Mishandling of Surgical Tools

Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff are expected to present a high level of professionalism and compassion with their patients. Medical professionals go through years of school and training before achieving their degree, and are thus expected to be in complete control of the techniques used in their procedures. When an error is made, the consequences can be devastating. Medical malpractice can take many forms, but one of the most dangerous is the mishandling of surgical tools.

Negligence, poor training, and human error are the most common causes for this sort of accident, but there is no excuse for putting a patient in such extreme danger. Some common examples of mishandling incidents include:

The incorrect use of an instrument

Using the instrument for the wrong purpose

Using dirty or unsterilized tools

During a procedure, delicate internal tissue, nerves, and organs are exposed. A simple slip of the hand can potentially cause lacerations or extensive bleeding. Infection, disfigurement, and paralysis are potential side effects to errors of this nature. Depending on the type of surgery taking place, the mishandling of a surgical tool can lead to coma, memory loss, or even death.

Undergoing an operation is a physically and emotionally trying experience, and patients need to feel safe in the hands of their surgical team. When injuries occur because of untrained or incompetent medical professionals, the patient is not at fault and may even be entitled to financial compensation. If you or a loved one has been the victim of the carelessness of a surgical team, discussing your case with an experienced legal professional may be the first step to securing the money you deserve.