Medical procedures can change lives for the better. But when surgeons make grave mistakes, the consequences are devastating. For patients harmed by surgical errors medical malpractice in Charleston, the road ahead is filled with physical pain, emotional trauma, and towering expenses.
If you have suffered due to a surgical mistake, a Charleston surgical errors attorney at the Briggs Law Group can help. Our team provides compassionate guidance and tireless advocacy for victims of surgical malpractice across South Carolina. We fight to hold negligent medical professionals accountable and secure the justice and compensation our clients deserve.
What Are Surgical Errors?
Surgical errors refer to preventable mistakes made by a surgeon or surgical team before, during, or after a surgical procedure. Some common examples of surgical errors include:
- Operating on the wrong body part or wrong patient
- Anesthesia errors, such as administering too much or too little
- Leaving surgical instruments or sponges inside the patient’s body
- Damaging nerves, organs, or tissues during surgery
- Failing to control bleeding, leading to severe blood loss
- Inadequate post-operative monitoring and care
While not all surgical complications are caused by negligence, errors that fall below the accepted standard of care constitute medical malpractice. Surgeons have a duty to conduct procedures with the skill, care, and caution that a reasonably prudent surgeon would use under similar circumstances. When they fail to uphold this standard and patients suffer harm as a result, they can be held liable.
Consequences of Surgical Mistakes
The repercussions of surgical mistakes are profound and far-reaching for patients and their families. Victims may experience:
- Physical trauma: Surgical errors can cause serious injuries, disfigurement, loss of bodily functions, chronic pain, and other debilitating complications. Some mistakes even result in wrongful death.
- Emotional distress: The trauma of a surgical error often leads to severe mental and emotional anguish, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, insomnia, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Financial hardship: Patients harmed by surgical malpractice frequently require additional medical treatment, surgeries, therapy, and long-term care. Combined with lost wages from missed work, these expenses impose major financial burdens on families.
At the Briggs Law Group, our Charleston surgical errors lawyer handles a wide range of surgical malpractice claims, from minor incidents to catastrophic injuries and wrongful death. No matter the severity of the error, we are dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for every client we serve.
Pursuing a Surgical Error Medical Malpractice Claim in Charleston
Surgical malpractice cases in South Carolina are complex and highly technical. These claims require proving that:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed
- The surgeon’s actions fell below the standard of care
- This negligence directly caused the patient’s injuries
- The patient suffered actual damages as a result
Establishing each of these elements requires an in-depth investigation, extensive evidence, and the testimony of expert witnesses. A seasoned Charleston surgical errors attorney can handle all aspects of your claim, including the following:
- Building your case: Our legal team will gather and analyze medical records, surgical reports, witness statements, and other key evidence to construct a compelling case on your behalf.
- Consulting experts: We collaborate with highly-qualified medical experts to review the facts of your case, determine if malpractice occurred, and provide critical testimony to support your claim.
- Negotiating with insurers: Hospitals and malpractice insurers will go to great lengths to minimize their financial liability. Our skilled negotiators will advocate for a fair settlement that accounts for all your damages.
- Litigation: If the other side refuses to make a reasonable offer, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial. Our accomplished litigators will present a persuasive case to the judge and jury to fight for the compensation you deserve.
In South Carolina, the statute of limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits is generally three years from the date of injury or the date the injury should have been discovered. However, building a strong case takes time, so it is crucial to consult with a Charleston surgical errors lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered?
Through a surgical malpractice claim, patients can seek compensation for the full extent of their economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Current and future medical bills
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disability and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
In exceptional cases where gross negligence or intentional misconduct is involved, punitive damages may be granted to penalize the wrongdoer and discourage similar behavior in the future.
While no amount of money can undo the trauma of a surgical error, a successful malpractice claim can provide vital resources to help patients heal and move forward with their lives. Our Charleston surgical malpractice attorney is committed to maximizing the compensation our clients recover.
Why Choose the Briggs Law Group?
Selecting the right Charleston surgical errors lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make for your case. At the Briggs Law Group, we offer the experience, skills, and unwavering dedication needed to pursue justice for surgical error victims:
- Proven results: Our legal team has a long track record of success in complex surgical errors medical malpractice claims.
- Medical knowledge: Surgical malpractice error cases require attorneys who thoroughly understand medical issues. Our team has the necessary knowledge of surgical procedures, hospital protocols, and malpractice laws.
- Personalized attention: We know how profoundly a surgical mistake can upend your life. You will work directly with a Charleston surgical malpractice attorney who will take the time to understand your unique needs and goals.
Get in Touch with Us Today
The Charleston surgical malpractice attorneys at the Briggs Law Group are committed to standing up for patients who have suffered serious harm due to preventable surgical mistakes. We have the knowledge, resources, and determination to take on negligent surgeons and hospitals in pursuit of the compensation our clients need to heal and rebuild their lives.
A surgical error can impact your physical, emotional, and financial well-being in profound ways, but you do not have to face these challenges alone. If you believe that you or a family member may be the victim of surgical malpractice, contact us today to learn more about your rights and legal options. Let us put our experience and knowledge to work for you.