During the preoperative and postoperative periods (before and after surgery), as well as during the actual performance of a surgical procedure, a variety of “mishaps” or “accidents” can occur. These surgical mishaps are not necessarily secondary to medical negligence, and thankfully, most do not result in any permanent injury to the patient. A poor result after surgery does not necessarily mean that there was negligence. However, when healthcare providers render care which deviates from the accepted standards of medical or surgical practice, that often constitutes medical negligence or malpractice. If such malpractice causes an injury, patients may be able to commence litigation to recover damages for their losses.

Some examples of surgically related accidents or mishaps which may be caused by medical negligence are:

	Retained surgical instruments or supplies (e.g., a surgical sponge left in the patient)
	Improperly placed sutures or surgical hardware
	Perforation or trauma to organs not being operated upon
	Failure to diagnose and treat postoperative infections and other conditions
	Negligence in preoperative testing and operative clearance
	Lack of informed consent
	The performance of contraindicated and/or unnecessary surgical procedures
	Malpositioning on the operating room table or chair
	Negligence in the administration of anesthesia and post anesthesia care
	Negligence in monitoring a patient intraoperatively and postoperatively

Blume Goldfaden attorneys and medical staff have the expertise to identify if a surgical accident or mishap constitutes negligence. We will evaluate your potential claim by reviewing your medical records and diagnostic studies (x-rays, MRIs, CT Scans, etc.) free of cost.