Studies reveal that surgical errors impact thousands of Americans each year, with approximately 4,000 preventable surgical mistakes occurring annually across the United States. These devastating incidents – classified as “never events” because they should be entirely preventable – often result in additional surgeries, extended recovery periods, permanent disabilities, and in the most tragic cases, loss of life. The financial implications are equally devastating, as victims face extraordinary medical expenses and substantial lost wages.
Buffalo, home to distinguished medical facilities such as Buffalo General Medical Center and Erie County Medical Center, provides advanced surgical care to numerous patients yearly. While these institutions maintain high standards of medical excellence, surgical errors remain a possibility. Despite rigorous protocols and safety measures in Buffalo’s healthcare facilities, human error and systemic failures can lead to life-altering consequences for patients.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
The following medical institutions are where you might have experienced surgical errors in Buffalo:
- Buffalo VA Medical Center Malpractice
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center Malpractice
- Sisters of Charity Hospital Malpractice
- John R. Oishei Children’s Hospital Malpractice
- Mercy Hospital of Buffalo Malpractice
- Erie County Medical Center Malpractice
- Kaleida Health – Buffalo General Medical Center Malpractice
If you or a family member have been injured by surgical errors or other types of malpractice in the above institutions, or anywhere in Buffalo, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Porter Law Group.
Speak with an experienced surgical errors attorney today by contacting us online. You can also view the results we’ve achieved, to see our proven track record of success for over two decades.
Why Choose the Porter Law Group?
The lawyers at the Porter Law Group have decades of experience representing individuals and families whose lives have been devastated by catastrophic injuries. We have obtained large settlements and verdicts in courts throughout the State of New York. We are a state-wide firm that handles cases with a hometown feel.
Our clients come to us looking for guidance and answers. With seasoned trial lawyers, the Porter Law Group has the resources necessary to help you navigate the most complex cases, against goliath insurance companies that will stop at nothing to prevent you from receiving the compensation you deserve.
You only get one chance to hire the best lawyer for you and your family. Hire the lawyers most recommended by former clients and local attorneys, and the firm that obtains superior results.
When you or a loved one’s life has been devastated by a serious personal injury in Buffalo, don’t hire a lawyer without calling the Porter Law Group to learn why so many of our clients are thankful they trusted us with their case in their time of need.
What are Surgical Errors?
Surgical errors constitute preventable mistakes occurring during surgical procedures that differ from known surgical risks discussed during patient consent. These incidents typically result from inadequate communication, insufficient preoperative planning, or violations of safety protocols. Recent healthcare research indicates that surgical errors can increase patient costs by approximately $29,000, with complex cases potentially accumulating millions in additional medical expenses and long-term care requirements.
These medical mistakes create ripple effects far beyond the initial error. Patients frequently require multiple corrective procedures, extended hospitalization periods, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs. The consequences often include permanent impairment, ongoing pain, and significant psychological trauma. If you suspect you’ve been affected by a surgical error, contact us for a free case evaluation.
Types of Surgical Errors
Despite modern medical advances and safety protocols, several categories of surgical errors continue to pose significant risks:
Retained Foreign Bodies
The unintentional retention of surgical instruments, sponges, or medical devices within patients represents a serious surgical error. These oversights can lead to severe infections, internal bleeding, and organ damage, often requiring emergency surgical intervention. Statistics indicate that retained surgical items occur in approximately 1 in every 5,500 operations, frequently resulting in severe complications and prolonged recovery periods.
Wrong-site Surgery
This devastating error involves surgery performed on the incorrect body part. Whether operating on the wrong side, extremity, or organ, these mistakes result in unnecessary trauma and require additional procedures to address the original condition. The impact can be catastrophic, particularly when healthy organs or limbs are erroneously removed or damaged.
Wrong-person Surgery
One of the most egregious surgical errors occurs when procedures are performed on the wrong patient. These incidents typically stem from identification errors, communication breakdowns, or administrative mistakes. The consequences are often severe, with patients undergoing unnecessary operations while their actual medical conditions remain untreated.
Mislabelling of Surgical Specimens
When surgical specimens are incorrectly labeled or confused, patients may receive inaccurate diagnoses leading to inappropriate treatments or delayed care. This error is particularly critical in cancer cases, where precise specimen identification is essential for proper treatment planning.
Reach out to our experienced team for a free consultation and explore your options for compensation.
Compensation for Surgical Errors
Under New York medical malpractice law, surgical error victims may pursue various forms of compensation, including:
- Present and future medical costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
- Wrongful death damages (in fatal cases)
How the Porter Law Group Can Help
The Porter Law Group brings extensive expertise in surgical error litigation. We collaborate with medical experts to thoroughly investigate claims, establish negligence, and build strong cases for compensation. Our team possesses deep knowledge of medical malpractice law and works diligently to protect client interests. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for your case.
Contact a Surgical Errors Attorney in Buffalo
If you or a family member has suffered from a surgical error in Buffalo, the Porter Law Group is prepared to fight for your rights. Our experienced surgical errors attorneys understand the devastating impact these medical mistakes have on victims and their families. We’re committed to securing the compensation you deserve while holding negligent healthcare providers accountable.
Don’t risk missing important legal deadlines. Contact us today at 833-PORTER9 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our surgical errors lawyers will review your case and explain your legal options. Remember, there are no fees unless we win your case.