Even the simplest surgical procedures have their risks.
Although it may seem unlikely, post surgery complications do occur.
A study of 16,019 surgeons found that between 2009 and 2013, 63,173 Medicare patients were readmitted with complications after surgery.
This report also shows that 3,405 deaths of Medicare patients occurred due to complications from an elective surgery between 2009 and 2013.
If you or a loved one has recently undergone surgery or is facing an upcoming surgical procedure, read on. You should know what to do in the unfortunate event that recovery doesn’t go as planned.
The Scary Truth About Medical Malpractice in the U.S.
Even when surgeons are careful to follow all possible safety precautions, there is a chance that an accident can occur.
However, post surgery complications increase when you account for the number of mistakes that are due to irresponsibility, human error, and casual oversight.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to be sure that surgery will go smoothly. When you are at the mercy of surgeons, you cannot predict the outcome.
It is reported that at least 4,000 events of medical malpractice occur each year in the United States.
Between 1990 and 2010, it is estimated that 80,000 medical mistakes occurred in hospitals across the US.
What Could Go Wrong?
It’s not something that we like to think about, but there is usually any number of things that could potentially go wrong when you or a loved one has a surgical procedure.
Here are some of the most commonly reported surgical errors that occur:
- Anesthesia mistakes
- Unsanitary equipment
- Leaving foreign objects inside the patient
- Operating on the incorrect part of the patient’s body
In addition to these surgical mishaps, patients may be misdiagnosed. This can result in an inappropriate or unnecessary procedure.
The list above is just a few of the possible problems that can cause the patient undue stress and illness. There are much more possibilities that patients might encounter.
How to Deal with Post Surgery Complications
If you or a loved one is having a surgical procedure, make sure that you know the risks involved.
Before you have surgery, review any information regarding post surgical care and complications.
Always follow the physician’s recommendations for before and after care to ensure a proper recovery.
If you notice any problems following a surgical procedure, you should immediately report them to your physician. Hopefully, any issues can be easily remedied with the help of your doctor.
Be sure that you know your rights as a patient. If you feel you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice, consult an attorney.
You may be unsure what does and does not constitute as medical malpractice, but don’t be intimidated. If you suspect malpractice, it is best to speak with an attorney who is informed about the law.
They can offer you the right personal and legal advice regarding your situation.
Are You or Someone You Love a Victim of Malpractice?
If you or a loved one have encountered complications from surgery, you need to know the facts.
Click here to contact an attorney who can help you get the answers you need.