MEDICAL MALPRACTICE:
SURGERY NEGLIGENCE
Surgical negligence can have devastating consequences, including death. When you have surgery, you put your complete trust in your surgical team. Surgery requires that all members of the team (nurses, doctors, anesthetists, and surgical techs) work together seamlessly. Breakdowns in communication and overworked health care providers are all too common, leading to dangerous surgical mistakes.
Surgery and anesthesia have inherent risk. It is important to know these risks before consenting to surgery. However, surgeons and anesthesiologists have a duty to ensure their patients know the risks of the surgery and wish to proceed. If you suspect surgical negligence, call on Schroeter Goldmark & Bender. Our medical malpractice work has resulted in several multimillion verdicts in favor of our clients.
Because surgery and anesthesia are highly specialized fields, specialized case review is necessary to know whether or not there was negligent error in surgery. When potential clients call SGB about surgical error, we listen carefully and ask questions based on our experience in these cases. When we suspect surgical error, we begin a very thorough review of the medical records. Our team knows what to look for, and also consults with expert nurses and doctors about the surgical care provided in the case. We explain our evaluation clearly to clients, so the family learns from the process.
When to file
The statute of limitations for medical negligence in Washington is usually three years, although there are some exceptions. If you suspect you have a claim, you should immediately talk with an experienced attorney who can determine what the law requires for your particular situation.
Let us help you
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
Trial expertise. Not all surgical errors are the result of negligence. Explaining to a jury that the injuries at hand are caused by negligence requires that the legal team fully understand all of the issues. Additionally, medical malpractice victims are often faced with jurors under the impression that medical lawsuits are frivolous and groundless. SGB knows how to address these biases in trial.
Thorough investigations. If we believe the injuries may have been caused by surgical negligence, we begin a very thorough review of the medical records. Our team knows what to look for, and also consults with expert nurses and doctors about the care provided in the case. We explain our evaluation clearly to clients, so the family learns from the process.
Understanding of medical terminology and systems. Surgical records are complex and can be extremely difficult to understand. Sorting through surgical records can be extremely difficult for people trying to determine for themselves if errors were made. At SGB, we have experience in reviewing surgical charts and electronic records. We talk with our clients about our review, so they understand their case. Surgical negligence cases often involve insurers, L&I benefits, VA plans, and other third parties. SGB attorneys are experienced in sorting out these players.
Client support. Many times, people are busy dealing with their injuries or loss and feel like talking to an attorney will be an additional burden. We make the process of evaluating your case as simple as possible so you can concentrate on other issues. We also try to minimize the amount of time the case takes from clients’ daily lives. We support our clients from intake to trial and every step in between.
Related legal services: Our legal team also includes attorneys devoted to advocating for adults and children requiring financial and medical support for their disabilities. We will work with clients to help them navigate the maze of benefits programs.
- $4.1 million settlement in case involving delay in diagnosis and treatment of bowel obstruction requiring emergency surgery.
- $500,000 settlement in a surgical malpractice case.
|
|
