What is Surgical Error?
A preventable mistake during surgery, such as operating on the wrong body part, leaving instruments inside the patient, or damaging healthy tissue.
Understanding Surgical Error
Surgical errors include wrong-site surgery, anesthesia errors, nerve damage, and post-operative complications from negligent care. "Never events" are errors so serious they should never occur. These cases often involve clear negligence but may require expert testimony.
Examples
- 1Surgical sponge left inside patient
- 2Wrong kidney removed
- 3Nerve damaged during routine procedure
Related Terms
Medical Malpractice
Professional negligence by a healthcare provider whose treatment falls below the accepted standard of care, resulting in injury or death to the patient.
Informed Consent
A patient's agreement to medical treatment after being fully informed of the risks, benefits, alternatives, and potential outcomes.
Misdiagnosis
A medical malpractice claim based on a healthcare provider incorrectly diagnosing a condition, leading to improper treatment or delayed proper treatment.
Birth Injury
Harm to a baby or mother caused by medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or immediately after birth.
Medication Error
A preventable mistake in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medication that causes harm to a patient.
Help Your Clients Understand Their Case
Quilia makes it easy to communicate complex legal concepts to your clients.