Surgical Mistakes in Baltimore Hospitals: What Victims and Families Should Know
Surgery always carries risks, and patients and their families understand that going in. However, what you don’t expect is a preventable mistake, such as the wrong site operated on, a surgical tool left behind, or a complication no one warned you about. When that happens, the physical pain is only part of the damage. The emotional toll and financial strain can follow you for months or years afterwards.
If you believe a surgical error caused you or someone you love harm, our experienced Maryland medical malpractice lawyers are here to help. Find out how surgical errors can happen in Baltimore hospitals and evidence that helps protect your rights in a malpractice claim.
Common Surgical Errors in Baltimore Hospitals
The National Institutes of Health reports that medical malpractice is responsible for nearly 400,000 deaths in the U.S. each year, and surgical errors are among the most common ways it happens. These are preventable mistakes caused by negligence on the part of doctors, nurses, surgeons, or others involved.
The Maryland Department of Health closely monitors local hospitals to prevent mistakes that jeopardize patient health, but surgical errors continue to happen in Baltimore hospitals. Among the most common include:
- Wrong-site or wrong-procedure surgeries;
- Retained surgical instruments or sponges;
- Anesthesia errors, including improper dosage;
- Nerve or organ damage from avoidable surgical technique mistakes;
- Failure to monitor post-operative complications, such as internal bleeding or infection;
- Poor communication among the surgical staff.
The NIH identifies communication breakdowns and inadequate safety checks as leading contributors to surgical harm. Unfortunately, when standard safeguards fail, patients can suffer serious and potentially life-threatening harm.
Evidence Needed To Prove Surgical Errors in a Baltimore Medical Malpractice Claim
Maryland law requires more than showing a bad outcome. Medical malpractice claims must demonstrate that a provider failed to meet standards of care, which directly caused the patient’s injury.
If you or someone you love is hurt due to a surgical error in a Baltimore hospital, evidence plays a crucial role in building a strong claim. This includes:
- Copies of all related medical records, including surgical notes and any additional treatment required.
- Medical testimony confirming the surgeon deviated from accepted standards.
- Proof of financial losses, such as your hospital bills and lost income.
- Evidence of any long-term complications and potentially permanent disabilities.
If you suspect a surgical error, take immediate action. Keep in mind that Maryland requires most malpractice claims to go through a Health Care Alternative Dispute Resolution process before proceeding to court.
Request a Consultation Today With An Experienced Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyer
Surgical mistakes that happen in Baltimore hospitals can cause complications that impact you and your loved ones for years to come. At Maryland Injury Lawyers, we help you hold negligent medical providers accountable and get the compensation you need to recover in a malpractice claim.
To get a sense of justice and the total amount needed to cover your losses, call or contact our office online. Request a consultation today with an experienced Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer.
Sources:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK592394/
health.maryland.gov/ohcq/pages/home.aspx
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcj§ion=3-2A-01&enactments=false
