Alexandria Surgical Error Lawyers

Patients expect – and deserve – high levels of precision and care during surgical procedures, but sadly, mistakes happen. When medical professionals fail to meet the accepted standard of practice, the consequences can be severe and life-altering. Errors during surgery may lead to unnecessary pain, extended recovery periods, permanent injury, or even death. Patients rely on healthcare providers to take every necessary measure to perform surgical procedures properly. When that trust is broken, legal action may be appropriate.

Our Alexandria surgical error lawyers at the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates represent individuals and families who have been harmed by negligent surgical practices. With a background that combines medical training and legal knowledge, Dr. Michael Wilson and his team are uniquely equipped to analyze the circumstances of each case and hold medical professionals accountable. Pursuing compensation in these matters involves careful review of medical records, procedural errors, and hospital protocol.

What Is Considered a Surgical Error?

A surgical error is a preventable mistake that occurs during a surgical procedure and falls below the accepted standard of care. These errors can take many forms. Some of the most reported include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside a patient, administering incorrect doses of anesthesia, or performing an unnecessary procedure. Errors may result from miscommunication, inadequate preparation, fatigue, or failure to follow established protocols.

Surgical errors differ from known surgical risks because they are avoidable. Every medical procedure carries some level of risk, but when an injury results from conduct that a qualified surgeon would not have committed, it may constitute medical negligence. Our Alexandria surgical error lawyers review each case to determine whether the conduct in question failed to meet professional standards and whether that failure directly caused the injury.

What Are the Legal Grounds for Filing a Surgical Error Claim?

To pursue a legal claim for a surgical error, the injured party must establish that the healthcare provider owed a duty of care, breached that duty through an act or omission, and that the breach directly caused harm. This process typically involves a careful evaluation of the medical procedures involved, the standard of care applicable to that specialty, and how the actions taken deviated from that standard.

Our Alexandria surgical error lawyers assess whether the care provided during surgery was appropriate. A claim may arise not only from the actions of a surgeon but also from errors made by anesthesiologists, nurses, or surgical assistants. Determining liability requires a thorough investigation into what occurred before, during, and after the procedure.

What Types of Injuries Can Result From Surgical Errors?

Surgical errors can lead to a wide range of injuries, some of which may be immediately apparent, while others become evident only after additional medical evaluations. Common injuries include internal bleeding, infections, nerve damage, disfigurement, and damage to organs. In certain cases, surgical errors can lead to long-term disability or wrongful death.

Injuries of this nature often require corrective surgery, prolonged medical care, and rehabilitation. Some individuals may suffer permanent limitations that affect their quality of life and ability to work. When reviewing these claims, our Alexandria surgical error lawyers evaluate the full scope of the harm, including both the physical consequences and the financial losses related to continued treatment and lost income.

How Long Do I Have to File a Surgical Error Lawsuit in Virginia?

In Virginia, the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit, including one related to a surgical error, is generally two years from the date the injury occurred. There are exceptions to this rule in limited circumstances. For example, if a foreign object was left inside the patient, the time period may begin on the date the object was discovered or reasonably should have been discovered, rather than the date of the surgery itself.

Failure to file within the allowed time frame may result in dismissal of the case, regardless of its merits. It is advisable to seek legal guidance as soon as there is reason to believe that a surgical error may have occurred.  

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Surgical Error?

Multiple parties may be held liable for a surgical error, depending on the circumstances. The primary party is often the surgeon who performed the procedure, but liability may also extend to the anesthesiologist, surgical staff, or the hospital or medical facility. If the institution failed to implement adequate procedures or hired unqualified personnel, it may share responsibility for the injury.

In some cases, a manufacturer of medical devices or surgical tools may be held accountable if a defect contributed to the error. Our Alexandria legal team investigates all potential sources of liability to identify every responsible party. That approach is necessary for pursuing fair compensation.

What Types of Compensation May Be Available in a Surgical Error Case?

Compensation in a surgical error claim typically falls into two categories. 

• Economic damages may include medical expenses, surgical revisions, rehabilitation, and lost wages. 
• Non-economic damages may address pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent disability.

Virginia law imposes a cap on total damages in medical malpractice cases, which changes periodically based on the year the malpractice occurred. This cap includes economic and non-economic damages combined. Our Alexandria surgical error lawyers can provide updated information on how these limits may affect your claim.

How Can a Lawyer Help With a Surgical Error Case?

Building a case for compensation in a surgical error case involves much more than filing paperwork. It requires an in-depth review of medical records, consultation with healthcare professionals, and careful documentation of the harm suffered. A lawyer may also handle communication with hospitals and insurance companies, prepare expert witnesses, and advocate in court when necessary.

Our Alexandria surgical error lawyers have experience with both medical practice and legal proceedings. This dual background allows our team to assess the technical details of a case with greater accuracy and compassion. From the initial evaluation through settlement discussions or a potential trial, we skillfully pursue accountability for preventable harm through evidence-based legal action.

Let Our Alexandria Surgical Error Lawyers at the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates Help You Fight for Justice

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a preventable mistake during surgery, you may be entitled to legal relief. Our Alexandria surgical error lawyers at the Law Offices of Dr. Michael M. Wilson, M.D., J.D. & Associates are prepared to evaluate your case and provide guidance on the next steps. Call 202-223-4488 or contact us online for a free consultation. Located in Washington, D.C., we serve clients in the surrounding areas, including Northern Virginia and Maryland.