A medical mistake can change the life of a patient and the lives of his or her family forever. These errors alter the future and become a permanent reference point in the lives of those impacted. They are the dividing line of what life was like before and after the mistake occurred.
Medical mistakes can cause the death of a patient, a terrifying thought. Unfortunately, it is a devastating and horrific reality for an estimated 225,000 patients a year in the United States. Statistics indicate that medical malpractice is the third leading cause of death following the victims of heart disease and cancer.
According to a Manhattan medical malpractice attorney, negligence and errors, that are the result of surgery, are referred to as surgical malpractice. These mistakes occur not only during a surgical procedure, but can also happen during pre- and post-operative care. Misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary surgeries, which account for 12,000 deaths annually.
Victims that live must adjust to injuries caused by surgical errors. Their lives forever altered. The most common surgical mistakes include infections from improperly sterilized equipment, internal injury to nearby tissues, muscles or organs and inorganic items left inside, such as surgical tools. Miscommunications and mistaken identities also occur, causing the wrong operation to be conducted on the wrong body part, the incorrect side of the body or the wrong person. Surgical mistakes can occur during the administration and monitoring of anesthesia as well.
Life after surgical malpractice often involves chronic pain, additional medical treatments or the permanent loss of function and ability. Not only does this alter the quality of the victim’s life, but it also brings an additional financial burden while potentially and simultaneously impacting the ability of the patient to return to work.
When your relationship with your medical providers changes from patient to victim, communication frequently ends, adding to your frustration. A quick settlement may be offered, by professionals hired to protect the reputation and assets of your medical providers, which will be in their best interest, not yours.
If you or your loved one has fallen victim to surgical malpractice, life for you has quickly and drastically changed. While you focus on additional treatments and recovery, someone needs to focus on the logistics and your long-term issues. Consideration needs to be given to the immediate and long-term physical, emotional and financial burdens that are now and will continue to be a part of your future. If you or your loved one has fallen victim to surgical malpractice, you need a New York City accident lawyer advocating for you.
