Wrong-Site Surgery: When Doctors Operate On the Wrong Body Part
Wrong-site surgery is one of the most alarming and preventable medical errors that can occur. When a doctor operates on the wrong body part, wrong side of the body, or even the wrong patient, the physical and emotional consequences can be devastating. Patients who undergo this type of surgical error often suffer not only unnecessary harm but also the trauma of losing trust in their medical providers. At The Spizman Firm , our Atlanta personal injury lawyers are committed to holding negligent healthcare professionals accountable and helping patients recover the compensation they deserve.
What Is Wrong-Site Surgery?
Wrong-site surgery is classified as a “never event” in the medical community, meaning it is an error that should never happen when proper protocols are followed. Examples include:
- Operating on the wrong side of the body, such as the left leg instead of the right.
- Operating on the wrong body part, like removing a healthy kidney instead of the damaged one.
- Performing surgery on the wrong patient, often due to misidentification.
Despite stringent safety guidelines, wrong-site surgeries continue to occur nationwide, including here in Georgia. These errors are typically caused by human mistakes, communication breakdowns, or failures to follow safety protocols.
What Causes Wrong-Site Surgery?
Wrong-site surgeries are often the result of systemic failures within hospitals or surgical teams. Common causes include:
- Lack of Communication: Inadequate communication between surgeons, nurses, and surgical staff can lead to misunderstandings about the procedure’s details.
- Inadequate Preoperative Protocols: Failing to mark the correct surgical site or verify patient information increases the risk of errors.
- Fatigue or Time Pressures: Surgeons and staff working under extreme time constraints or exhaustion may make critical mistakes.
- Errors in Medical Records: Mislabeling patient charts, imaging scans, or test results can result in surgery being performed on the wrong site.
- Failure to Follow Safety Checklists: Surgical teams are required to follow preoperative safety checklists, such as the Universal Protocol, to confirm the correct patient, site, and procedure. Skipping or rushing through these steps can lead to disastrous consequences.
Consequences of Wrong-Site Surgery
The impact of wrong-site surgery is profound. Patients often face:
- Unnecessary Procedures: Undergoing surgery on the wrong body part can require additional corrective surgeries, increasing risks and recovery time.
- Physical Harm: Patients may experience permanent damage, loss of function, or disability.
- Emotional Trauma: The emotional toll of a surgical error can include anxiety, depression, and loss of trust in healthcare providers.
- Financial Burden: Medical bills for corrective procedures, rehabilitation, and lost wages can add significant financial strain.
In Georgia, victims of wrong-site surgery have the legal right to pursue compensation for medical malpractice. This includes damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and future care costs.
How The Spizman Firm Can Help
If you or a loved one has suffered due to wrong-site surgery, it is critical to consult an experienced medical malpractice attorney. At The Spizman Firm , we understand the complexities of surgical error cases and will work tirelessly to investigate your claim, gather evidence, and hold negligent medical providers accountable.
We proudly serve clients across Georgia, including Atlanta, Dunwoody, Alpharetta, Cobb County, Fulton County, Gwinnett County, Johns Creek, and Sandy Springs. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. Your health, your rights, and your future matter to us.
