Surgical errors are more common than Texans think. Far too often surgical instruments are left inside patients, the wrong body parts are operated on or the wrong operation is conducted. These incidents can leave victims seriously injured and even deformed. Making matters even more frightening is the fact that surgical errors can go far beyond a slip of the scalpel or a failure to count sponges prior to stitching a patient up.
For example, surgical fires are a real issue that have to be dealt with in the medical field. According to the FDA, there are as many as 650 of these fires each year. They are defined as fires that occur in, on or around a patient and they can cause serious injuries and death. While many hospitals have implemented safety programs in an attempt to eliminate these fires, the fact remains that a quick Google search will uncover multiple news stories, some relatively recent, highlighting incidences where unsuspecting patients were burned during an operation.When used properly, surgical equipment should be pretty safe. It is usually when a medical professional makes a mistake that disasters occur. Typically, these mistakes are not in line with acceptable and applicable standards of practice, which means that medical malpractice has occurred. These negligent doctors need to be held accountable for the harm they cause. More often than not the best way to go about doing so is to pursue a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Those who have been injured while in the care of a medical professional can work with a skilled attorney to build their medical malpractice case. Evidence will need to be gathered, witnesses questioned, and strong legal arguments developed. In cases where a surgical fire has caused harm, it is important victims carefully document the medical treatment they have had to receive following the incident, as well as any missed work and emotional turmoil they may be feeling. This documentation will help further a claim for damages. Those who think they could benefit from having an aggressive litigator on their side when going up against a doctor and the hospital that employs him or her should diligently research their representation options.
