No one expects to leave the hospital in a worse condition than when they got there, but mistakes happen during surgery more often than people think. When they do, patients can be left to face chronic pain, infections, permanent disability, and even death.
Many surgery mistakes happen because of medical negligence, meaning someone on the care team didn’t follow the proper standards of care. Those aren’t just accidents — they’re preventable mistakes. A medical negligence attorney helps victims hold the responsible parties accountable.
Common Types of Surgical Mistakes in Cincinnati Hospitals
Surgical errors take on many forms. Some are minor and easily fixed, but others can lead to severe complications or even cost the patient their life.
Wrong Site, Wrong Procedure, or Wrong Patient
Performing surgery on the wrong site — such as the left leg instead of the right, the wrong surgery altogether, or the type of surgery meant for a different patient might seem like unbelievable errors, but they’re frighteningly common.
These mistakes usually happen because of bad communication between members of the care team or a failure to check the medical records before the surgery.
The physical and emotional consequences can be catastrophic, and patients often need additional surgeries and extensive rehab.
Anesthesia
Too much or too little anesthesia can cause a patient serious distress. Overmedication can cause brain damage and death, while too little can lead to a patient waking up during surgery and experiencing intense pain and psychological trauma.
Even small miscalculations could trigger breathing problems, allergic reactions, and long-term neurological issues.
Leaving Surgical Instruments Inside a Patient
Sponges, forceps, and scalpels have been found inside patients after surgery. They can easily cause pain and infections, and another surgery is needed to remove them. Retained foreign objects can go undetected for months or even years.
Organ or Nerve Damage
A slight miscalculation can lead to a surgeon cutting or puncturing an organ or nerve. When that happens, patients can experience serious complications like chronic pain and a loss of function or sensation. Some patients deal with partial or full paralysis, digestive problems, and loss of bladder or bowel control.
Infections From Poor Sterilization
If the surgical tools or the operating room itself isn’t properly sterilized, patients can contract potentially deadly infections. Some cases require long hospital stays and additional surgeries. Sepsis is perhaps the most common infection and can become life-threatening very quickly.
How a Medical Negligence Lawyer Proves Liability
To win medical negligence claims, an attorney has to be able to link the responsible party’s behavior directly to the harm suffered by the patient. They’ll look at all medical records and talk to experts who can testify to the expected standard of care in the medical field.
Every surgery comes with risks, but there’s a difference between a potential complication and an avoidable mistake. Lawyers work to show that the surgeon or someone on the medical team acted in a negligent way compared to what other professionals would have done in the same situation.
A medical negligence attorney also has to be able to clarify the harm caused to the patient, whether that involved additional surgeries, loss of mobility, chronic pain, or something else. They’ll collect the evidence needed to show how the mistake directly affected the patient’s life.
Seeking Compensation for Surgical Mistakes
Victims of surgical negligence deserve financial compensation for what they’ve been through. Depending on the details of the case, an attorney can typically help recover payment for:
- Medical costs, both current and future
- Lost wages if the patient can’t return to work
- Pain and suffering caused by physical and emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life, such as disfigurement or permanent disability
While no amount of money can undo the harm, compensation can at least provide the necessary resources for the patient’s recovery. The financial toll of medical negligence is often underestimated, and many victims struggle to afford follow-up care, physical therapy, and mental health counseling. A legal settlement can help ease this burden.
FAQ
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Generally, Ohio law gives patients one year to file a medical negligence lawsuit. That might seem like a long time, but pulling the case together takes a while. Waiting too long and missing that deadline can mean losing the right to seek compensation.
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
Most attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they don’t get paid unless you win your case. Their fee will then be a set percentage of your final settlement amount. This allows victims to get the legal help they need without upfront costs.
What if a Loved One Died After a Surgical Mistake?
If a family member died because of a medical mistake, you could have grounds for a wrongful death lawsuit. An attorney can help you figure out if you’re eligible to file.
Can I Sue a Hospital for a Surgeon’s Mistake?
Some surgeons are independent contractors, which means the hospital itself might not be directly liable. However, if the hospital didn’t properly vet the surgeon or ignored unsafe behaviors, they could be held responsible. A medical negligence attorney can investigate to figure out who to hold accountable.
Get the Justice You Deserve for Surgical Negligence
If you or a loved one has suffered after a mistake made during your surgery, you don’t have to fight for justice alone. The Moore Law Firm is here to help. Our team knows how complicated medical negligence cases can be, and we know what kind of evidence to look for to prove your case.
Call us today to schedule a free evaluation of your claim. We’ll help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one as a result of another person's negligence, you deserve to be fully compensated for your losses. The simple fact is that you should not be forced to pay the price for another person's careless or reckless actions.