Helping Clients Injured as a Result of a Surgical Error

Surgical error? Santa Fe medical malpractice attorney, Richard "Rick" Sandoval, can help you obtain just compensation.

Every surgery carries risks. Sometimes, a poor outcome or a complication results from a known risk of the procedure, not from any failing on the part of the surgeon. If, however, the poor outcome or complication could have been avoided had the surgeon exercised proper care, then it is surgical malpractice. An experienced surgical errors lawyer like Richard A. "Rick" Sandoval can help you determine if your surgeon's actions (or failure to act) fell below the standard of care.

Examples of surgical malpractice

Surgical errors can occur in any type of procedure, whether complicated or routine, necessary or elective. Moreover, surgical errors may occur at any time before, during or after the procedure. For example, premature removal of a patients breathing tube after surgery would be considered surgical malpractice. Some common examples of surgical medical malpractice include:

• Operating on the wrong body part (e.g., the left leg instead of the right) or the wrong patient. (In 2011, it was estimated that these so-called wrong site errors happen as often as 40 times per week in the United States.)
• Performing the wrong surgical procedure.
• Leaving sponges or surgical instruments inside the patient.
• Using improperly sterilized instruments.
• Improperly executing the surgical procedure (e.g., severing or nicking nerve, resulting in permanent nerve damage or paralysis; puncturing or perforating an organ, resulting in infection or internal bleeding; cutting a vein or artery, resulting in life-threatening hemorrhaging).

Proving surgical malpractice

Some cases of surgical malpractice are plainly apparent. Other cases of surgical malpractice can be difficult to prove because (a) the only record of the surgery is the surgeons notes, dictated after the procedure, and (b) the only witnesses to the procedure are members of the surgical team, many of whom may feel a loyalty to the surgeon; or feel intimidated by the surgeon; or fear retaliation from their employer if they speak out. In these complicated cases, an experienced Santa Fe medical malpractice attorney one who knows the law and the medicine can review the medical records, including the nurses notes, and find the evidence you need to get the compensation you deserve.

Contact Santa Fe medical malpractice attorney, Richard "Rick" Sandoval

If you or someone you love suffered a poor outcome following surgery, having a smart, compassionate and experienced Santa Fe medical malpractice attorney on your side can make all the difference. If you would like my counsel, please call 505.795.7790or 1-866-BEST LAWYER (1-866-237-8529)to schedule a time to meet with me.