Medical Negligence Malpractice: Items Left Inside Surgical Patients
Of the many forms of medical negligence malpractice are those that involve leaving procedure-related items inside of patients’ bodies during surgeries. The numbers are shocking: according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, every year between 4,500 and 6,000 U.S. patients have surgically retained foreign objects (called SRFOs) in their bodies after surgery.1 In instances in which this occurs, the result can be serious injury or death due to medical negligence malpractice. In some cases, SRFOs aren’t detected for months or years.
In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, gauze sponges were cited as the most common surgical supply found inside patients’ bodies post-surgery.2 Other items left inside patients’ bodies that can result in legal actions include:
– Clamps
– Clips
– Needles
– Syringes
– Sponges
– Scalpels
– Scissors
– Forceps
– Gloves
– Tubes
– Vials
Dual liability or multiple-party liability in these types of medical negligence malpractice cases is also a possibility. A host of medical parties may be liable in Florida medical negligence malpractice cases involving items left in patients’ bodies during surgery. Surgeons, doctors, physicians, physician’s assistants, medical specialists, and even hospitals and medical centers may be liable.
If you have been injured due to medical negligence malpractice in Florida involving items left inside the body during surgery, or if a loved one has been injured or has died due to medical negligence involving items left inside the body during surgery, contacting an experienced lawyer or expert legal team for an initial consultation is an important first step. It is helpful to research valid information about lawyers who specialize in malpractice cases, or if possible, who specialize in the specific type of malpractice lawsuit case you or your loved one may be dealing with, including one involving patient harm caused by leaving items inside the body during surgery.
Many lawyers and legal teams offer free initial consultations. At Mallard & Sharp, P.A., we specialize in a wide variety of cases, including medical negligence malpractice in Miami, South Florida, or any other area in Florida. To schedule a free initial consultation with our expert legal team please call 877.662.5527 or 305.461.4800.
1 http://www.asaabstracts.com/strands/asaabstracts/abstract.htm?year=2013&index=8&absnum=4400
2 https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/21/health/surgical-sponges-left-inside-woman-study/index.html