Surgical Mistakes

Surgical mistakes will certainly result in medical negligence claims if there is evidence to suggest that the mistake was due to a failure to meet the appropriate standard of care.
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These are some common types of surgical mistakes that could lead to a medical negligence claim:
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• Wrong-site surgery: Operating on the wrong part of the body, such as the wrong limb or organ, is a serious surgical error that can lead to harm and may result in a medical negligence claim.

• Surgical instrument left behind: Leaving surgical instruments, sponges, swabs, or other foreign objects inside someone’s body after surgery is a serious mistake that can lead to complications.  

• Nerve or tissue damage: During surgery, there is sometimes damage caused to nerves, blood vessels, or other tissues, and this can lead to serious complications. If the damage was avoidable, then it may be considered medical negligence.

• Anaesthesia errors: Errors related to administering anaesthetic, such as giving too much or too little anaesthesia or failing to monitor vital signs during surgery, can result in harm and may lead to a medical negligence claim. Click here to read about one of our cases, which concerned anaesthetic negligence.

• Post-operative complications: Failure to properly monitor and manage complications that arise after surgery, such as infections or excessive bleeding, can also lead to a medical negligence claim if it results from a failure to meet the appropriate standard of care.

• Inadequate pre-operative preparation or planning: Failing to adequately prepare for surgery, including conducting necessary pre-operative tests, reviewing your medical history, or ensuring that the surgical team is properly trained and equipped, can lead to surgical mistakes and may be considered negligent.