Having surgery is often scary, and it always carries risks. Most people enter the operating room expecting their medical professional to provide the highest standard of care. However, that is not always the case. People become injured in surgery sometimes, and here are some tips on what to do if you suspect this happened to you.
Seek medical attention
Your health is the most important aspect of the matter. If you experience unusual symptoms, including pain that does not go away, or concerning symptoms that you did not have before surgery and were not warned about, contact your surgeon or seek immediate medical care.
Document it all
You could have a legal claim if you suspect something went wrong during surgery. To prove that, however, you will need evidence. Ensure you ask for your medical records, treatment plan, surgery notes and indications and any medical information in your file. If you are unsure what your rights are and what you are entitled to know, contact an attorney to understand your rights.
Consult with a medical malpractice attorney
If you suspect that you were injured during surgery, whether because of negligence or any other reason, you should consult with an attorney experienced in medical malpractice cases. They can help you understand your rights and let you know whether you have a case.
Do not delay
Many wait because they hope their symptoms will improve or their doctor suggests they be patient and allow their bodies to heal. However, doctors are not likely to admit to a surgical mistake, so listening to your body, speaking to an attorney, and going from there is essential. You may be advised to seek an independent medical evaluation with a new physician.
When you decide to have surgery, you put a lot of trust in your doctors and medical professionals. You also hope that this intervention will make you better. However, that is not always the case, and you should know what to do if you are injured during surgery or suspect you were.