My Surgery Went Wrong, What Can I Do?
Whilst hundreds of successful surgeries take place everyday up and down the country, there is always the risk of a surgery not going well. This is sometimes unpreventable, however if surgical negligence is to play then you may be entitled to a claim.
Surgical malpractice can have serious repercussions, which leave patients with physical and mental scars, as well as financial damage. If your operation did not go as planned owing to surgical mistakes, then it’s important to understand your rights and any claims you might be able to make as a result of surgical negligence.
The Impact of Surgical Negligence
Surgical neglect can have substantial and long-term implications on your life, such as:
Physical consequences: Complications may require additional surgeries. They might also lead to longer recovery times or ongoing medical care. In the very worst cases they can lead to permanent life-altering changes and even death.
Emotional distress: Dealing with the consequences of surgical mistakes can cause worry. The psychological impact a botched surgery can make could bleed into everyday living, especially if your physical injuries impact your quality of life.
Financial burdens: Additional medical procedures can create financial strain, and lost earnings and other expenses can also put pressure on you and your family.
Understanding Surgical Negligence
Surgical negligence happens when a surgeon does not provide the necessary care to the patient. It can happen in several ways which include mistakes during the procedure. For example, a surgeon might operate on the wrong area of the body. They could also leave surgical tools inside the patient or accidentally harm nearby organs or tissues.
It can also include inadequate preoperative assessments. This can include if a surgeon fails to conduct necessary evaluations or screenings that could have identified potential risks before surgery, or that an incorrect or unnecessary treatment was recommended and provided when other non-invasive treatments were available.
Neglect can also appear as errors in postoperative care. For instance, this might involve failing to monitor the patient’s recovery properly which can lead to medical complications.
These errors often happen due to misunderstandings among medical staff. Inadequate preoperative planning and careless operations are other possible explanations.
What Should You Do If Your Surgery Went Wrong?
You should act quickly if you suspect you or a loved one has fallen foul of surgical negligence. But what should you do?
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you have unanticipated problems following surgery, such as extreme pain, infection, or strange symptoms, get medical assistance immediately by visiting A&E, calling 999 or 111. Your health comes first, and dealing with any troubles as soon as possible might help you avoid subsequent problems.
Document Everything
Keep detailed records of your surgery, including:
Medical records: Obtain copies of your surgical reports, consent forms, and any follow-up appointments. These documents provide essential evidence of what occurred during your procedure.
Symptoms and complications: Make a note of any symptoms or issues you have after surgery which includes their date and severity. This information can be critical in determining a link between your operation and the resultant problems.
Communication with healthcare providers: Document any discussions with your surgical team or other healthcare specialists about your worries or symptoms. This may be phone conversations, emails, or written contact.
Consult with a Medical Professional
Consider getting a second opinion from another medical practitioner. This might assist you determine if your issues were caused by carelessness or were inherent hazards to the procedure.
A different doctor or surgeon can also assist you in addressing any immediate health concerns resulting from the original procedure.
Research Surgical Negligence Cases
Familiarise yourself with surgical malpractice and related instances. Understanding the legal procedure and what constitutes negligence and malpractice will allow you to know whether you have a claim to pursue.
Consult a Legal Expert
You should see a medical malpractice solicitor such as Thompson & Co if you suspect surgical negligence. They can evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.
We will examine everyone you provide, and assess the standard of care. This means checking if the surgeon followed established medical norms during the treatment and whether all the right procedures were followed. Assessments are also taken across every area of your claim, including the surgery, the result, and the preop and postop care.
Know Your Rights
Patients have rights, including the right to informed consent prior to surgery. There could be grounds for a lawsuit if your surgeon didn’t properly inform you about the possible risks of the procedure. This might qualify as surgical negligence.