It's Not Always the Surgeon: Negligence Before and After Surgery
Medical mistakes related to surgery are not confined to the operating room or to the surgeon's negligence alone. Pre- and post-operative surgical errors can involve other health care professionals, hospital support staff, dangerous products, and inadequate policies or procedures.
The attorneys at Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder, PC, have represented many clients who suffered needlessly because of surgeon negligence and other types of pre- and post-operative surgical errors.
Lack of Pre-Operative Clearance
Every surgery has risks and every patient should be thoroughly evaluated as a candidate for surgery. At the very least, there should be an assessment of the heart, liver, and lung function as well as a pre-operative blood test.
A careful check of an individual's medical background may show that surgery is too risky or that special precautions should be taken. For example, the potential risks and benefits of surgery must be weighed carefully in a patient with a heart condition.
Failing to properly evaluate a patient prior to surgery can have deadly consequences. Yet this form of nurse or surgeon negligence is relatively common.
On the day of the surgery, patients should be asked repeatedly who they are, what procedure they are having and which body part is involved. Even with these built-in safeguards, surgeons sometimes perform the wrong procedure on a patient. Amputating the wrong leg, performing a needless mastectomy or any other surgical procedure are glaring examples of surgeon negligence.
Post Surgical Malpractice
After a heart surgeon performs surgery or a cardiologist performs angioplasty or uses a stent, serious problems can arise. Surgeons and recovery room staff must be vigilant for signs of unusual bleeding, or stent blockage. Post-operative EKGs must be carefully reviewed. We have represented patients in claims against surgeons, cardiologist and hospitals where problems developed in the days, weeks or even months after surgery or stent placement.
Problems After the Procedure
Family members breathe a sigh of relief when they hear that surgery went well and the patient is in the recovery room. But mismanagement and negligence after the procedure can be as dangerous as a surgeon's malpractice in the operating room.
Hospitals, doctors and nurses must be vigilant to prevent post-surgical wound infections and to monitor vital signs. Excessive loss of blood is a sign that an organ may have been punctured and additional surgery to repair the error may be required.
Representing Victims of Pre- and Post-Operative Surgical Errors
If you were injured or a loved one died because of pre- or post-operative surgical errors, please contact us. The initial consultation is free of charge. From offices in Bridgeport, Stamford, Danbury and New Haven, Connecticut, our medical malpractice lawyers represent clients throughout the state.
