Being scheduled for surgery can be unnerving, but it can also bring a sense of hope and relief—if the procedure addresses the medical condition you are suffering from, you may finally heal and move forward. Of course, no patient ever expects their surgeon to make a serious mistake. One of the most devastating errors is performing surgery on the wrong site.

If you have experienced wrong site surgery malpractice in Charlottesville, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim to recover damages. At the law offices of MichieHamlett, our experienced medical malpractice attorneys are prepared to advocate for your right to compensation. Contact us today for the legal support you need.

What Is a Wrong-Site Surgery?

A wrong-site surgery is exactly what it sounds like, as shocking as that may be: a surgery is performed on the wrong location. This might mean:

  • The surgery is performed on the wrong patient
  • The surgery is performed on the wrong side or part of the body
  • The surgery is performed on the wrong organ
  • The surgery is performed on the wrong limb/extremity

Consequences of a Wrong-Site Surgery

A wrong-site surgery can have tragic consequences. Depending on the type of wrong-site surgery performed, consequences might include the removal of an essential organ, leading to severe complications (i.e. kidney failure); the amputation of the wrong limb; scarring and disfigurement on the wrong part of the body; unnecessary pain, suffering, medical expenses, recovery, etc.; and a worsening or exacerbation of the original condition for which the patient sought surgery.

Causes of Wrong-Site Surgery

Wrong-site surgery is avoidable and is a “never event” that should never happen. When wrong-site surgery does occur, medical malpractice is usually to blame. Medical malpractice refers to a breach in the medical standard of care owed to a patient – the “degree of skill and diligence practiced by a reasonably prudent practitioner in the field of practice.” Examples of medical malpractice that can lead to wrong-site surgeries include:

  • Mixing up patients’ charts;
  • Failing to do a pre- and post-op check;
  • Failing to confirm the correct site with the patient prior to surgery;
  • Failing to properly read a patient’s chart;
  • Surgeon/medical staff fatigue, distraction, or understaffing; and
  • Communication errors between hospital staff and professionals.

Recovering Compensation for a Wrong-Site Surgery in Charlottesville

If you have been the victim of a wrong-site surgery, you have likely suffered both economic and non-economic damages that you should never have faced. By filing a medical malpractice claim, you can hold the negligent physician accountable, raise awareness about medical malpractice, help deter similar errors in the future, and pursue compensation for the full extent of your losses.

At the law offices of MichieHamlett, our team has extensive experience handling wrong site surgery malpractice in Charlottesville. We will investigate your case, work with medical experts to build your claim, prove the elements of malpractice, issue a demand letter, and negotiate a fair settlement. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you do not pay unless we recover for you. To learn more, contact us today to schedule your free consultation.