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What are wrong-site, wrong-procedure and wrong-patient surgeries?

On Behalf of | Jul 23, 2021 | Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice is a serious issue plaguing the health and wellness industries and impacting millions of individuals and their families each year. If you have experienced a wrong-site, wrong-procedure or wrong-patient surgery in Georgia, understanding your rights is essential. A medical malpractice lawyer may be able to help you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Understanding more about these types of surgeries

Wrong-site, wrong-procedure and wrong-patient surgeries are classified as errors that should never occur during a medical procedure, whether inpatient or outpatient. In some instances, a patient may experience surgery on the wrong side of their body. In serious and extreme cases, harmful surgeries occur when the wrong procedure is completed or when the wrong patient is operated on.

According to the US Department of Health’s Patient Safety Network, a large percentage of all incorrect surgeries occur on the wrong side of a patient.  Another significant percentage includes work being done on the correct side but at the wrong site. A smaller percentage of patients who experience a serious mistake receive a wrong procedure while a few medical malpractice claims come from the wrong patient altogether.

Preventing wrong-site, wrong-procedure and wrong-patient surgeries

Improving safety standards and systems is key to preventing these types of errors. In many cases, surgeons leave improper marks or vague details when creating “sign your site” initiatives prior to surgery, which can misdirect other surgeons and the medical professionals who are also working on the patient or are responsible for the patient.  Communication issues are often found to be a major contributing factor to these incidents, which is why it is imperative to seek out the best medical team possible for any surgery or procedure you are planning.

Experiencing wrong-site, wrong-procedure and wrong-patient surgeries as a patient yourself is horrifying and could be life-changing. Filing a medical malpractice claim against those responsible may help you achieve the justice you are seeking to get your life back on track.

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