Wrong-Site Surgery Lawyers in Phoenix
Advocating for Victims of Medical Malpractice
Defined as surgery on the wrong body part, patient, or side of the body, wrong-site surgery is considered to be a medical “never event” by health practitioners. That means you may be able to pursue compensation and hold the surgeon accountable if you’ve suffered from injuries and complications related to wrong-site surgery.
At Cullan & Cullan, our Phoenix wrong-site surgery lawyers are also highly trained medical doctors, which means we are well-positioned to advocate for your financial needs. With decades of experience and a strong commitment to our clients, we will fight on your behalf after a traumatic never event on the operating table.
Call (602) 900-9483 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our personal injury lawyers today.
Defining Wrong-Site Surgery
Wrong-site surgery is a form of medical malpractice and negligence that can make a surgeon liable for your medical bills, pain and suffering, past and future lost wages, and other expenses related to your injuries. Whether you endure an unnecessary operation or undergo surgery for the wrong body part, wrong-site surgery is a deeply traumatic experience for patients.
Any of the following may be considered a wrong-site surgical incident:
- An operation or implant on the wrong limb
- An operation on an incorrect organ
- An operation on the wrong side of the body
- An operation performed on the wrong patient
In most cases, wrong-site surgery is a direct result of inattention and negligence on part of your surgeon. There is no logical reason that a trained medical specialist should cause you to undergo unnecessary, invasive procedures and expose you to severe injury and fatality risks. If you discover that you have been the victim of wrong-site surgery, you could be entitled to damages.
How Common Is Wrong-Site Surgery?
Wrong-site surgery events are relatively rare, but experts believe that it is still the fourth most common medical never event, with as many as 50 wrong-site incidents reported each week. Additionally, researchers estimate that only 10% of wrong-site surgery events are even reported to the Joint Commission, according to a 2008 study published in “Patient Safety and Quality: An Evidence-Based Handbook for Nurses.” While the researchers noted that malpractice claims for these medical errors do frequently result in awards for patients, they also stressed that wrong-site surgery was of particular concern, as it often results in serious physical and psychological injury.
How Do I File a Claim?
Pursuing a medical malpractice claim in Arizona may be complicated, but with an experienced attorney, you could stand to secure fair financial compensation for your losses. Upon discovering a surgical error. It is extremely important that you contact an attorney immediately. In some circumstances, you have a very short period of time to file a notice of claim for your injury. This can be as little as six months in Arizona, depending upon the facts of the case and where the negligence occurred.
This is why it’s crucial to speak with a Phoenix wrong-site surgery attorney from the earliest stages of the legal process. A qualified lawyer can investigate your claim, put together a comprehensive case strategy, and help you identify expert medical witnesses. At Cullan & Cullan, our caring doctor-lawyers understand the gravity of wrong-site surgery errors – and we are committed to helping victims of negligence recover the resources and assistance they deserve.
Do you need to consult with an attorney? Call (602) 900-9483 or contact us online to get started with your claim.