Wrong-site surgeries are medical “never events,” meaning they should never occur. When they do, it is almost always because of a preventable medical error. If you or someone you love is a victim of wrong-site surgery malpractice in Waukegan, Schlack & Bassmaji could help you seek justice.
Our experienced surgical errors attorneys could fight for the maximum compensation possible so you can continue supporting your family and focus on your recovery. Our law firm has over 20 years of legal experience and has secured over $100 million in settlements and verdicts. Let us advocate for you. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
Nearly all wrong-site surgeries in Waukegan happen because of negligent medical care and are considered medical malpractice injuries. It may seem incredible that such a catastrophic error can occur, but there are multiple ways it can happen.
Many wrong-site surgeries occur due to a simple lack of communication among the surgical team, including nurses, surgeons, and anesthesiologists. Surgeons are also supposed to communicate with patients before procedures to confirm the surgical site, and failing to do so constitutes negligence.
Providers are supposed to follow specific protocols to prevent wrong-site surgeries. These protocols usually include marking the surgical site and conducting a final check before starting any procedure.
Reversed x-rays, misread imaging, or the incorrect review of a patient’s chart can lead to a surgery being planned for and performed on the wrong site.
Surgeons and other members of a surgical team can make mistakes due to stress, fatigue, or inattention. The possibility of human error may increase with more complex surgeries and longer shifts.
Wrong-site surgeries can cause unnecessary physical pain, emotional turmoil, and time off from work. In addition, victims may still need the original surgery they required. Some wrong-site surgeries can also cause catastrophic injuries, such as surgery that results in the amputation of the wrong limb.
Wrong-site surgery malpractice victims in Waukegan could seek compensation for medical bills stemming from the wrong-site procedure and damages to pay for treatment needed to correct the surgical error. Our medical malpractice lawyers could also pursue compensation for:
In many surgical injury cases, seeking compensation begins with a claim against the at-fault party’s medical malpractice insurance. Our attorneys at Schlack & Bassmaji could help you file one immediately.
If the insurance company will not offer you fair payment, we could seek damages with a medical malpractice lawsuit. 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes § 5/13-212 allows two years to file most claims, but there are exceptions to this deadline that our team could further explain during an initial case evaluation.
Liability for Waukegan wrong-site surgery malpractice may rest with a surgeon or another member of the surgical team. It may also rest with the hospital, surgery center, clinic, or other medical facility where the procedure was performed.
Medical facilities can be responsible in their own right for failing to initiate or enforce protocols, properly train employees, or maintain a clean environment and sterile equipment. They can also be vicariously liable for their employees’ negligence. Because liability often extends beyond the direct medical provider, working with seasoned legal counsel is essential when filing a medical malpractice case.
Even when the claim involves an obvious error, such as a wrong-site surgery, medical malpractice cases can be challenging. Insurance companies want to keep the settlements they pay as low as possible, and negotiations can be drawn out and exhausting.
Working with our Waukegan attorneys on your wrong-site surgery malpractice case could give you a knowledgeable and powerful legal ally who could fight for your best interests. We could communicate with involved parties on your behalf, ensure the settlement offered adequately compensates you, or take legal action to get the money you need.
Wrong-site surgery malpractice in Waukegan can leave victims with serious injuries and expensive medical damages. Schlack & Bassmaji’s medical malpractice lawyers could help you seek compensation if you or someone you love was hurt. We serve clients in English and Spanish. Contact us today for a free consultation and help seeking the compensation you need to support your loved ones.
