Cranston Surgical Error Attorney

Experienced Representation for Victims of Surgical Negligence in Cranston, RI

Undergoing surgery is often a stressful and uncertain experience. Patients place immense trust in their medical team, expecting that every precaution will be taken to ensure safety and precision. Unfortunately, that trust is sometimes broken. Surgical errors—whether during routine operations or complex procedures—can cause devastating consequences for patients and their families. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a preventable mistake in the operating room, you may be entitled to legal compensation. A skilled Cranston surgical error lawyer at Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. is here to fight for justice and accountability on your behalf.

Reach out to Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. for a no-obligation consultation by calling (401) 200-4059.

Common Types of Surgical Errors

Surgical mistakes can happen in a variety of ways, and even a seemingly minor error can result in lifelong complications. Here are some of the most common types of surgical errors seen in malpractice claims:

• Wrong-Site Surgery: Operating on the wrong part of the body (e.g., left knee instead of right) is a tragic and entirely avoidable mistake.
• Wrong-Patient Surgery: In rare but serious cases, the surgery may be performed on the wrong patient altogether.
• Retained Surgical Instruments: Tools or materials like sponges and clamps being left inside a patient can lead to infections and the need for additional surgeries.
• Anesthesia Errors: Administering too much or too little anesthesia—or giving it to the wrong patient—can cause brain damage, heart complications, or death.
• Infections Due to Poor Sterilization: Lack of proper hygiene protocols in the operating room can lead to post-operative infections.
• Damage to Internal Organs or Tissues: Accidental lacerations or punctures during surgery may cause internal bleeding or organ failure.
• Failure to Monitor Vital Signs: Inadequate monitoring of a patient's condition during or after surgery can lead to missed signs of distress.

At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., our legal team investigates all aspects of a surgical error case to determine what went wrong and who is responsible.

Common Causes of Surgical Errors

Surgical errors are usually the result of negligence—careless actions that fall below the accepted standard of medical care. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Lack of Proper Communication: Miscommunication between the surgical team, nurses, or anesthesiologist can lead to serious mistakes.
• Inadequate Preoperative Planning: Failing to properly assess a patient’s condition or plan for complications can cause preventable harm.
• Fatigue or Distraction: Surgeons and hospital staff working long shifts without adequate rest are more likely to make errors.
• Unqualified Personnel: Sometimes, less experienced doctors or residents are allowed to perform complex procedures without proper supervision.
• Failure to Follow Protocols: Deviating from established surgical checklists and safety measures can increase the risk of an adverse event.
• Poor Documentation: Mistakes in recording or relaying a patient’s medical history, allergies, or medication usage can lead to surgical complications.

Identifying the root cause of the surgical error is a critical part of building a strong legal case. Our attorneys at Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C. partner with medical experts to conduct thorough investigations and secure the evidence needed to hold negligent parties accountable.

The Impact of Surgical Errors

Surgical mistakes can have far-reaching effects on a patient's physical, emotional, and financial well-being. Some of the most common consequences include:

• Prolonged Recovery Times
• Permanent Disability or Disfigurement
• Chronic Pain or Loss of Function
• Mental Health Struggles, Including PTSD and Anxiety
• Additional Surgeries or Hospital Stays
• Increased Medical Expenses
• Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity

In severe cases, surgical errors can result in death, leaving families to cope with unimaginable loss and financial hardship. At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., we help our clients pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages. If your loved one died as a result of surgical negligence, we can also assist with a wrongful death claim.

Surgical Error FAQs

Q: How do I know if I have a valid surgical error claim?
A: If you experienced unexpected complications, injury, or the need for additional procedures following surgery, it may be due to medical malpractice. Our attorneys can review your medical records and consult with experts to determine if you have a case.

Q: What kind of compensation can I recover?
A: You may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, future care costs, and more.

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Rhode Island?
A: Rhode Island typically allows three years from the date of the injury or discovery of the error to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. However, there are exceptions, so it's important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Q: Can I sue a hospital for a surgeon’s mistake?
A: Potentially, yes. If the surgeon was an employee of the hospital or if hospital policies contributed to the error, the facility may be held liable.

Q: What if I signed a consent form before the surgery?
A: Signing a consent form does not excuse a healthcare provider from negligence. If a preventable error occurred, you still have the right to seek compensation.

Contact a Trusted Cranston Surgical Error Lawyer Today

If you believe you or someone you love has suffered from a surgical error in Cranston, RI, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Surgical mistakes are serious—and often avoidable. At Decof, Mega & Quinn, P.C., we are dedicated to holding negligent medical professionals accountable and helping our clients reclaim their lives.

Take this decisive first step by contacting us, and let’s explore the best path forward together.