Spinal Surgery Errors

Surgical staples are commonly used to close incisions or repair tissues during medical procedures, but when applied incorrectly or malfunctioning, the results can be catastrophic. Improperly placed staples or defective devices can cause complications such as internal bleeding, infections, or organ damage, often requiring additional surgeries to correct. Patients harmed by these preventable errors deserve accountability for their endured harm. A Prince George’s County surgical staple injury lawyer can guide you through pursuing justice.

At Foran & Foran, we focus on providing dedicated legal support to patients affected by surgical staple injuries. Our attorneys meticulously review your medical records, consult with experts, and identify instances of negligence or product defects that contributed to your injury. We work to ensure you receive compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and the emotional toll of such an incident, allowing you to move forward with confidence. Contact our team to discuss your case and take the first steps toward recovery.

Spinal surgery errors can occur due to several preventable factors, often resulting in serious complications for patients. Mistakes during spine procedures, such as operating on the wrong level, are particularly concerning. These errors fail to address the patient’s underlying medical issues and often create new problems, both physical and emotional.

One study revealed that 50% of surveyed spine surgeons admitted to performing at least one wrong-level surgery during their careers. This equates to a prevalence of one wrong-level surgery in every 3,110 spine operations, with most mistakes occurring in the lumbar region (71%), followed by the cervical (21%) and thoracic (8%) areas. Causes include:

• Inaccurate imaging or marking. Misinterpreting imaging studies or improperly marking the surgical site can lead to operations on the wrong spinal level.
• Failure to follow safety protocols. Guidelines established by organizations like the North American Spine Society aim to reduce surgical errors, but noncompliance increases the likelihood of mistakes.
• Distractions in the operating room. The lack of focus, or communication breakdowns among the surgical team can lead to errors in identifying the correct site.

If you suspect that a mistake during spinal surgery has harmed you or failed to resolve your symptoms, consulting a Prince George’s County spinal surgery errors lawyer is critical. An attorney can investigate your case and help determine if negligence played a role.

Determining whether negligence occurred during your spinal surgery requires understanding the standard of care expected in such procedures. Negligence happens when a surgeon deviates from this standard, causing avoidable harm. Some signs of negligence include:

• Failure to identify the correct surgical level – preparing or operating on the wrong spinal segment is a clear deviation from accepted practices;
• Noncompliance with guidelines — health organizations provide detailed protocols to prevent wrong-site surgeries. Failing to adhere to these guidelines may indicate negligence; and
• Lack of communication — miscommunication between surgical team members can result in preventable errors, such as using outdated imaging or incomplete patient records.

If your surgeon failed to take appropriate steps to ensure accuracy or ignored established protocols, they might be liable for your injuries. A Prince George’s County spinal surgery errors attorney can review your medical records and consult with experts to determine if your case involves negligence.

Spinal surgery malpractice can have a devastating impact on your physical and emotional health. Recognizing the signs of malpractice is the first step in addressing your concerns and seeking compensation. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent pain. Unresolved or worsening pain in the affected area may indicate that the surgery failed to address the root cause of your condition.
• Neurological impairments. Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in your extremities may result from damage to surrounding nerves during surgery.
• Limited mobility. Difficulty moving or performing daily activities could be a sign of improper technique or unnecessary tissue damage.
• Infection. Postoperative infections at the surgical site can arise from poor hygiene practices or inadequate sterilization of instruments.
• Failure to improve. If your symptoms remain unchanged or worsen after surgery, it could indicate that the procedure was performed on the wrong spinal level.

These outcomes prolong recovery and may require additional surgeries or long-term medical care, placing a significant burden on the patient and their family. If you have experienced any of these symptoms following a spinal procedure, seeking legal assistance can help you understand your options.

Mistakes during spinal surgery, such as operating on the wrong spinal level or causing nerve damage, can result in severe physical and emotional harm. At Foran & Foran, we are committed to holding negligent surgeons accountable for these preventable errors. Our experienced attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, consult with medical experts, and fight to secure the compensation you need to recover. To learn more about how the Prince George's County medical malpractice lawyers at Foran & Foran can help with your case, 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.