Common Causes of Surgical Errors

No two surgeries are exactly alike, therefore every operation will have its own unique circumstances and potential for complications.

With that being said, surgeons and other medical professionals have a duty to anticipate these risks and take the proper care to minimize patient harm.

Surgical errors can be caused by:

• Incompetence or lack of skill: Surgeons who are new to the medical field or who have not performed a particular procedure very many times may lack the proper skill to perform a successful surgery.
• Poor preoperative planning: Surgeries often require lengthy and precise preparation by both surgeons and nurses involved to ensure all necessary equipment is ready and available during operation. This includes reviewing each patient's medical history and preparing for any complications which may arise.
• Taking shortcuts during surgery: Surgeons sometimes skip certain steps they believe to be unnecessary to save time. This can lead to costly errors.
• Poor communication: Communication breakdowns between surgeons, nurses, and other medical professionals can cause critical misunderstandings regarding the type of procedure being performed, which body part to operate on, or even proper dosage amounts.
• Operating while fatigued: Surgeons are known to work notoriously long shifts sometimes exceeding 24 hours. Doctors who are not well-rested have a greater tendency to make mistakes.
• Operating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol: In addition to fatigue, the high-stress nature of surgery can cause surgeons to turn to drugs and alcohol to remain alert. This is an extremely dangerous practice which can lead to critical errors during surgery.
• Using defective surgical equipment: Defective medical equipment such as surgical implants, surgical robots, pacemakers, and prosthetics can cause various complications during and after surgery.
• Failing to adhere to proper sterilization protocols: Equipment such as scalpels, forceps, clamps, and endoscopes must be properly cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized before each surgery to minimize the risk of potentially life-threatening infection.

Proving Surgical Malpractice

A surgical error may be described as a mistake that could have been prevented if a surgeon had acted with a reasonable level of care. Surgeons, scrub nurses, anesthesiologists, and all medical professionals involved in any surgery have a duty to provide a level of care up to today’s accepted standard.

This means they should act as a reasonably sensible professional would in the same or similar circumstances, with the same or similar background, training, and tools at hand.

With so many elements to a surgical malpractice case, it will be necessary to clearly define the standard of care and how a patient’s injury was caused by a deviation from that standard.

In addition to using his extensive legal experience, Queens surgical error attorney David Kates works with trusted medical experts and witnesses to develop compelling, clear cases for his clients. This paves the way for better results and higher payouts, which helps injured patients build better futures.

The Impact of Surgical Errors

Mistakes during surgery can lead to devastating outcomes for both the patients and their loved ones. Errors such as operating on the wrong body part to accidents with anesthesia, can result in severe injuries requiring prolonged time for healing or even fatalities.

Some of the potential consequences of surgical errors include:

• Chronic pain and discomfort
• Permanent disability, impairment, or disfigurement
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Loss of quality of life
• Additional medical expenses for corrective surgeries or treatments
• Emotional trauma and distress

Understanding Surgical Errors in Queens: Local Resources and Support

Living in Queens, you have access to some of the best medical facilities in New York City, including NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and Mount Sinai Queens. However, even in top-tier hospitals, surgical errors can and do occur. If you or a loved one has been affected by a surgical mistake, it's crucial to know that you have local resources and support available to you.

The New York State Department of Health oversees and regulates medical practices in Queens and throughout the state. While these entities work to ensure high standards of care, errors still happen, leaving patients to deal with the aftermath. Common issues Queens residents face include miscommunication among medical staff, rushed procedures due to high patient volumes, and inadequate post-operative care.

David Kates understands the unique challenges faced by Queens residents. Our borough's bustling nature means that hospitals and medical staff are often under immense pressure, which can lead to mistakes. Whether a foreign object is left inside a patient or an incorrect procedure is performed, these errors can have devastating consequences.

By choosing a local attorney who knows the ins and outs of Queens, you can be assured that your case will be handled with the utmost care and attention. David Kates is familiar with the local medical landscape and residents' specific pain points. He is committed to helping you navigate the complexities of surgical malpractice claims, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you have been affected by a surgical error in Queens, don't hesitate to ask for a free consultation. Understanding your rights and the local resources available is the first step towards recovery.

Error in Surgical Procedure? Call (718) 866-3664.

Our professional Queens surgical error attorney at Law Office of David A. Kates, PLLC is dedicated to fighting for the rights of those who have been affected by surgical malpractice. We are ready to fight for victims of surgical errors and help them seek the compensation they deserve. We understand the complexities of surgical malpractice cases and are committed to fighting for justice on behalf of our clients.

If you or a loved one has been a victim of a surgical error, don't hesitate to schedule a consultation with our surgical error lawyers. We will listen to your story, assess your case, and provide the legal guidance you need to move forward.

Helpful Resources

• New York State Department of Health - Information on physician conduct and discipline

Ready to find out how we can help you? Call (718) 866-3664 or contact us online!