New York City Surgical Malpractice Lawyer
Facing the prospect of surgery is nerve-wracking for many patients. This is due to the fact that surgery has many inherent risks. The only reassurance patients often have is that surgeons, and the medical teams that help them, are knowledgeable and experienced enough to keep them safe. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Surgeons and other medical professionals can make many negligent mistakes and when that is the case, patients suffer great harm. If you have been hurt, our New York City surgical malpractice lawyer can help you claim the settlement you may be entitled to.
What is Surgical Malpractice?
Surgical malpractice is a type of medical malpractice. It refers to negligent, improper, or even illegal activity conducted by medical professionals. The most common medical professionals to be held liable for medical malpractice are surgeons, registered nurses, anesthesiologists, surgical technicians, medical students or residents, or any other medical professional who is involved in a surgery. Although surgical errors can be the fault of both individuals and institutions, surgical practice is the fault of individual medical providers.
Common Types of Surgical Malpractice
While no one wants to think about it, there are many common types of surgical malpractice. The most common of these are as follows:
- Wrong-site surgery: Wrong-site surgery occurs when a surgeon operates on the wrong side, or the wrong part, of the body. These extremely traumatic events happen between 1,300 and 2,700 times a year in the country.
- Unnecessary surgery: Surgery is invasive, complex, and opens up many opportunities for something to go wrong. As such, it should only be used when there are no other medical treatments available. When doctors or surgeons recommend a surgery that is unnecessary, it can cause patients serious physical, mental, and financial harm.
- Anesthesiology mistakes: Anesthesia presents many risks during surgery. Patients should be closely monitored and only given appropriate doses to ensure the drug is effective during surgery, but that it also wears off shortly after.
- Surgical fires: Operating rooms are oxygen-rich environments. They are also places where cauterizers and lasers are used. This combination can result in medical tools igniting and causing a patient to suffer severe burns. While surgical fires are rare, they are one of the most serious forms of surgical malpractice.
If you have suffered harm due to surgical malpractice, it is critical that you speak to an attorney right away. These cases are extremely complex and require in-depth knowledge of not only the law, but medical science, as well. An experienced malpractice attorney will have this knowledge and will work closely with experts to ensure your rights are upheld.
Call Our Surgical Malpractice Lawyer in New York City Today
At Michael Gunzburg, P.C., our New York City surgical malpractice lawyer knows the devastation patients face after becoming the victim of medical negligence. We are also dedicated to helping clients make things right, and can put our experience to work for you. Call us today at 212-725-8500 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal advice you need.