Bristol County Surgical Error Attorney

Injured by Surgical Malpractice in Bristol County, RI?

Surgery—whether planned or emergency—requires absolute precision and care. Patients place their lives in the hands of highly trained professionals and trust that every precaution will be taken to avoid mistakes. Unfortunately, surgical errors still happen, and their consequences can be devastating. When a surgical mistake leads to serious injury, permanent disability, or even death, victims and families have the right to pursue justice and compensation.

At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., our Bristol County surgical error lawyers are dedicated to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable. We represent patients and families throughout Rhode Island who have suffered because of preventable surgical errors. Our team has the experience, medical knowledge, and resources necessary to investigate complex malpractice cases and pursue maximum compensation for your losses.

Call (401) 200-4059 today to schedule your free consultation.

Common Types of Surgical Errors

Surgical errors can take many forms, ranging from minor injuries to catastrophic mistakes that endanger a patient’s life. Some of the most common surgical errors include:

• Wrong-Site, Wrong-Procedure, or Wrong-Patient Surgery: These “never events” are among the most serious types of surgical mistakes. They occur when a surgeon operates on the wrong body part, performs the wrong procedure, or even operates on the wrong patient due to a breakdown in hospital protocols and communication.
• Anesthesia Errors: Administering too much or too little anesthesia, failing to monitor a patient’s vital signs, or ignoring allergies can cause brain damage, oxygen deprivation, or cardiac arrest during surgery.
• Retained Surgical Instruments: Surgical sponges, clamps, or tools left inside a patient’s body can lead to severe infections, internal injuries, and additional surgeries to remove the retained object.
• Nerve or Organ Damage: A small miscalculation during surgery can result in permanent nerve injury, punctured organs, or excessive bleeding. These injuries can cause chronic pain, disability, and long-term complications.
• Postoperative Infections: Failing to maintain sterile conditions or to properly close a wound can lead to serious infections, sepsis, or other life-threatening complications after surgery.
• Failure to Monitor or Respond to Complications: Neglecting to monitor a patient during or after surgery—or failing to respond to signs of distress—can quickly escalate into an emergency with permanent consequences.

If you or a loved one experienced any of these surgical errors, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. Our team at Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. can help you determine whether negligence played a role and what compensation you may be entitled to pursue.

Common Causes of Surgical Errors

Surgical errors rarely occur in isolation. They typically result from a combination of systemic failures and human negligence. Common causes include:

• Fatigue and Burnout: Surgeons and operating room staff often work long shifts. Fatigue can impair focus and decision-making, leading to mistakes.
• Poor Communication: Miscommunication between surgical team members, nurses, and anesthesiologists can lead to wrong-site or wrong-procedure errors.
• Inadequate Preoperative Planning: Failure to review a patient’s medical history, imaging studies, or allergies before surgery can result in preventable complications.
• Negligent Supervision: When inexperienced residents or assistants perform tasks without proper oversight, patients can suffer unnecessary harm.
• Failure to Follow Protocols: Deviating from established surgical checklists and safety standards increases the risk of serious errors.
• Substandard Hospital Policies: Hospitals that fail to enforce safety rules, provide adequate staffing, or maintain sterile environments can contribute to surgical mistakes.

At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., we meticulously investigate every aspect of your case to uncover what went wrong, who is responsible, and how the error could have been prevented.

Short- & Long-Term Effects of Surgical Errors

The physical and emotional toll of a surgical error can last a lifetime. Victims often face both immediate and ongoing challenges, such as:

Short-Term Effects:

• Severe pain and infection
• Additional surgeries or hospitalizations
• Extended recovery time
• Lost wages due to time off work

Long-Term Effects:

• Permanent disability or disfigurement
• Chronic pain or nerve damage
• Emotional trauma and loss of trust in medical professionals
• Ongoing medical expenses for rehabilitation, therapy, or home care
• Reduced quality of life or loss of independence

In the most tragic cases, surgical errors can result in wrongful death, leaving families to cope with grief, financial burdens, and unanswered questions. Our Bristol County surgical error attorneys are here to guide you through every step of your claim, ensuring your voice is heard and justice is served.

Filing a Surgical Error Claim in Bristol County, RI

Under Rhode Island law, medical malpractice claims—including those involving surgical errors—must generally be filed within three years of the date the injury occurred or was discovered. However, determining when that clock starts can be complex, especially in cases where the harm was not immediately apparent.

To succeed in a surgical error claim, you must prove:

1. A doctor-patient relationship existed.
2. The surgeon or medical provider deviated from the accepted standard of care.
3. This deviation directly caused your injury.
4. You suffered damages as a result, such as medical costs, lost income, or pain and suffering.

Our attorneys at Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. work with leading medical experts to build strong, evidence-based cases. We handle all communications with insurers and healthcare institutions, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Surgical Error Claim FAQs

How do I know if my surgical injury was caused by malpractice?

If your injury resulted from a preventable mistake—such as an error that a reasonably careful surgeon would not have made—it may qualify as medical malpractice. A legal consultation can help determine this.

Can I sue the hospital as well as the surgeon?

Yes. In many cases, hospitals or surgical centers share liability for failing to properly supervise staff, maintain safe conditions, or enforce standard procedures.

What compensation can I recover in a surgical error claim?

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium. In severe cases, punitive damages may also apply.

How long will my case take?

Every case is different. Some claims settle in a few months, while others require litigation and can take a year or longer. will keep you informed at every stage.

Do I have to pay legal fees upfront?

No. We handle surgical error cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.

Speak with a Bristol County Surgical Error Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a surgical mistake, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Our Bristol County surgical error lawyers at Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. are ready to investigate your case, hold negligent providers accountable, and fight for the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

Contact us for a free, confidential consultation.