ClickCease
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week    |   Hablamos Espanol

Common Surgical Mistakes and What Causes Them

When getting a surgery done, we trust healthcare professionals to provide us with the utmost care and attention. However, there are unfortunate instances where surgical mistakes occur, leading to significant harm and anguish for the patients and their families.

If you suspect you or a loved one has been a victim of surgical malpractice in a healthcare facility, it’s crucial to take the necessary remedies to correct the issue. It’s important to understand the common surgical mistakes that can occur and the underlying causes behind them. This knowledge will help you build a case when seeking justice for your mistreatment. Our team at Dalli & Marino, LLP can help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.

Understanding Common Surgical Mistakes

If you had surgery and have cause to believe something went wrong, here are some common surgical errors that might have occurred. With this information, you can take appropriate action and seek justice for your or your loved one’s suffering. The most common instances include:

1. Wrong-Site Surgery

One of the most alarming surgical errors is performing a procedure on the wrong body part. This can happen due to:

  • Poor communication among healthcare professionals
  • Inadequate preoperative planning
  • Improper surgical site marking
  • Lack of proper verification protocols
  • Failure to follow appropriate surgical protocols

The consequences of wrong-site surgery can be devastating, leading to unnecessary pain, loss of function, or even the need for further surgeries.

2. Surgical Infections

Surgical site infections are a significant concern following any surgical procedure. In situations where a patient has a compromised immune system or chronic health condition, preventing infections becomes even more critical. Common causes of surgical infections include:

  • Inadequate sterilization procedures
  • Improper wound care
  • Unclean surgical instruments
  • Failure to administer antibiotics promptly
  • Poor postoperative monitoring and care

Surgical infections can lead to severe complications and even life-threatening conditions for affected patients.

3. Anesthesia Errors

Administering anesthesia requires meticulous attention to detail and constant monitoring to ensure patient safety. Anesthesia errors can range from:

  • Administering the wrong type/dosage of anesthesia
  • Failing to identify adverse reactions
  • Inadequate preoperative assessments
  • Improper administration techniques
  • Inadequate staffing levels

These errors may result in difficulties like respiratory issues, neurological damage, or even death. Healthcare professionals must exercise extreme caution when administering anesthesia.

4. Medication Errors

Medication errors during surgery can have serious consequences. This can include administering the wrong medication, incorrect dosage, or failure to identify potential drug interactions or allergies. Causes of medication errors include:

  • Miscommunication
  • Illegible prescriptions
  • Inadequate staff training
  • Lack of proper medication management systems
  • Negligence in administering medications

Hospitals must maintain accurate medication records and follow strict protocols to prevent medication errors that can harm residents.

It’s crucial to safeguard your health and rights or that of your loved ones. If you or someone you love has been involved in a surgical error, consult with an experienced New York medical malpractice lawyer as soon as possible.

Consult a Skilled New York Medical Malpractice Lawyer at Dalli & Marino, LLP

Understanding common surgical mistakes and their causes is vital for anyone seeking justice for their loved ones who have suffered from medical malpractice. By raising awareness about these issues, we can strive for a safer healthcare environment for all surgical patients. Keep in mind that your rights and well-being should always be protected, and that bringing forth a lawsuit can aid in ensuring that you receive the justice you deserve.

Dalli & Marino, LLP  is one of New York’s most seasoned and successful medical malpractice law firms. By consulting with us, you will have a team of experienced lawyers who can provide guidance and support throughout the legal process and are dedicated to maximizing compensation for injustices against you or your loved ones. Contact us online or call us at (888) 465-8790 for a free case evaluation. We also speak Spanish.


3010 Eastchester Rd, Bronx, NY 10469
516-407-8243

66-50 Myrtle Ave, Queens, NY 11385
718-568-5467