Surgeries are supposed to make patients healthier, improve their quality of life, or save their lives. When patients consent to surgical procedures, they do so with the understanding that the doctor and medical staff will prioritize their safety and care. If a surgery worsens a medical condition or creates new health issues, surgical errors could be to blame.
Mistakes in the preoperative phase, in the operating room, and during postoperative care can lead to extensive damage and complications that require years or even a lifetime of recovery. Unfortunately, surgical errors can be difficult to notice, and many patients do not realize their surgeon, anesthesiologist, or nurse made a mistake. Contact the attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, if you suspect a medical provider’s negligence may have caused your injuries.
Mistakes during surgery come in many forms and can be caused by the negligence of surgeons, doctors, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other medical professionals involved in your surgical care. If a healthcare provider acts negligently or recklessly and causes a patient to suffer harm, they could face a legal claim or lawsuit as a result.
Some common examples of surgical errors are:
Retained instruments are also more common than many people realize. This is when objects or instruments are left inside the patient. Sponges are left behind more frequently than other items. Retained instruments are considered “never mistakes,” which means that they are never excusable and should never occur.
Medical malpractice claims, like those stemming from surgical errors, involve complex legal procedures and regulations. If you are considering filing a claim after a surgical mistake, it is recommended that you consult with an attorney who can help you navigate the numerous steps and requirements that lie ahead.
One of the first elements you will need to consider in your surgical error claim is the statute of limitations, which means the amount of time you have to take legal action. In Connecticut, injured patients only have two years to file a medical malpractice claim. This timeframe starts counting down on the date you learned about the surgical error or when you should have learned about the mistake. You only have a maximum of three years from the date of the incident, regardless of when you found out about the mistake, or in the event of a death, five years. Some claims have much shorter time periods, so consulting us as soon as possible is important.
Another crucial consideration in the beginning stages of your claim is Connecticut’s requirement for a written opinion from a qualified medical expert. Before you can take any legal action, you must get a written statement from a medical professional that there is evidence of negligence.
Recovering compensation for your injuries in a surgical error case involves gathering evidence, calculating the value of your case, negotiating a settlement offer, and, in some cases, litigating in court. You deserve to have an experienced attorney on your side throughout this process.
Contact the legal team at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, to learn more about your options and how we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today.
