Surgical Errors – Seattle and Tacoma Area Medical Malpractice Lawyers

There are inherent risks associated with every surgical procedure, including the risks of complications during the procedure as well as post-surgical infection. However, when a patient is injured or suffers wrongful death as the result of a surgical mistake that is the product of negligence or a foreseeable error, the Seattle area personal injury attorneys at Phillips & Webster believe the parties at fault must be held accountable. Learn more about the most common types of surgical errors and the injuries they may cause, as well as how to contact our team of premier medical malpractice attorneys. We can help stop negligent healthcare providers from harming other patients, and we can help victims obtain the compensation to which they are entitled.

• Types of Surgical Errors
• Surgical Error Injuries
• Wrongful Death Due to Surgical Error

Types of Surgical Errors

During a surgical procedure, doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare providers must make split-second decisions that could mean the difference between life and death, or between serious injury and a full recovery, for their patients. Unfortunately, sub-par medical training, long hours, and a high level of workplace stress can all lead to these professionals committing critical errors during surgery.

Some of the most common surgical errors seen by our medical negligence lawyers include anesthesiology error, the creation of an incorrect incision, the use of improperly sterilized equipment, and operating on the wrong organ, body part, or even the wrong patient. We have also successfully litigated on behalf of victims who suffered infection and severe personal injury when surgeons left tools or other medical equipment inside the body cavity after a procedure, or who caused damage to other areas of the body during surgery. One especially severe and life-changing surgical error is known as negligent amputation, where a surgeon performs an unnecessary amputation or removes the incorrect limb. This, and all surgical errors, can lead to physical and emotional trauma that can be insufferable, and should not be tolerated.

If you suspect that you or someone you love has been the victim of medical negligence in the form of an error committed immediately before, during, or following a surgical procedure, contact the experienced attorneys at Phillips & Webster today to have your case reviewed.

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Surgical Error Injuries

The injuries that could result from surgical error include nerve or organ damage, infection, internal bleeding, disfigurement, and unwarranted scarring. Our medical malpractice attorneys have also litigated on behalf of victims of surgical error who suffer brain injury, or trauma to the limbs, bowels, or the respiratory, nervous, or circulatory system. Additionally, our attorneys have represented cases in which a surgical error occurred during a Caesarian section or during the delivery of a child, causing a severe and life-threatening birth injury, or in some circumstances death for the baby and mother.

Victims of surgical errors often must undergo secondary operations, which can be terrifying in light of the results of their initial surgical procedure. Not only do surgical errors cause severe personal injury and sometimes wrongful death for patients, but the violation of trust in healthcare professionals can have a profound emotional impact and compromise that patient's confidence in future medical care.

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Wrongful Death Due to Surgical Error

Tragically, approximately 98,000 wrongful deaths occur in the United States each year as the result of surgical error. When a family member unexpectedly dies as the result of surgical error, it can be shocking and can devastate loved ones emotionally as well as financially. While there is no financial compensation that can atone for the sudden loss of a loved one as the result of medical negligence, our attorneys can help families pursue compensation for medical expenses, the loss of financial support that results from this death, pain and suffering, and other claims.

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Contact Premier Washington Medical Malpractice Attorneys

When a patient incurs unforeseeable harm as the result of an error made during surgery, the effects can be devastating. With offices in Bellevue, Woodinville, and Seattle, the personal injury lawyers at Phillips & Webster have successfully represented hundreds of victims of medical malpractice, and we have the experience and resources necessary to hold negligent medical professionals accountable for their errors.

If you or someone you love has suffered complications that were not part of the accepted surgical risks associated with a specific procedure, you may be the victim of medical negligence in the form of surgical error. Victims of surgical error may be entitled to medical malpractice awards and compensation for medical bills, rehabilitative care, pain and suffering, lost wages, and a number of other claims. Contact the firm of Phillips & Webster today to learn more about medical malpractice law and the statute of limitations that may affect your case. We can help victims and their families construct a strong medical malpractice case and obtain just compensation for their injuries.

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