Pittsburgh Surgery Error Attorneys

An Experienced Law Firm for Medical Malpractice Claims

If you or a loved one has suffered because of surgical negligence or medical malpractice, it is important to consult with a trusted attorney with experience handling these kinds of claims to make sure that you and your family are protected. Surgical errors happen, often to individuals who are already injured, sick, or otherwise vulnerable, and the results can be life-changing for everyone involved.

At Robert Peirce & Associates, P.C., our focus is on working with families and individuals who have suffered unnecessarily because of the negligence or error of a medical professional. Our Pittsburgh surgical error lawyers are committed to providing knowledgeable advice, experienced representation, and ethical guidance to people when they need it most.

Contact us today at (844) 383-0565 to schedule a free consultation with our team.

Common Types of Surgical Errors

A surgical error refers to a mistake or negligence committed by a surgeon or surgical team during a surgical procedure. These errors can lead to significant harm or injury to the patient.

Some common examples include:

• Anesthesia Errors: Administering too much or too little anesthesia, resulting in complications such as anesthesia awareness (where the patient is conscious during surgery) or allergic reactions.
• Wrong-Site Surgery: Performing surgery on the wrong body part or the wrong patient.
• Instruments or Foreign Objects Left Inside the Patient: Leaving surgical instruments, sponges, or other foreign objects inside the patient's body.
• Nerve Damage: Accidentally damaging nerves during surgery, which can lead to paralysis, loss of sensation, or chronic pain.
• Organ Perforation: Accidentally perforating or damaging nearby organs or tissues during surgery.
• Infection: Failing to maintain sterile conditions or properly closing incisions, leading to post-operative infections.
• Failure to Monitor: Inadequate monitoring of the patient during surgery, which can lead to complications such as hypoxia (low oxygen levels).
• Delayed Surgery: Failing to perform surgery in a timely manner, which can worsen the patient's condition or lead to complications.

These errors can have severe consequences for patients, including prolonged recovery times, additional medical expenses, disability, or even death. When such errors are caused by negligence or failure to adhere to the standard of care expected of medical professionals, they may constitute medical malpractice.

Common Causes of Surgical Errors

Several factors can contribute to surgical errors, often resulting from a combination of human, organizational, and technical issues. Here are some common contributing factors:

• Communication Issues: Poor communication among surgical team members, including unclear instructions, failure to share critical information, or misunderstandings during handoffs.
• Lack of Teamwork: Inadequate teamwork and coordination among surgical team members, which can lead to errors in procedural steps or in responding to unexpected events.
• Fatigue and Stress: Surgeon and staff fatigue due to long hours or high workload, which can impair concentration and decision-making abilities during surgery.
• Inadequate Training or Experience: Insufficient training or experience of surgical team members, including surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists, leading to errors in technique or decision-making.
• Equipment Failures: Malfunctioning or inadequate equipment and tools used during surgery, which can lead to procedural errors or complications.
• Time Pressure: Pressure to complete surgeries quickly, either due to scheduling constraints or emergencies, which may lead to rushed decisions or inadequate preparation.
• Inadequate Preoperative Planning: Insufficient preparation before surgery, including incomplete patient assessments, inaccurate medical histories, or failure to anticipate potential complications.
• Distractions in the Operating Room: External distractions or interruptions during surgery, such as noise, phone calls, or non-essential conversations, which can disrupt concentration and focus.
• Ineffective Supervision or Leadership: Poor supervision or leadership in the operating room, resulting in inadequate oversight of surgical procedures or failure to intervene when necessary.
• Systemic Issues: Organizational factors within healthcare facilities, such as inadequate staffing levels, poor infrastructure, or deficiencies in protocols and guidelines, which can contribute to errors during surgery.

FAQs About Surgical Error Claims in Pittsburgh, PA

Can I sue my surgeon for a surgical error in Pittsburgh?

Yes. If a surgeon or medical professional acted negligently and caused you harm, you may file a medical malpractice lawsuit. You must prove that the surgeon failed to meet the standard of care expected in their profession and that their actions directly caused your injury.

How long do I have to file a surgical error claim in Pennsylvania?

Under Pennsylvania law, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims is generally two years from the date you discovered (or should have discovered) the injury. However, minors and some exceptions may extend this period. It’s important to consult a Pittsburgh medical malpractice attorney promptly.

What damages can I recover in a surgical error lawsuit?

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• In rare cases, punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)

How do I prove a surgical error occurred?

Successful claims typically require:

1. Medical records and surgical reports
2. Expert medical testimony confirming the breach of standard care
3. Evidence of injury and how it was caused by the error
4. Documentation of the damages you suffered

Are all surgical complications considered malpractice?

No. Not every poor outcome is the result of negligence. Some complications are known risks of surgery. For a claim to succeed, the harm must have resulted from a preventable mistake that another competent surgeon would not have made.

Who can be held liable for a surgical error?

Potentially liable parties include:

• The surgeon or surgical team
• Anesthesiologists
• Nurses and operating room staff
• The hospital or surgical facility

Liability depends on who acted negligently and in what capacity.

What should I do if I suspect a surgical error occurred?

Seek immediate medical attention for your health and safety. Then:

• Request and preserve all medical records
• Document your symptoms and timeline
• Contact a qualified lawyer as soon as possible to assess your case

Do I need an attorney to file a surgical error claim in Pittsburgh?

While it’s possible to file on your own, medical malpractice claims are complex and require expert witnesses, detailed records, and knowledge of Pennsylvania law. Our Pittsburgh surgical error attorney can help build a strong case and increase your chances of recovering compensation.

The Benefit of Experience

Serving the people of Pittsburgh as well as clients throughout Western Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia for nearly 40 years, we are proud to have established a proven record of success for our clients, and a reputation for ethical practice.

We take on cases where negligence and unprofessional actions lead to serious injury. Our medical malpractice attorneys in Pittsburgh are dedicated to making sure that families who have suffered get the justice they need.

As experienced counselors, we know how to pursue these kinds of hospital and doctor negligence claims, and we understand the needs of our clients. We can employ the resources to be effective in complex medical malpractice and surgical errors litigation.

Put Our Strength Behind Your Surgical Error Case

We are dedicated to the service of our clients. From our initial consultation and case review until we reach a settlement or judgment on your behalf, your best interests are our first priority. And, with contingency fee arrangements on all personal injury cases, you don't owe us attorneys fees until we reach a positive result for you.

Schedule a free consultation with our Pittsburgh surgical error lawyers by calling (844) 383-0565 or contact us online to set up an appointment or request more information.