The Dangers of Retained Surgical Instruments
A surgical instrument being left inside of your body presents a variety of different health risks, including a significant increased risk of infection or complications after the surgery. Patient Safety & Health Quarterly provided information about what occurs after a surgical instrument is left inside of a patient. Reporting the outcome of a 2003 ECRI Institute Study, they indicated that:
- 59 percent of patients must either stay in the hospital longer after their surgery or are readmitted at a late time.
- 69 percent of patients must undergo an additional surgery in order to remove the surgical object that was left inside during the first procedure.
- Almost 50 percent of patients develop sepsis or an infection as a result of the retained instrument.
- 15 percent of patients experience a fistula or obstruction of the small bowel
- Visceral perforation results in seven percent of cases
When a patient has to go back to the hospital or have another surgery, there are financial costs to this- as well as emotional and physical costs. Not only does the surgery have to be paid for, but the patient also undergoes the risk of going under anesthesia and additional surgical complications. In the event that infection or other medical problems develop, the situation becomes even worse as the patient may experience pain and may be at risk of serious complications including death.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a medical error you need to speak with a medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. Please contact us online or call our office directly at (800) 234-9556 to schedule your free consultation.
see how we've made a difference
If you are hesitating to call us for help, take a look at our recent case results.
-
$3,000,000 $3 Million Leg Injury Case Involving Tractor Trailer on I-75
Leg Injury Case Involving Tractor Trailer on I-75
-
$100,000 $100k for Woman Who Suffered Neck & Back Pain After Rear-End Collision
For Woman Who Suffered Neck & Back Pain After Rear-End Collision
-
$200,000 $200k for an Individual Was Injured in an Accident While on the Side of the Road
For an Individual Was Injured in an Accident While on the Side of the Road
-
$110,000 $110k for Car Accident Client With Back and Neck Pain
For Car Accident Client With Back and Neck Pain
-
$140,000 $140k for Man Injured When He Was Assaulted by Employee of Large Retail Store
For Man Injured When He Was Assaulted by Employee of Large Retail Store
A Marietta Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
A Marietta medical malpractice lawyer can assist patients who have been victimized by a doctor or surgeon leaving a surgical instrument in their bodies. Doctors and hospitals are expected to provide services to patients with a reasonable level of competence. For surgeons, this means providing care commensurate with what a reasonable doctor with a similar background and specialty would provide. For hospitals, this means having reasonable and appropriate policies in place to protect patients.
When a surgical instrument is left inside a patient, it is very clear that the surgeon did something wrong, and likely that the hospital also did not have proper safeguards and policies in place. As such, it isn’t hard to make a case that the doctor and hospital breached a legal duty and should be held legally accountable. In fact, in most cases, patients in retained surgical instruments cases don’t even have to prove negligence since a legal doctrine called res ipsa loquitor applies. This phrase literally means the thing speaks for itself. In other words, the fact that a surgical instrument could be left inside a patient is so obviously negligent that there’s no need to present additional evidence to prove it.
While it isn’t hard to prove liability in these cases, this doesn’t mean you don’t need a lawyer. In fact, being represented by a Marietta medical malpractice attorney in cases where a surgical instrument was left inside you can be even more important than in other types of malpractice cases. Doctors and healthcare providers know that they are in the wrong in these cases and may try to pressure you to accept a quick settlement or otherwise take steps to limit your right to recovery. A Marietta medical malpractice attorney will help you to stand up to the insurance companies and doctors/hospitals so you can get the compensation you deserve.
-
Proven Record of Results
Van Sant Law has recovered millions in compensation for our clients’ benefit.
-
Years of Experience
Van Sant Law is committed to professional and experienced personal injury representation.
-
Awards and Accolades
10.0 “Superb” rating on Avvo™, Super Lawyers Rising Stars, National Trial Lawyers Association Top 40 Under 40
-
Strategic and Aggressive
Our legal team includes former defense attorneys for large insurers who know how they settle injury claims.
-
Personal and Compassionate
Our firm works hard to ensure that your needs are taken care of during your recovery time. We work for you so you can get your life back.
-
No Fee Guarantee
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. Meaning there are no fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you!
-
"I highly recommend him as a personal injury attorney."
My attorney, David Van Sant and his law firm were outstanding in handling my personal injury case. I was out of work for a considerable amount of time due to an automobile accident and Mr. Van Sant and his entire team were always kind, professional, knowledgeable and especially available. This law firm did their absolute best to answer and return calls and at no time did I ever feel like just a number or stranger. My experience with Mr. Van Sant and his law firm (from beginning to end), were very positive as well as favorable.
- Lars S. -
"Van Sant Law was the right support to call after my car accident with my daughter."They were referred to me by a close friend of mine. Extremely professional, and asked the language I feel comfortable to discuss my case in. Alex Rusanov was my case manager and explained every aspect of my case during the process. I would highly recommend to use this law firm if you were injured in a car accident. Drive safe and stay alert!- Angela
-
"I am beyond grateful for the exceptional service provided by Van Sant Law firm."
From the beginning, they demonstrated a deep understanding of my case and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome. Their attention to details, professionalism, and expertise was truly remarkable.
- Tina R. -
"David and his crew worked so hard to come to a great conclusion on my case."
I was in a car accident with a tractor trailer two years ago and David Van Sant came highly recommended for someone I could talk to about the situation. Best decision I've ever made! He fought for me in ways that was truly amazing. Thank you David, Michael and everyone in the office.
- Mary -
"Van Sant Law took care of everything."
Back in March I was involved in a rear end collision accident. The are very professional and will do whatever it takes to get the best possible offer when it comes with the insurance. 5/5 will recommend to everyone
- Juan S. -
"They were diligent, timely, and very informative during the whole process."
Van Sant Law worked on my personal injury case, and they have gone above and beyond in representing me as a client. They gave multiple updates throughout the course of the case. I would highly recommend Van Sant to friends and family, and I would choose them as my personal injury attorney if I were to have a personal injury claim. Thank you, Van Sant Law!
- Tyriq R. -
"David Van Sant has been by my side through it all."
I would like to thank everyone in Van Sant Law for answering any questions that I have in a timely manner. I can personally say, Everyone in deserves recognition for being honest, hard working, ethical, logical, dedicated people. The only reason I rated them 5 stars is because it would not let me go higher!
- Hilary -
"Van Sant is the place to go."
R. Shannon Carpenter is the guy to call! Because of him I got a far larger compensation than I ever expect and the whole process was stress free for me!
- Chase V.
Our firm is dedicated and committed to providing you with the best legal services possible, from your education on the issues to fighting for positive results for your case. Through a free, initial consultation, we will make sure you understand the best way to approach your case, and we’ll review any relevant documents that you provide us with to make sure we have a full, detailed picture of your situation.
.2410180755550.png){kind=logo}
.2410171551550.png)
