Washington DC Surgical Error Attorney
The Washington DC surgical error lawyers at The Rich Firm, PC are experienced litigators, and in some cases licensed medical professionals, dedicated to protecting patients’ rights. Well versed in legal and medical knowledge, our attorneys have helped our clients recover substantial awards for injuries caused by surgical error.
We can help you identify negligent mistakes made in the operating room, and represent you in seeking the compensation you deserve.
Surgical Mistakes
Over 4,000 preventable surgical errors occur each year, causing temporary injury in 60% of cases and permanent disability in over 30%. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University indicate that the actual number of surgical mistakes is much higher because most incidents involving careless or reckless acts by surgeons go unreported. Surgical errors may include:
- Wrong procedure
- Incorrect body site
- Foreseeable dangers
- No informed consent
- Misidentifying patient
- Emergency room errors
- Post-operation infection
- Failure to follow protocol
- Prescription complications
- Mismatched medical record
- Administration of anesthesia
- Leaving foreign object in body
Patients rely on surgeons to advise them of risks and complications associated with operations. Nowhere are they more vulnerable than on the operating table, when every second is critical. Complications may result in blood clots, pneumonia, and infections that require further care. Any failure in training or performance can breach a legal duty to injured patients, potentially resulting in liability.
Da Vinci Surgical Robot Injury
Da Vinci robots allow surgeons to perform minimally invasive operations by making fewer incisions, using a 3D high-definition vision system to make precise movements with greater dexterity and control.
Although many physicians lack proper training in basic technique, this device has been used to perform complex surgeries to treat a wide range of conditions, including those involving:
- Obesity
- Colostomy
- Hysterectomy
- Endometriosis
- Menstrual bleeding
- Mitral valve prolapse
- Colorectal conditions
- Prostate, throat cancer
- Kidney, bladder cancer
- Coronary artery disease
- Gynecological problems
- Uterine prolapse, fibroids
Due largely to negligent training, Da Vinci-related complications have been linked to hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries. Patients complain of torn blood vessels, punctured colons, damaged bowels, vaginal and rectal tears, excessive bleeding, and infections.
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy removes the gallbladder and painful gallstones through cuts in the abdomen. The abdomen is inflated with air or gas before the surgeon inserts a lighted scope with an attached video camera near the belly button.
The surgeon can then monitor the insertion of other surgical instruments into the abdomen to remove the gallbladder. Complications include:
- Pain, bloating
- Gas and diarrhea
- Infection, bleeding
- Allergy to anesthesia
- Gallstones in abdomen
- Intestinal or bowel injury
- Bile leakage into abdomen
- Damaged bile or cystic duct
- Accidental incision into liver
- Inflammation of nearby organs
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
Post-cholecystectomy syndrome describes a set of symptoms following surgery, including indigestion, diarrhea, cramping, jaundice, and high fever. Stones trapped in the bile duct cannot be removed and new stones may form years later. After surgery, bile flows from the liver directly into the small intestine without being stored in the gallbladder, causing many bile-related issues.
Medical Malpractice Law
Like other physicians, surgeons owe patients a high legal duty of care. If they fail to perform a surgery or provide other medical services in accordance with this legal standard, and this breach of duty harms a patient, the victim and/or the family may seek to hold the responsible health care provider(s) responsible for their physical, emotional, and financial damages in the event of injury or death.
Contact Washington DC Surgical Error Attorney for Legal Remedy
If you or a loved one were injured by a surgical error during a Da Vinci robot, laparoscopic, or other surgical procedure, the Maryland medical malpractice attorneys at The Rich Firm, PC can help. As experienced physicians and litigators, we have successfully handled numerous cases involving injury caused by negligent training and preventable mistakes.
When surgeons violate a legal duty by making surgical errors injuring the patient, we strive to help victims recover the compensation they deserve. This may include lost income, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and wrongful death benefits. The Rich Firm, PC represents injured patients in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC Call 888-RICH-LAW for a free consultation or contact us online.
