronic devices;
- Incomplete pre-op assessments;
- Failure to consult with and confirm the patient’s chart and identifying information;
- Reluctance on the part of doctors, nurses, and medical support staff to question, disagree with, or otherwise challenge the surgeon.
In addition to the surgeon, other medical staff and hospital administrators can be held accountable when surgical errors occur. To protect yourself and your rights in filing a claim, jot down the names of all those involved in your care, get copies of your medical records, and contact our Tampa medical malpractice attorneys as soon as possible.
Request A Consultation Today With Our Experienced Tampa Medical Malpractice Attorneys
Medical mistakes are unfortunately common and surgical errors are among the most likely ways they happen. This can leave you or someone you love suffering potentially catastrophic harm. At Greco & Wozniak, P.A., we hold negligent medical providers accountable and help you get the compensation you are entitled to in a claim. Call or contact us online and request a consultation with our Tampa medical malpractice attorneys today.
Sources:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499956/
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0766/0766ContentsIndex.html
