Union County Surgical Error Lawyers

Every day, hundreds of people throughout New Jersey undergo surgery. Whether it is an emergency operation after a serious injury or a procedure to combat a life-threatening illness like cancer, as a patient, you rely on your surgeon’s medical expertise and dedication to your health to get you through the operation safely. Unfortunately, some operations become disastrous for the patient due to improper conduct by the surgeon or another member of the surgical team. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a surgical error, please don’t hesitate to contact the dedicated Union County surgical error lawyers here at Lee Law Firm today.

Common Mistakes In The Operating Room

A patient’s health and life are potentially at stake every time he or she goes under the knife. When a surgeon makes a mistake, the patient’s well-being may be in serious jeopardy. The truth is, surgical errors happen much more often than doctors would like to admit. Common surgical errors include:

• Operating on the wrong body part, e.g., the left lung instead of the right
• Leaving surgical tools inside the body
• Performing the wrong operation or mixing up patients
• Administering incorrect amounts or types of anesthesia
• Failing to monitor a patient’s vital signs during surgery or respond appropriately to distress
• Damaging nearby organs, tissues, or nerves while performing a procedure
• Failing to close incisions properly or to control excessive bleeding
• Neglecting to maintain a sterile surgical environment
• Allowing unqualified or unsupervised staff to perform parts of the surgery
• Miscommunication among surgical team members about the procedure, instruments, or patient information

When A Surgeon Makes A Mistake, The Patient Suffers

The consequences of this type of medical malpractice can be severe. The patient can suffer delays in needed medical care, allowing his or her condition to worsen. More directly, mistakes by the surgical team can lead to you suffering severed nerves, infection after surgery, and other damage to your health.

As your attorney, Edward Lee will take on the surgeons and facilities that carelessly allowed you to suffer harm. We will investigate how the error occurred and who is potentially legally responsible. We have gotten maximum compensation for many victims of surgical error.

Frequently Asked Questions About Surgical Errors

What should I do if I suspect a surgical error has occurred?

If you suspect a surgical error has occurred, it is crucial to seek a second medical opinion immediately. Document all your symptoms, obtain copies of your medical records, and contact a surgical malpractice attorney in New Jersey. An experienced attorney can help evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process.

What damages can be recovered in a surgical malpractice case in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, victims of surgical malpractice can recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. A surgical malpractice attorney can help determine the types and amounts of compensation you may be entitled to based on the specifics of your case.

How are surgical errors proven in a malpractice case?

Proving surgical error requires expert testimony from medical professionals who can explain the standard of care and how it was breached. Records such as operative notes, anesthesia logs, and post-operative charts are key evidence. For example, leaving surgical instruments inside a patient clearly falls below accepted standards. Attorneys coordinate medical experts to establish that the error directly caused the injury. Establishing causation is essential—patients must show that their harm would not have occurred without the error. Thorough documentation strengthens the case in court.

What types of damages can be recovered after a surgical mistake?

Damages can include medical expenses for corrective surgeries, hospital stays, and long-term care. Victims may also recover lost wages if the error prevents them from working. Pain, suffering, and diminished quality of life are compensable as non-economic damages. In severe cases, permanent disability or disfigurement may increase awards. Courts may also award punitive damages if gross negligence is proven. An attorney ensures you pursue the full scope of damages available.

What if I didn’t notice the effects of a surgical error until months or years later?

Some surgical mistakes, like internal injuries or slow-developing infections, may not show up immediately. Most states allow claims within a set time after the error is discovered, not just the date of surgery. This is known as the “discovery rule.” Patients should seek medical evaluation quickly when symptoms arise. Attorneys can argue that the clock starts when the injury was reasonably identifiable. Prompt legal action ensures compliance with deadlines and protects your rights.

How long do I have to file a surgical malpractice lawsuit in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for filing a surgical malpractice lawsuit is generally two years from the date the error was discovered or should have been discovered. It is essential to act quickly and consult with a surgical error lawyer to ensure your claim is filed within the legal timeframe. If you believe you have a case, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a consultation.

Contact Our New Jersey Surgical Error Lawyers

If you believe you or a family member has been harmed due to a surgical error, you have a limited time to take legal action. Contact the dedicated Union County surgical error lawyers here at Lee Law Firm to schedule a free initial consultation with our legal team today.