Foreign Objects / Never Events

The thought of undergoing surgery is naturally daunting for most patients. The idea of surgery may be even more terrifying when you consider the possibility of serious medical errors, such as a foreign object being left in your body. If you or someone close to you is dealing with this type of issue, it is important to speak to a Baltimore medical malpractice attorney who can assess the merits of your case. A long-standing member of the Maryland community, Julia Arfaa has helped injured individuals and their families seek the justice and compensation that they deserve for their harm.

While certain errors are understandable, some are so shocking and outrageous that they should never have happened in any situation. These incidents are commonly known as “never events.” One example of these events is leaving a foreign object in the patient’s body. Unfortunately, this mistake happens all too often. According to one study, it is estimated that 1,500 to 2,000 retained surgical item incidents take place each year in the United States. Examples of foreign objects that may be left in the body include sponges, clips and clamps, forceps, scalpels, needles, and suction tips.

A patient who has had a foreign object left in their body will likely need additional surgery to have the object removed. It is also entirely possible that the patient will need additional treatment to repair any damage that the object caused while it was inside the body. This is not to mention the trauma and psychological scarring that a patient in this situation may suffer.

If you have been a victim of a foreign object left inside your body, you almost certainly will have a basis for a medical malpractice claim under Maryland law. Medical malpractice occurs when a medical professional fails to adhere to the standard of care that another medical professional in the same specialty would have used under the same or similar circumstances. In the context of foreign object cases, a reasonably prudent surgeon clearly would ensure that no instruments are left inside a patient’s body at the time that a procedure is complete.

In order to establish a medical malpractice claim, the patient must show certain elements by a preponderance of the evidence. The surgeon must have owed the patient a duty of care, the surgeon must have breached the duty of care owed to the patient by leaving a foreign object in their body, and the patient’s injuries must have been a direct and proximate result of the surgeon’s breach.

A victim of medical malpractice may recover a variety of damages in Maryland, including medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, therapy costs, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. Each case is different, and the exact amount of compensation that a plaintiff will be entitled to receive will depend on the specific nature and extent of the harm suffered.

If you or someone close to you has been injured because of a surgeon’s error, you should reach out to a skilled Baltimore medical malpractice lawyer who can help you understand your rights and options. At Arfaa Law Group, we are dedicated to holding negligent medical professionals accountable for the harm that they cause. Julia Arfaa represents people who need an injury attorney across the state of Maryland. Call 410-889-1850 or contact us online to set up a free appointment to discuss your situation.