Medical Malpractice with Wrong Site Surgery

Medical Malpractice - Wrong Site Surgery

While this may sound like an urban myth, wrong site surgery commonly occurs in hospitals throughout the US.

Surgery performed on the wrong SIDE or SITE of a body can happen as a result of negligence.  Wrong site surgery is actually recognized as a ‘never event,’ which means that the NQF (National Quality Forum) has named wrong site surgeries as a “clearly preventable and identifiable medical error that has serious consequences.”

The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) reports that wrong site surgery is so widespread that many physician insurance policies no longer cover this type of medical error.  One report stated 79% of wrong site ocular (eye) and 84% of wrong site orthopedic (bones, ligaments, joints) surgeries resulted in victory for the injured victims.

It is estimated that only 10% of wrong site surgeries are even reported due to physician reporting qualifications; even though wrong site surgeries are considered one of the most widespread medical errors in surgery.

Causes for Wrong Site Surgeries

Wrong site surgeries are clear, preventable medical errors.  The cause is directly related to carelessness, negligence and/or failure to perform a thorough preoperative preparation.

A widespread initiative called ‘sign your site’ is the most common way of prevention – This means preoperative care includes marking and confirming the surgical site with all involved staff as well as the patient.

Unfortunately, wrong site surgeries go far beyond operating on the wrong eye or wrong extremity.  Brain and spine surgeries are also common for wrong site surgical errors.

The Joint Commission estimates that as many as 7 wrong site surgeries occur DAILY in the US!

If you or a loved one is a victim of medical malpractice, contact Nager, Romaine & Schneiberg Co., L.P.A. immediately.  Our attorneys will aggressively pursue your case and work to help you or your loved one obtain fair compensation for your claim.

Trust your medical injury case to one of the best firms in Ohio. Nager, Romaine & Schneiberg Co., L.P.A.