Wrong-Site Surgery
Undergoing surgery is never a pleasant experience. There is often anxiety beforehand, and the discomfort of recovery after the procedure is considerable. The hope, though, is that the procedure will alleviate (or improve) the individual’s medical condition to a degree that it makes the unpleasantness of the surgical process worthwhile. Unfortunately, this hope is not always realized. The terrifying consequences of wrong-site surgery can completely negate the positive effects of an operation, leaving the patient traumatized and in pain.
While having a surgical procedure on the wrong body part is an inconceivable problem to most patients, it is a real possibility. Wrong-site surgery can result from poor planning, negligent surgeons, or lack of controls within the medical institution. In any case, the results for the patient are clearly devastating, and can rightfully shatter their confidence in the medical care system. The negligence of medical professionals should not go unchecked, and the Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. can help victims explore their legal options.
Preventing Wrong-Site Surgery
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons has recognized some ways that the horrors of wrong-site surgery may be avoided:
- The surgeon places his or her initials on the target body part while the patient is still conscious.
- Surgical teams should take a “time out” to discuss the procedure in detail before it begins.
- Double check all x-rays and medical records immediately before surgery.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a wrong-site surgery, you may be entitled to compensation through a malpractice lawsuit. To discuss the details of your case, contact the Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers at Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. by calling 215-238-1130 today.