Surgical Errors Attorney in Seattle, Washington

At The Law Office of Dan N. Fiorito III, I provide compassionate and professional legal representation for those affected by surgical errors. With years of experience helping clients throughout Washington state, including Seattle, the Puget Sound area, Bellevue, Tacoma, and Everett, I understand the complications and emotional toll of cases involving surgical errors and other types of medical malpractice. I aim to give you the support and legal assistance you need to seek justice and compensation. 

Understanding Surgical Errors

As the name suggests, surgical errors occur during surgery and can have devastating consequences. These errors may include wrong-site surgery, anesthesia mistakes, surgical instruments left inside the body, or infections due to non-sterile environments. Patients trust their healthcare providers to perform surgeries safely, but the results can be life-altering when mistakes happen. 

If you or a loved one has experienced a surgical error, you must seek legal help. The aftermath of a surgical error can involve physical, emotional, and financial burdens. A medical malpractice attorney can help you explore options for holding the responsible parties accountable and securing compensation for your suffering. 

Common Types of Surgical Errors

Understanding the various types of surgical errors can help you identify what went wrong and build a strong case for your legal claim. 

Wrong-Site Surgery 

A wrong-site surgery occurs when a procedure is performed on the wrong body part. This can result from miscommunication, poor planning, or incorrect patient information. The consequences can be severe, leading to additional surgeries and prolonged recovery times. 

Anesthesia Mistakes 

Anesthesia errors can occur during the administration of anesthesia, either by giving an incorrect dosage or failing to monitor the patient properly. These mistakes can lead to serious complications, including brain damage, heart problems, or even death. 

Retained Surgical Instruments

Surgical instruments or sponges are sometimes accidentally left inside a patient's body. This oversight can cause infections and internal injuries and require additional surgeries to remove foreign objects. 

Infections and Complications

Non-sterile environments or improper post-operative care can lead to infections and other complications. These infections can severely impact a patient's health and prolong their recovery. 

Nerve Damage

Nerves can be accidentally cut or damaged during surgery, leading to loss of function or chronic pain. This type of injury can have long-term effects, impacting the patient's quality of life. 

Washington Laws Governing Surgical Errors

In Washington, medical malpractice laws protect patients who have suffered due to surgical errors. Here are five key points regarding the legal framework that governs these cases: 

• Standard of care: Medical professionals in Washington must adhere to a standard of care, meaning they must perform their duties in line with what a similarly qualified practitioner would do under similar circumstances. Demonstrating a breach of this standard is critical in proving a surgical error case. 

• Statute of limitations: Victims of surgical errors have a limited time to file a claim. In Washington, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims related to medical malpractice is generally three years from the date of the incident or one year from when the patient discovered or reasonably should have discovered the injury. 

• Expert testimony requirement: To support a claim for medical malpractice, the injured party typically must provide expert testimony that establishes how the healthcare provider deviated from the standard of care and how this deviation directly caused the injury. 

• Caps on damages: Washington law does not impose caps on economic damages for medical malpractice cases; however, non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, may be subject to limitations depending on the case specifics. 

• Comparative negligence: Washington follows a comparative negligence system, which means that if the injured party is found partially at fault for their injuries, their compensation may be reduced in proportion to their level of fault. This can impact the amount of damages awarded in surgical error cases. 

How I Can Help 

As your attorney, I will guide you through medical malpractice law, so you understand your rights and the avenues for pursuing compensation for your surgical error case. 

Personalized Representation 

At The Law Office of Dan N. Fiorito III, you will receive personalized attention and representation tailored to your unique situation. I handle every case myself, ensuring that you receive consistent and dedicated support throughout the legal process. 

Compassionate Support 

I understand that experiencing surgical error is one of the most challenging experiences a person can endure. I keep your best interests at the forefront of every decision, offering empathetic and understanding guidance from our initial consultation to the resolution of your case. 

Clear Communication 

Communication is key to any successful attorney-client relationship. I make it a priority to keep you informed about the progress of your case, answer any questions you may have, and provide the support you need to make informed decisions. You can count on me to be there for you every step of the way.