Surgical errors in hospitals are legendary. Most of us have heard stories about surgical instruments, sponges, gauzes, needles and other surgical appliances left inside a patient. There are also reports of the wrong patient having been wheeled into the operating room or the wrong patient having the wrong limb removed or the wrong kidney operated on.

Surgical errors are almost always out of the control of the patient. But, most surgical errors can and should be avoided.

Before undergoing surgery, patients are always encouraged to discuss the procedure thoroughly with the physicians and surgeons. Always discuss the part of the body to be operated on and the reason for it. Certainly include a thorough discussion on risks that are known for this type of surgery.

In some surgeries, patients are conscious. The kind of anesthesiology may be an option that should be discussed with the physicians, surgeons and anesthesiologists. The Joint Commission has created a protocol for surgeons and other medical professions involved in surgery that requires the use of checklists and time-outs to confirm the right patient and the right body part.

Surgical errors leading to injury or death is devastating. It is imperative that you have experienced lawyers on your side. With over 35 years of experience in handling surgical errors cases, the Chicago medical malpractice lawyers at Kreisman Law Offices have the know-how and resources to aggressively handle your medical negligence claim and obtain justice for you and your family. Contact our Chicago office at 312-346-0045 or 800-583-8002 or by email at bob@robertkreisman.com for an immediate free consultation, or fill out our contact form.