Atlanta Surgical Error Attorneys

Suffered Injury or Illness Caused by a Surgical Error in Atlanta, GA?

Cunningham Bounds is a personal injury law firm with a comprehensive understanding of surgical malpractice cases. Our team of dedicated Atlanta surgical error attorneys has a history of holding medical professionals accountable for their negligence.

What differentiates us from other law firms is our unique approach to each case and our steadfast commitment to our clients. Empathy lies at the core of our practice—we understand the emotional and physical toll these errors take and strive to provide support and understanding in these difficult times.

At Cunningham Bounds, we extend our dedication beyond legal representation to support our clients, guiding them through the complex journey toward justice and recovery.

Call our team at (404) 609-1081 to schedule your free initial consultation today.

Types of Surgical Errors in Atlanta

Surgical errors can have devastating consequences. They come in many forms, each with its own set of challenges and implications.

Some common examples include:

• Wrong-site surgery: This type of error occurs when a surgeon operates on the wrong part of the patient’s body. This can lead to unnecessary complications and may require additional surgeries to correct. Surgeons and medical staff must adhere to strict protocols to prevent such oversights, including thorough checks and verification procedures before any incision.
• Wrong-patient surgery: These errors happen when a surgeon performs a procedure on the wrong patient due to mix-ups in patient identification. This can result in unneeded surgical risks and complications for the mistaken patient while the correct patient’s condition remains untreated. Hospitals must implement robust processes to ensure patient identity is verified multiple times before surgery.
• Incorrect procedure: This involves performing the wrong surgical procedure on a patient. Such mistakes can result in severe health issues and may necessitate further surgeries to rectify the error. Medical teams need comprehensive communication and procedural cross-checking to avoid these scenarios.
• Anesthesia errors: These mistakes can occur when an anesthesiologist administers too much or too little anesthesia. This can result in significant pain or awareness during surgery or adverse reactions and breathing issues. Anesthesia management is critical, requiring constant monitoring and adjustment as needed to ensure patient safety.
• Surgical instrument left behind: Sometimes, surgical instruments or sponges are accidentally left inside a patient’s body after surgery. This can cause infections, pain, and other serious health issues, often requiring another surgery to remove the forgotten item. Implementing a rigorous counting process and using technological aids can help prevent these costly errors.
• Post-operative complications: These include infections, blood clots, or uncontrolled bleeding after surgery. Proper post-operative care is crucial to prevent these complications. Detailed care instructions and follow-ups can significantly reduce the incidence of such complications.

Georgia Laws & Surgical Errors

In Georgia, medical malpractice claims are governed by specific state laws designed to protect patients who have suffered due to surgical errors. A key component of any case is demonstrating that the healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care expected within the medical community. This involves establishing that another competent provider would not have made the same error under similar circumstances. Importantly, Georgia requires patients to file a claim within two years of the date the injury occurred, a timeframe known as the statute of limitations.

Georgia’s laws also mandate that an affidavit from a qualified medical professional accompanies any filing for medical malpractice. This affidavit must detail at least one negligent act or omission by the defendant that contributed to the injury. Such legal requirements underscore the importance of having experienced legal representation to navigate the complexities of these processes and to present a compelling case grounded in factual evidence. At Cunningham Bounds, our attorneys are adept at managing the intricacies of Georgia's medical malpractice laws, ensuring our clients receive the thorough representation they deserve.

Helpful Forms of Evidence for Surgical Error Cases

• Medical records: Your complete medical records are crucial as they document everything from your initial diagnosis to your post-operative care. They can help establish what went wrong and why. The accuracy and completeness of these records are vital for substantiating claims of surgical errors.
• Photos and videos: If there are any visible physical effects of the surgical error, photographs can provide compelling evidence. In some cases, surgeries might be recorded, and these videos can be critical in understanding exactly what occurred during the procedure. Visual evidence can be a persuasive tool in illustrating the extent of damage or error.
• Witness testimony: Statements from anyone who observed the surgical process or its aftermath can be helpful. This could include other medical staff, family members, or friends. Witnesses can support claims with firsthand accounts of the situation and any deviations from standard practices.
• Expert testimony: Experts in the field, such as other surgeons or medical professionals, can provide an informed perspective on what a competent surgeon would have done under similar circumstances. Their testimony can help establish whether negligence occurred. These insights can be crucial in highlighting deviations from accepted medical standards.
• Proof of damages: Any documentation that can quantify the harm you suffered due to the surgical error can be valuable. This might include additional medical bills, proof of lost income if you had to take time off work, or testimony about your pain and suffering. Calculating future costs and impacts is also essential in securing fair compensation for ongoing challenges.

What Compensation Could You Be Entitled To If Affected By A Surgical Error?

Surgical errors can have devastating consequences, leaving patients with physical, emotional, and financial burdens. If you have suffered harm due to a surgical mistake, you may be entitled to compensation to help alleviate the challenges caused by the error. Understanding the types of damages available is an essential step in pursuing justice and securing the resources you need for recovery.

Compensatory damages typically fall into two categories: economic and non-economic. Economic damages are intended to cover quantifiable financial losses. These may include the cost of additional medical treatments, surgeries, or rehabilitation necessitated by the error. They can also include lost wages if the injury prevents you from returning to work, as well as future earning potential if the harm results in a permanent disability. The extent of economic damages requires detailed financial and medical documentation to substantiate all incurred losses accurately.

Non-economic damages address the less tangible effects of a surgical error. These include compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. In cases where a surgical error leads to severe or catastrophic consequences, such as disfigurement or chronic pain, these damages can be substantial. Demonstrating these harms often involves personal testimonies and psychological evaluations to demonstrate the full impact of the error on your life.

In some instances, punitive damages may be awarded to penalize particularly reckless or egregious conduct and to deter similar behavior in the future. However, these are less common and depend on the specific circumstances of the case. Strategic legal assessment is critical in determining the possibility and pursuit of these additional forms of recovery.

By consulting with an experienced Atlanta surgical error lawyer, you can better understand your rights and determine the full scope of compensation available to you. A thorough legal evaluation can help ensure that all potential damages are pursued effectively, giving you the opportunity to focus on healing and recovery. This process often involves a comprehensive review of medical records and expert consultations to ensure no aspect of your case is overlooked.

How Cunningham Bounds Can Help

In the event of a surgical error, having legal representation with your best interests in mind is crucial. Our team will give you and your case the attention you deserve, advocating for you in your pursuit of justice.

An In-Depth Understanding of Surgical Error Cases

Our attorneys at Cunningham Bounds are well-versed in the intricacies of surgical error cases. We possess an in-depth knowledge of medical records interpretation, surgical procedures, and identifying where things may have gone wrong. This foundation of knowledge aids in building a robust case for our clients. Additionally, we employ a network of medical professionals who can provide insight and validation throughout the legal process, reinforcing our position in advocating for our clients effectively.

Personalized Approach to Each Case