Chicago Surgical Error Lawyers

Foreign Objects inside Body Cavity

One of the most egregious errors that surgeons can make is to leave their surgical instruments, sponges, or other unnecessary materials in their patients after surgery. We have all heard stories about this, but many people consider it simply too far-fetched to happen. The reality is, however, that careless surgeons have been known to make this type of mistake.

We at the offices of Chicago medical malpractice attorneys Friedman & Bonebrake feel that it is unacceptable for surgeons to leave potentially dangerous objects inside a patient’s body. Call us at 312-466-8200 for more information on your legal options.

Consequences of Retained Objects

A patient who has foreign objects left in his or her body after surgery is at risk for many medical complications, including:

• Intense pain
• Infection
• Organ damage
• Bowel perforations or obstructions
• Death

Even if no permanent damage is done, the patient will still have to suffer unjust consequences of the surgical staff’s mistake, including the expenses, pain, and inconvenience of a second surgery.

A Duty of Care

In order to reduce the risk of surgical tools being left in patients, surgeons and their assistants are expected to carefully count all of their supplies before and after surgical procedures. Foreign objects cannot be unknowingly left in body cavities when this simple procedure is correctly followed.

Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Surgeons may be distracting by the task of performing multiple procedures on one patient, or they may be tired from being overworked. Neither of these is an acceptable excuse, however. Surgeons, and sometimes the hospitals that employ them, are always responsible for any injuries their reckless behavior inflicts on patients.

Contact Us

To speak with an experienced Chicago surgical malpractice attorney, contact the offices of Friedman & Bonebrake at 312-466-8200.