Accidental Puncture and Laceration

Accidental punctures and lacerations during surgery can cause severe pain, infections, and even permanent damage to internal organs. These types of errors are often preventable and result from careless techniques or poor decision-making by surgical teams. If you’ve suffered such an injury, a Prince George’s County medical malpractice lawyer can help you hold negligent healthcare providers accountable.

Foran & Foran, P.A. advocates for patients harmed by surgical errors, including bile duct cuts, bowel damage, and other complications. Our attorneys work to secure compensation for medical expenses, pain, and the lasting effects of these injuries. Contact us to learn more about your legal options.

Accidental punctures and lacerations are preventable injuries that occur during surgical procedures, often leading to severe complications such as internal bleeding, infections, and organ damage. According to the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, the risk-adjusted rate for accidental punctures and lacerations was 2.83 per 1,000 eligible patients in 2008. These injuries are frequently the result of human error, including poor surgical technique, miscommunication, or inadequate training. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to this type of medical negligence, a Prince George’s County accidental puncture and laceration lawyer can provide the legal support you need to seek justice.

The effects of these errors are far-reaching. A study of 2,897 operations revealed that 9.2% resulted in accidental punctures or lacerations, with serosal tears, enterotomies, and extraintestinal injuries being the most common. These injuries often lead to longer operative times, extended hospital stays, and increased rates of sepsis or reoperation. For patients, these complications can mean months of recovery, additional medical expenses, and unnecessary suffering.

Accidental punctures and lacerations can occur in various surgical scenarios, but they often result from preventable circumstances, including:

• Inadequate preoperative planning. When surgical teams fail to map out a procedure carefully, they increase the risk of unintended injuries.
• Insufficient training. Surgeons or staff lacking experience with specific techniques are more likely to cause harm.
• Emergent or high-stress environments. In emergencies, rushed decision-making can lead to accidental punctures or cuts.

These factors often point to systemic failures in medical facilities. Hospitals have a responsibility to ensure their staff is adequately trained, prepared, and capable of performing surgeries safely. When they fail to uphold this standard of care, patients may face life-altering injuries.

The consequences of accidental punctures and lacerations extend beyond the operating room. Patients often experience:

• Infections. Open wounds or unintentional cuts allow bacteria to enter, leading to severe infections such as sepsis.
• Organ damage. Punctures to vital organs can impair their function, sometimes permanently.
• Extended hospital stays. Recovery times increase due to the need for corrective procedures or complication monitoring.

In cases where enterotomies occur, patients face an even greater risk of complications such as enterocutaneous fistulas, which require additional surgical interventions. These conditions can significantly disrupt your quality of life, from physical suffering to emotional distress.

Victims of accidental punctures and lacerations have the right to hold negligent providers accountable for their actions. A Prince George’s County medical malpractice attorney can help you navigate the legal process and seek compensation for your injuries. Key steps in a case may include:

• Investigating the cause of the injury — reviewing surgical records and consulting with medical experts to determine whether negligence occurred;
• Calculating damages — accounting for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and emotional suffering; and
• Filing a claim — pursuing compensation from the responsible parties, whether they are individual providers, hospitals, or both.

With the help of a skilled attorney, you can build a strong case and advocate for the compensation you deserve.

Accidental punctures and lacerations can cause severe complications, including organ damage, infections, and additional surgeries. At Foran & Foran, we have extensive experience handling all types of medical malpractice cases, including those involving surgical errors. Our attorneys will carefully investigate your case, consult with medical experts, and work to secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries and related losses. To schedule a free consultation with one of our medical malpractice lawyers in Prince George's County, give us a call at (301) 441-2022. We proudly represent clients in Hyattsville, Bowie, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf, La Plata, Silver Spring, Rockville, and the surrounding areas.