Medical Malpractice In Washington State: What Happens If Your Surgery Goes Wrong?
Undergoing surgery is a serious decision. While most procedures go as planned, things can and do go wrong.
Surgical mistakes in Washington State are unfortunately common and can be devastating for victims. Our Issaquah medical malpractice attorney explains what can happen when surgery goes wrong, common types of surgical mistakes, and how to protect your rights in a claim.
Common Surgical Errors That May Indicate Medical Malpractice In Washington State
Surgical mistakes often happen due to negligence on the part of surgeons, anesthesiologists, or others involved in your care. The Washington State Department of Health reports that they are among the most severe and most potentially costly types of medical malpractice in Washington State. Common surgical errors that may constitute malpractice include:
- Wrong-site surgery, or operating on the wrong patient or body part;
- Retained surgical instruments, such as leaving sponges, clamps, or tools in the patient;
- Nerve or organ damage due to accidental injury;
- Anesthesia errors, such as administering too much or too little and failing to properly monitor patients;
- Infections due to poor sanitation, such as failure to maintain sterile conditions in operating rooms;
- Failure to monitor post-op complications, which can cause missed signs of internal bleeding, sepsis, or blood clots.
These errors are often entirely avoidable when healthcare providers follow proper procedures. Unfortunately, many surgical malpractice cases go unreported because patients don’t realize what happened or aren’t told the truth.
What to Do If You’ve Been the Victim of a Surgical Mistake In Issaquah
Surgical malpractice can leave patients feeling helpless. While you can’t undo the damage, you can take action to hold surgeons or other healthcare providers accountable.
First, protect yourself by asking questions before surgery, reviewing all consent forms carefully, and ensuring your surgeon verifies the procedure site and plan with you in advance. If something goes wrong, take these steps:
- Seek a second opinion immediately to understand what happened and whether further medical treatment is needed.
- Request copies of your medical records, including surgical notes, anesthesia logs, and post-operative reports.
- Document your experience by writing down what you remember about the procedure and your recovery.
- Keep track of all related costs, including hospital bills, additional surgeries, lost income, and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Have an experienced Washington State medical malpractice attorney review your case and advise you of your rights.
The Washington Revised Code generally gives you three years from the date of the surgical injury (or one year from when you discovered the injury) to file a malpractice claim. However, acting quickly gives your legal team the best chance to preserve records and build a strong case.
Contact Our Experienced Issaquah Medical Malpractice Attorney Today
If you had surgery in Issaquah that didn’t go as planned and you believe medical negligence played a role, contact Injury Law Group NW. We stand up for victims of surgical mistakes in Washington State, helping them and their families get the compensation they need to recover. Reach out today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Issaquah medical malpractice attorney.
Sources:
doh.wa.gov/public-health-provider-resources/healthcare-professions-and-facilities/patient-care-resources/adverse-events
app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=4.16.350
