Virginia Wrong Site Surgery Lawyer
When you go in for surgery on a particular part of your body, you expect that only that area will be operated on. When another part of your body is impacted during surgery, it can have disastrous consequences. The wrong organ may be removed, the wrong limb amputated, or a completely different surgery intended for another patient could be performed. This type of medical negligence may result in substantial financial compensation for your injuries.
If you suffered a wrong site surgery or procedure, contact a skilled medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. A Virginia wrong site surgery lawyer could help you pursue money damages for the harm you have experienced.
Procedures Designed to Prevent Wrong Site Surgeries
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organization implemented a three-step process to help hospitals and doctors avoid wrong site surgeries and procedures. The process is composed of the following three steps:
- First Series: A pre-surgical procedure verification process is intended to ensure that the patient’s documentation is correct and that it is all in order before a surgery is performed.
- Second Series: This next step involves marking the correct surgery site on the patient’s body so that no mistakes are made. The person who marks the site is an independent practitioner who may also assist in the surgery.
- Third Series: The last step requires a “time out” before the procedure begins. The full procedure is reviewed for accuracy and all team members are supposed to ensure that the correct site is ready for the operation.
Despite these protocols, doctors still sometimes perform wrong site procedures. Failure to utilize this checking process or a similar one may be to blame, and negligent conduct within the three-step process could also cause this type of mistake.
Common Causes of Wrong Site Injuries
These injuries are usually caused by issues with the controls and procedures utilized to ensure the correct body part receives the operation. An informal system can cause mistakes to occur more frequently. When only one person is relied upon to determine the correct site, the risk of a wrong site injury is also increased.
Surgeons and hospitals may also face time pressures related to surgeries. An overcrowded schedule can cause fatigue or confusion with medical staff. Sudden and unexpected changes to the schedule could also result in a wrong site surgery, especially if protocols are not followed to double check for possible miscommunications. A Virginia attorney could further explain the importance of these prevention protocols to avoid wrong site injuries.
Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim
To seek money damages for a wrong site injury, the plaintiff generally must file a medical malpractice claim against the medical staff involved and the hospital where the surgery occurred. According to Va. Code Ann. § 8.01-243, a medical malpractice claim must be filed within two years of the date of the injury.
Failure to file within the two-year period can result in the dismissal of the claim, even if it would have otherwise been successful. This makes it essential to contact a skilled Virginia attorney as soon as possible after a wrong site injury.
Speak to a Virginia Wrong Site Surgery Attorney Today
Wrong site injuries are more common than people might expect and are almost always the result of negligence. You may suffer great harm and emotional hardship as the result of a wrong site injury, and you deserve to be compensated. Fortunately, an experienced Virginia wrong site surgery lawyer could assist you in your case. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
