How to Detect Surgical Errors in the Elderly
To ensure our elderly loved ones remain healthy, proper medical care is essential. There may be a time when your loved one requires surgery to alleviate chronic pain and improve their quality of life. Surgeries are inherently risky and if it is required for your loved one, it is natural to feel worried and concerned.
While the majority of surgeries are successful and do not cause further harm, that is sadly not always the case. Surgical errors can happen and when an elderly individual is affected, it can result in serious injuries because elderly individuals are also weaker and frailer. Below, our Tampa nursing home abuse attorneys outline how to detect these errors and get the help you need.
What are Surgical Errors?
Surgical errors are actions or omissions made during a surgical procedure that can result in temporary discomfort or serious complications. Even though they are not intentional, surgical errors can cause long-term disability or even death. They are also entirely preventable. Surgical mistakes also typically require additional treatment that would not have been necessary had the error not have occurred.
Surgeries are delicate by nature and for seniors who are already weak, additional care must be taken during procedures. Still, surgeons can make mistakes just like anybody else. Some of the most common mistakes include administering the wrong dose of anesthesia, operating on the wrong body part, providing improper postoperative treatment, and more. Any surgical mistake can worsen an existing health condition for elderly individuals.
How to Detect Surgical Errors
It is important to identify if your loved one was the victim of a surgical error. This is the only way to ensure their well-being is protected. Before taking legal action for the harm caused, you must also prove that a surgical error occurred. The following steps can help with this:
- Review documentation: Thoroughly examine all consent forms, medical records, surgical notes, preoperative assessments, postoperative care instructions, and any communication between the healthcare team. Check for gaps in the information or contradictions that could indicate a surgical mistake.
- Get a second opinion: If you have questions about the surgical procedure your loved one underwent, contact another medical expert. An objective examination and evaluation can confirm that there were deviations from the standard of care.
- Look for signs: After surgery closely monitor your loved one’s recovery. Look for complications, unexpected symptoms, or chronic pain that was not discussed as a possible outcome.
Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in Tampa Can Help After a Mistake
If you believe that your loved one was the victim of a surgical error, you need legal help. At Kohn Law, our Tampa nursing home abuse lawyers can confirm if a mistake has happened and advise on the next steps to take. Our experienced attorneys can determine if your loved one is entitled to compensation and guide you through the process to ensure they receive the fair settlement they deserve. Call us now at 813-428-8504 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0766/0766ContentsIndex.html
