Little Rock Surgical Errors Lawyers
Experienced representation after you are injured from surgery in Arkansas
At Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we understand how scary it can be when something goes wrong during surgery. You trust your doctors, nurses, and the hospital itself with your life when you go under the knife. So when a surgical error leaves you injured or causes harm to a loved one, it’s more than just a medical issue. It’s a life-changing event, and you deserve answers. We’re here to help you get them. Our team has helped many families across Little Rock and throughout Arkansas understand what went wrong with their surgery and fight for justice. If you or someone you love has been hurt because of a surgical error, we want to hear your story. Remember, you’re not alone.
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How can we help you today?
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- What is a surgical error?
- Why do Little Rock surgical errors happen?
- What is medical malpractice?
- How do I know if I have a surgical error case?
- What are some common signs that a surgical error has happened?
- How long do I have to file a claim in Arkansas?
- How much is my Little Rock surgical error case worth?
- Why choose Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC?
- What can I expect when I meet with a Little Rock surgical errors attorney?
- Do you have a Little Rock surgical errors lawyer near me?
What is a surgical error?
The National Library of Medicine defines surgical errors as follows:
A surgical error is an unintentional, preventable injury occurring in the perioperative period that is not considered a known acceptable risk of surgery and could have been avoided by following appropriate procedure-specific training protocols. Surgical errors are a type of medical error and include retained foreign bodies, mislabeled surgical specimens, and wrong-site, wrong-procedure, and wrong-patient errors (WSPEs). An analysis of these errors over the last few decades has revealed their cause is often multifactorial. However, miscommunication, unnecessary or emergent procedures, insufficient training, and provider burnout represent common causes of surgical error.
Examples of surgical errors include:
- Operating on the wrong body part
- Leaving surgical tools or sponges inside the body
- Giving the wrong dose of anesthesia
- Cutting or damaging the wrong organ or nerve
- Infections caused by poor hygiene or improper procedures
- Performing surgery on the wrong patient
These types of mistakes are often called “never events” in the medical industry, because they should never happen.
Why do Little Rock surgical errors happen?
Surgeons and hospital staff go through years of training. However, they are still human, and humans make mistakes. In the medical field, these types of mistakes can cost someone their health, mobility, or even their life. Common causes of surgical errors include:
- A lack of communication among staff. If the surgical team isn’t all on the same page, dangerous mistakes can occur.
- Failing to properly prepare before surgery can lead to errors during the procedure.
- Surgeons and nurses often work long and tiring shifts. Fatigued doctors can make serious mistakes.
- A less experienced surgeon might not know how to handle any complications that come up during the surgery.
- Failing to follow basic rules and safety steps, like washing hands or checking equipment, is medical negligence.
Remember, not every bad outcome from surgery is considered to be medical malpractice. However, if the harm occurred due to a preventable error, you likely have the right to take legal action. We can help.
What is medical malpractice?
Medical malpractice happens when a healthcare provider fails to do what a reasonable and trained professional would do, and that failure results in harm to the patient. To file a successful medical malpractice claim in Arkansas, you must demonstrate that:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed.
- The doctor or hospital didn’t meet the standard of care, by making a mistake or acting in a negligent manner.
- That mistake or action (or lack of action) caused your injury.
- You suffered damages as a result of that injury, like medical bills, lost wages, pain, and emotional suffering.
This is where we come in. At Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we know how to dig into hospital records, consult with medical experts, and show exactly what went wrong with your procedure and why.
How do I know if I have a surgical error case?
It’s totally normal to be unsure whether a surgical error counts as malpractice. Most people don’t know. Medical records are full of confusing terms and technical language, and hospitals and doctors may not explain everything clearly, either. That’s why talking with an experienced lawyer can be helpful.
We can sit down with you, free of charge, and listen to your story. Then, we get to work reviewing your medical records and talking to experts in surgery and hospital care. If we think you have a valid case, we can explain your options and help you decide what to do next. You don’t need to know all the legal terms. You just need to know that something went wrong, and you or someone you love got hurt.
What are some common signs that a surgical error has happened?
Sometimes, after surgery, it can be difficult to know if you’re healing normally or if something went wrong. Here are some red flags that could point to a surgical error:
- Extreme pain that doesn’t go away
- Swelling, redness, or pus around the surgical site
- Fever or other signs of infection
- Unexpected complications like bleeding or organ failure
- A second surgery is suddenly needed to fix something from the first
- Your doctor won’t explain what went wrong
If any of this sounds familiar, don’t wait. You may be running out of time to act. We can help.
How long do I have to file a claim in Arkansas?
Here in Arkansas, you typically have two years from the date of the surgical error to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. Certain exceptions apply, such as if a foreign object was left in your body, but they are very limited. That’s why it’s crucial to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. This might sound like plenty of time, but it goes by very quickly. Medical malpractice cases take some time to build. Our Little Rock lawyers need to gather records, interview experts, and determine the full cost of your injuries.
The sooner you call us, the better. Even if you’re not sure if you have a case, it never hurts to ask.
How much is my Little Rock surgical error case worth?
Every case is different, but surgical errors can cause serious physical, emotional, and financial damage. If a doctor or hospital was responsible for your surgical error, you may be able to get compensation for the following:
- Your medical bills, past and future
- Lost wages and loss of future income
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
If a loved one died because of a surgical error, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim to cover funeral costs and loss of companionship. We can help you calculate everything you’ve lost and make sure you’re not left paying for someone else’s mistake.
Why choose Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC?
We’re not some huge national law firm with flashy advertisements. We’re your neighbors right here in Little Rock, and we care deeply about helping Arkansans get justice when they’ve been harmed by careless medical providers. Here’s what sets us apart from the rest:
- We’ve handled many complex medical malpractice and surgical error cases across the state.
- We only take personal injury cases, so you get dedicated attention, not a general practice.
- We truly listen. We want to hear your story and help you make sense of what happened to you or your loved one.
- You don’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
When you call us, you’ll talk to a real person who cares. We treat our clients with the respect and kindness they deserve. You’ve already been through enough, and you don’t need to face this alone.
What can I expect when I meet with a Little Rock surgical errors attorney?
We understand that reaching out to a lawyer can feel intimidating. However, at Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we try to make the process as easy and as comfortable as possible for you. Here’s what you can expect when you work with us:
- You can call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We’ll listen to what happened to you and tell you honestly if we think you have a case.
- If you decide to move forward, we can start gathering your medical records, talking to expert witnesses, and building your case.
- If the evidence is strong, we can file a lawsuit on your behalf and start the legal process. Most cases settle out of court, but we’re always ready to go to trial if that’s what it takes.
- If we win your case, either through a settlement or jury verdict, you’ll receive the compensation you deserve.
And, if you don’t win, you don’t pay us a dime.
Do you have a Little Rock surgical errors lawyer near me?
Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC is located at 415 N McKinley Suite #250-J, Little Rock, AR 72205. Rest assured, however, that if you are critically injured and unable to come to us, we can travel to visit you in the hospital or rehabilitation center. We also offer virtual conferences and telephone consultations.
Don’t wait – call our Little Rock surgical errors attorneys today
If a surgical mistake has turned your life upside-down, let us help you take the first steps toward healing and justice. You don’t have to fight the hospital or the insurance companies on your own. Call Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC, today for a free consultation. Let us put our experience to work for you and help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. To schedule a meeting with an experienced lawyer, simply call us or fill out our contact form.
