A ‘never event’ in surgery refers to a serious, preventable medical error that should never occur when the team follows proper safety protocols and standards of care in charge of the operation. These incidents can cause devastating pain and financial losses. If you or someone you care for has experienced this type of medical error, seek legal counsel from a medical malpractice attorney.
Common Examples of ‘Never Events’ in Surgery
One example of a ‘never event’ is performing surgery on the wrong patient, which happens when patient identification fails before the procedure begins. An example could be a patient scheduled for knee surgery who is operated on by the wrong surgical team because identity checks were not properly conducted.
Another example is a surgeon operating on the wrong body part, such as a surgeon who is supposed to remove a tumor from the left kidney, but instead operates on the right kidney, removing healthy tissue and leading to lifelong complications for the patient.
Wrong surgical procedures, where the surgeon performs a different operation than what was consented to, are another form of a ‘never event.’ For instance, a patient consents to a gallbladder removal, but the surgeon performs a different procedure, such as an appendix removal, instead.
Another serious ‘never event’ is leaving a surgical instrument inside the patient, which can lead to severe complications. Another common example can include serious anesthesia errors. During anesthesia, if a patient is given an incorrect dose of medication, leading to breathing complications or brain injury, it can lead to a malpractice claim.
Steps to Take After Experiencing Surgical Negligence in Pennsylvania
If you believe you have experienced surgical negligence in Pennsylvania, taking prompt action can help protect your physical health and ensure your legal rights are fully protected. You’ll want to:
- Get medical help right away if you are still having physical complications.
- Request a full copy of your medical records as soon as possible. This includes surgery notes, nursing records, test results, consent forms, and discharge summaries. These records are important because they show exactly what happened during and after your surgery.
- Write down everything you remember. Include dates, symptoms, names of providers, what you were told, and when problems started.
- Contact a Pennsylvania medical malpractice attorney. These cases are complex, and attorneys have the necessary experience to help you navigate legal proceedings.
Don’t Hesitate to Consult With an Experienced Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Harrisburg
Patients trust healthcare providers to adhere to strict safety standards. When that trust is broken, the consequences can be catastrophic. ‘Never events’ in surgery represent the most serious category of preventable medical errors, typically occurring when the professionals in care deviate from the standards of care through negligent acts.
For the patient and their loved ones, understanding how Pennsylvania law addresses these situations is crucial to financial recovery. The team at Marzella & Associates offers free consultations to review the circumstances of your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue compensation for your pain. Contact us online or call 717-234-7828 today.