Surgical Injuries

Undergoing a surgical procedure can be a daunting experience for many patients and a great deal of trust is placed into the hands of a surgeon for operating with skill, care and attention.

Unfortunately, all surgical procedures carry an element of risk and there are occasions where an unavoidable complication occurs. This can cause harm to the patient, through a worsening or their condition or new symptoms occurring. While we recognise that this is a difficult and upsetting experience, these circumstances do not indicate the presence of any clinical negligence.

There are other times however, where injuries or harm are caused that go beyond an acceptable and recognised risk of a surgical procedure. This is where negligence has occurred as a result of inadequate surgery a failure to monitor a patient’s condition with appropriate aftercare or a failure of an anaesthetist to ensure their patient remains pain free and unconscious during their surgery. There can also be scenarios where a medical professional has failed to gain appropriate consent for a surgical procedure.

All of the above scenarios can cause serious and life threatening complications and mental distress following a negligent surgical experience. This can have a devastating effect on patients.

Types of Negligence Surgical Procedure: Can we assist?

We can assist with all types of surgical procedure; including general surgery, minor surgery under local anaesthetic, cosmetic surgery, laparoscopy (keyhole surgery) and specialist surgeries such as gynaecological surgery.

Our clinical negligence team are experienced in representing claimants with a wide background of surgical mistakes and support them to secure positive outcomes. We represent clients who have experienced surgical injury from both NHS and private hospitals.

What is Surgical Negligence?

Surgical negligence can cover a wide range of situations, some common examples include:

• Foreign objects being left in the body after surgery
• Nerve damage
• Organ damage
• An infection post surgery caused by poor aftercare
• Unnecessary surgery
• Performing the wrong surgery

 What can be claimed for a Surgical Error?

The compensation that you may be successful in claiming for a surgical injury claim are based on a number of different factors that must be taken into consideration. Broadly, the two main areas of compensation are known as general damages and special damages.

• General damages; these quantify the pain and suffering that you have been subject to as a result of a surgical error and can include mental distress. The level of general damages that you can achieve is based on compensation guidelines for your level of injury suffered.
• Special damages; these quantify the value of any additional expenses incurred or money lost. We recognise that suffering a surgical mistake can cause yourself or a loved one, loss of earnings, travel expenses or additional personal care; even if provided by family members. These elements will be incorporated into your claim by our experienced team, securing yourself and your loved ones the compensation that you deserve for your surgical injury.

If you feel you have suffered as a result of substandard treatment call us and see how we can help.