Wrong-site surgery is a form of medical malpractice that can have life-long consequences on a patient in Alabama. The risk of wrong-site surgeries is present any time a patient undergoes an operation, so it’s important to educate yourself on them, including the steps you can take if they occur to you or someone close to you.
Common examples of surgeries conducted in the wrong location
Wrong-site surgeries are surgeries that medical professionals conduct in the wrong body location. Sometimes, medical staff may operate on the incorrect body part or implant medical devices in the wrong place.
Some of the most common types of wrong-site surgeries are orthopedic surgeries. These surgeries are typically conducted on the knee, hip or shoulder. Medical staff may operate on the wrong knee, for instance.
It’s also not uncommon to encounter medical malpractice claims associated with eye surgeries. In these cases, medical staff may operate on the wrong eye or even cut into the wrong side of a patient’s head. Other types of surgeries that are commonly conducted in the wrong location include brain surgeries, heart surgeries and spine surgeries.
What should you do if you experience a wrong-site surgery?
If you or someone close to you experiences a wrong-site surgery, it’s important to take action as soon as possible. The first step is to contact medical staff and inform them of the mistake. It’s also important to document as much of what happened before, during and after the surgery as you can.
You may also consider filing a medical malpractice claim against medical staff for the mistake. You’ll want to collect all of your evidence to proceed with a medical malpractice case. If successful, you may receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income and other damages related to the surgery.
It can be very devastating to experience a wrong-site surgery. However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are resources available to help you through this difficult time and take legal action against medical staff if you believe that they’re responsible for the mistake.
