Wrong site surgery? You mean it happens that a doctor actually operates on a wrong part of a patient’s body? Really?
Yes, really. More than you know.
Arizona medical malpractice law provides redress for victims of wrong site surgery. Wrong site surgery involves a doctor or surgeon operating on a part of a patient’s body other than the intended and planned part. Wrong site surgery is a very disturbing factor related to the safety of patients. Wrong site surgery can be one of the most traumatic experiences a hospital patient can go through. It is almost inconceivable to comprehend how a physician can operate on the wrong part of the body, especially considering the amount of training and many years of medical school physicians undertake.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a wrong site surgery, it is important to understand Arizona medical malpractice law and to contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney for guidance. An experienced attorney will be knowledgeable in Arizona medical malpractice law and know what options are available and which course of action to take to ensure you receive just compensation.
Any type of surgery performed by a doctor or surgeon can result in a wrong site surgery. Common types of wrong site surgeries include:
- Wrong organ removed
- Wrong limb amputated
- Surgery on the wrong vertebral level of the spine
- Surgery on the wrong side of the body
- Surgery on the correct site but wrong level
- Surgery on the wrong patient
- Other
Recent industry statistics show that wrong site surgery events account for 13% of reported medical mistakes. The causes for wrong site surgery include:
- Emergency surgery
- Unusual time pressures to start or complete a procedure
- Poor or rushed pre-surgical planning
- Failure to follow proper procedure
- Poor communication between patient, staff, and surgeon
- Multiple surgeons involved
- Multiple procedures performed at once
- Surgeons operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Wrong site surgeries have serious consequences for both the patient and the surgeon. The consequences of a wrong site surgery are often physical, emotional, and financial for the victim. For some, victims of wrong site surgery will suffer a lifetime of poor health or disability. Others may even die as a result of these errors. Even those who do not suffer significant physical harm might experience emotional and financial difficulties. Additionally, victims of wrong site surgery who later have the correct surgery performed face, once again, the risks of infection and other complications associated with surgery.
Under Arizona medical malpractice law, a surgeon is almost always held negligent with regard to wrong site surgery. Others to consider are the anesthesiologist, the nursing and surgical staff and the hospital itself for policy and procedural decisions. Arizona medical malpractice law provides victims of wrong site surgery a right to sue for medical malpractice.
These victims often are able to recover settlements and jury awards to help with their recovery.