When you undergo surgery, you trust medical professionals to prioritize your safety and well-being. Unfortunately, mistakes happen, and surgical errors can lead to life-altering injuries or, in the most tragic cases, even death. If you or a loved one has been harmed due to a surgical mistake, you may be entitled to seek compensation. A surgical error malpractice lawyer in Fort Worth can help you navigate the complex legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Chris Lewis & Associates P.C., our experienced team of medical malpractice lawyers is dedicated to helping injury victims hold negligent healthcare providers accountable. Contact us today to learn how our law firm can help you take the first step toward justice.
What Is Medical Malpractice?
Medical malpractice occurs when a doctor, nurse, or other medical professional fails to uphold the standard of care required in their field, resulting in harm to a patient. Surgical errors are one of the most serious forms of malpractice, often causing severe injuries or life-threatening complications. Common examples of surgical errors include operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside a patient, or administering the wrong medication.
Victims of malpractice in Fort Worth often face extensive medical bills, prolonged hospital stays, and lost wages due to their inability to work. In such cases, pursuing a medical malpractice lawsuit with the help of a Fort Worth medical malpractice lawyer can provide a pathway to financial recovery.
Types of Surgical Errors in Fort Worth
Surgical errors can occur for various reasons, but most result from negligence or failure to follow established medical procedures. Here are some of the most common surgical mistakes seen in malpractice cases:
- Wrong-Site Surgery: When a surgeon operates on the wrong body part.
- Wrong-Patient Surgery: Performing surgery on the wrong patient due to a mix-up in patient identification.
- Leaving Surgical Instruments Inside a Patient: Tools, sponges, or other materials are accidentally left inside the patient’s body.
- Anesthesia Errors: Mistakes in administering or monitoring anesthesia, which can lead to brain injury, oxygen deprivation, or even death.
- Post-Surgical Infections: Hospital-acquired infections caused by unsanitary conditions during or after surgery.
These errors can cause serious injuries requiring long-term medical treatment. Victims may experience prolonged pain, lost wages, and reduced quality of life. If you’ve experienced any of these errors, a Fort Worth medical malpractice lawyer can help you file a claim to seek compensation for your injuries.
Proving Negligence in a Surgical Error Malpractice Case
To succeed in a medical malpractice case, you must prove that negligence occurred. This requires establishing the following four elements:
- Duty of Care: The doctor-patient relationship must be established, showing that the medical professional had a duty to provide competent care.
- Breach of Duty: It must be shown that the medical professional failed to meet the standard of care expected of someone with similar training and experience.
- Causation: You must prove that the breach of duty directly caused your injury.
- Damages: The injury resulted in measurable damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering.
Medical malpractice claims can be complex, and evidence plays a crucial role in proving fault. This may include medical records, expert testimony from other medical professionals, and detailed documentation of your injuries and financial losses. A malpractice lawyer can build a strong case and pursue fair compensation on your behalf.
Damages You Can Recover in a Surgical Error Malpractice Case
If you have been injured due to a surgical error, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. These damages may include:
- Medical Bills: Costs of past, present, and future medical treatment.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time you missed from work while recovering from your injury.
- Non-Economic Damages: Compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.
In severe cases, such as when a patient dies due to surgical errors, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Our personal injury attorneys can help you understand your rights and the potential value of your case.
How Can a Fort Worth Medical Malpractice Lawyer Help?
A medical malpractice case is one of the most complicated forms of personal injury claims. Our experienced team of Fort Worth medical malpractice lawyers can help you in several ways, including:
- Case Investigation: We gather and analyze medical records, interview witnesses, and consult with medical experts to build a compelling case.
- Negotiations: We handle all communications with hospitals, doctors, and insurance companies to seek fair compensation for you.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Our law firm works on a contingency basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win your case. If you’ve suffered an injury due to medical negligence, schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
Call Chris Lewis & Associates P.C. for Help with Your Surgical Error Malpractice Case
Don’t let the negligence of a medical professional go unchallenged. If you’ve suffered due to a surgical mistake, you have the right to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Our experienced malpractice lawyers are ready to stand by your side and guide you through the legal process.
Learn more about surgical error malpractice. Call Chris Lewis & Associates P.C. at (214) 665-6930 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation. You can also reach us anytime through our contact page. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Surgical Error Malpractice in Fort Worth
1. What qualifies as a surgical error in a malpractice case?
A surgical error is any preventable mistake made during surgery that causes harm to the patient. Examples include wrong-site surgery, anesthesia errors, and leaving surgical instruments inside the patient.
2. How do I prove medical negligence in a surgical error case?
To prove negligence, you must show that the doctor-patient relationship existed, the surgeon breached the standard of care, the breach caused your injury, and you suffered damages as a result. Medical experts and evidence such as medical records play a critical role in proving your case.
3. Can I sue for a surgical mistake that caused a hospital-acquired infection?
Yes, if your infection was caused by unsanitary conditions, poor post-operative care, or negligence by the hospital or medical staff, you may have a valid medical malpractice claim. Consult with a Fort Worth medical malpractice lawyer to determine your options.
4. How much is a surgical error malpractice case worth?
The value of a medical malpractice claim depends on the extent of your injuries, the cost of your medical treatment, and other factors like lost wages and pain and suffering. A lawyer can help you calculate the value of your claim.
5. How long do I have to file a medical malpractice lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the surgical error to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. However, certain exceptions may apply, so it’s important to speak with a malpractice lawyer as soon as possible.
If you have questions or believe you’ve been a victim of a surgical error, contact Chris Lewis & Associates P.C. for a free consultation. Our team is ready to provide the guidance you need to pursue justice.
