Surgery is one of the most profound acts of trust between a patient and their medical team. You place your health and your life in the hands of surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses who are bound by a strict standard of care. When that standard is violated, and a preventable mistake occurs in the operating room, the consequences can be devastating and life-altering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At The Cochran Firm in Seattle, we represent patients and families throughout Washington who have been harmed by surgical negligence. Whether you are dealing with a wrong-site surgery, a retained instrument, or complications from an anesthesia error, our experienced surgical error attorneys are here to investigate your case, hold the responsible parties accountable, and fight for the full compensation you deserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A surgical error is a preventable mistake that occurs before, during, or after a surgical procedure and that falls below the accepted standard of care. It is important to understand that not every unfavorable surgical outcome constitutes malpractice. Surgery carries inherent risks, and complications can arise even when a procedure is performed correctly. However, when a complication results from negligence rather than an unavoidable risk, patients may have grounds for a\u00a0<\/a>medical malpractice<\/span> claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Surgical errors are among the most serious forms of medical negligence because they often cause immediate, severe harm. In some cases, the consequences are permanent, including disability, disfigurement, organ damage, or death. When a surgical team fails to follow established protocols, communicate effectively, or exercise the skill expected of a competent professional, injured patients have the right to seek justice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our Seattle surgical error attorneys handle a wide range of cases involving negligence in the operating room and in post-operative care. The following are among the most common types of surgical errors we see in Washington state hospitals and surgical centers:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Operating on the wrong body part, wrong limb, or wrong side of the body. These are considered \"never events,\" which are errors so serious they should never occur under any circumstances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leaving sponges, clamps, needles, or other instruments inside a patient's body after surgery can lead to infection, internal injury, and the need for additional procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Administering too much or too little anesthesia, failing to monitor the patient's response, or neglecting to review a patient's medical history for contraindications. All of these can cause brain damage, cardiac arrest, or awareness during surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Accidentally puncturing, lacerating, or damaging organs, blood vessels, or surrounding tissue during a procedure, resulting in internal bleeding or life-threatening complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Severing or injuring nerves during surgery can result in chronic pain, loss of sensation, or permanent loss of function in the affected area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Failing to properly monitor a patient after surgery, missing signs of infection or internal bleeding, or discharging a patient prematurely. All of these can turn a manageable complication into a catastrophic outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Performing a surgical procedure that was not medically indicated, exposing a patient to unnecessary risk without a legitimate clinical justification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Breakdowns in communication among surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists that lead to errors in procedures, dosages, or patient identification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To pursue a surgical error claim in Washington state, your attorney must establish four key legal elements. At The Cochran Firm Seattle, we have the experience and resources to build a thorough case on your behalf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Washington state does not cap damages in personal injury and medical malpractice cases, which means victims of surgical negligence may be entitled to full compensation for all losses, both economic and non-economic. The value of your case depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the long-term consequences of the error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are the quantifiable financial losses resulting from the surgical error, and may include the cost of corrective surgeries and additional medical treatment, ongoing rehabilitation and therapy, lost wages during your recovery, reduced earning capacity if you are unable to return to work, and the cost of in-home care or medical equipment required as a result of your injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These damages compensate for the intangible impact of the error on your life, including physical pain and suffering, emotional distress and psychological trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and the impact on your relationships and daily activities. In cases where a surgical error results in a patient's death, surviving family members may also have the right to pursue a wrongful<\/a><\/span> death<\/a> claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Time is a critical factor in any surgical malpractice case. Under Washington state law, most medical malpractice claims must be filed within three years of the date of the injury. However, if the injury was not immediately apparent, for example, if a retained surgical instrument was not discovered until months after the procedure, the clock may begin from the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered the harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Missing this deadline will almost certainly result in your case being dismissed, regardless of how strong your claim may be. If you suspect a surgical error caused your injury, do not wait to seek legal counsel. The sooner you contact our Seattle surgical error attorneys, the better positioned we are to preserve critical evidence, obtain medical records, and consult with the expert witnesses your case requires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Surgical error cases are aggressively defended by hospitals and their insurers. You need an experienced advocate on your side. At The Cochran Firm, our Tacoma office proudly serves Seattle and Western Washington, bringing the resources of a nationally recognized firm founded by Johnnie Cochran. We retain top medical experts to build a compelling case, and we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you or a loved one has been harmed by a surgical mistake, contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Call 1-800-THE-FIRM or fill out our online contact form to get started.<\/p>\n\n\nCommon Types of Surgical Errors in Seattle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Wrong-Site Surgery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Retained Surgical Instruments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Anesthesia Errors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Organ Perforation or Damage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nerve Damage<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Post-Operative Negligence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Unnecessary Surgery<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Surgical Team Communication Failures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What You Need to Prove a Surgical Error Claim in Washington<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What Compensation Can You Recover After a Surgical Error?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Economic Damages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Non-Economic Damages<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Washington State Deadline to File a Surgical Error Claim<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Contact Our Seattle Surgical Error Attorneys Today<\/h2>\n\n\n\n