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Tens of thousands of Americans are killed every year as a result of avoidable medical errors. One of the most common forms of medical malpractice in Illinois and across the country is the leaving of surgical instruments in patients.
This reality often astonishes those who are unfamiliar with the medical system. How is this possible? It seems so basic: remove everything placed in a patient before finishing surgery.
And it is undeniably a basic issue. However, these cases crop up again and again, and always with tragic results. Surgeons, either as a result of hectic schedules or simple negligence, sometimes fail to make the necessary checks before closing a surgical incision. As a result, they too often leave surgical implements such as sponges in patients.
The results of this can be catastrophic. Serious infections can be expected, at least, and sharp instruments obviously pose a particular danger.
Surgical staffs have, in recent years, begun taking special care to count and document each instrument in an operating room as a precaution. This is an excellent, necessary step. But our Illinois medical malpractice attorney still sees clients hurt by this unacceptable form of negligence.
We stand ready to help if you or a loved one has been injured by this surgical error. There is never any excuse for leaving a surgical instrument in a patient.
If you’re an Illinois resident and you need an experienced medical malpractice attorney, please contact Walner Law for a free consultation.
