Surgical Errors & Surgery Malpractice
Surgical Errors That Cross the Line into Malpractice
When a Surgical Error Becomes Malpractice
Not every surgical complication is malpractice — but some errors are so serious and so preventable that they go far beyond the accepted risks of surgery. Operating on the wrong body part, leaving surgical instruments inside a patient, or causing brain damage through anesthesia mistakes are all examples of clear, avoidable negligence. These are the types of cases we handle throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C., helping patients and families hold medical providers accountable when care falls far below professional standards.
Common Surgical Errors
We’ve handled many types of surgical negligence cases across hospitals and outpatient centers throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C., including:
02
Anesthesia Mistakes
Too much anesthesia causing permanent injury, or too little causing a patient to wake during surgery.
01
Wrong-Site Surgery
Operating on the wrong limb, organ, or side of the body.
03
Retained Surgical Items
Instruments, sponges, or other objects left inside the patient after the procedure.
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Nerve Damage or Organ Perforation
Injuries caused by careless technique or failure to follow safety protocols.
04
Infections from Poor Sterilization
Avoidable infections due to unsanitary surgical environments.
Impact on Patients
A surgical error can change the course of your life. You might need additional surgeries, face permanent disability, or even lose a loved one. For example, a perforated organ can lead to life-threatening infection, while a wrong-site procedure leaves the original problem untreated. Beyond the physical harm, there’s the emotional toll of knowing that a trusted surgeon’s preventable mistake caused your suffering.
Proving a Surgical Malpractice Case
Surgical malpractice claims require showing that the error was not just an unfortunate outcome, but a clear breach of medical standards. Our team obtains surgical charts, anesthesia records, and witness accounts. We work with respected medical experts who can explain exactly how the standard of care was broken — and how proper procedures could have prevented the mistake. Hospital policies, skipped safety checklists, and ignored protocols often become key evidence.
How Our Attorneys Can Help After a Surgical Error
We’ve taken on hospitals, surgical centers, and physicians in some of the most challenging malpractice cases. We understand the strategies the defense will use — such as claiming the injury was a known risk — and we know how to counter them. Our goal is to recover the full compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, future care needs, and the pain you’ve endured.
Next Steps
Seek Accountability for Surgical Errors
If you or a loved one experienced a botched surgery or a preventable surgical mistake anywhere in Maryland or Washington, D.C., call us at (410) 547-0480 or reach out through our Contact page. We work with trusted medical experts to review your case and provide a clear, honest assessment of your legal options.