Undergoing surgery is often stressful, even when it is routine. Patients place complete trust in surgeons and medical professionals to provide safe and competent treatment. While most procedures are performed without incident, surgical mistakes can and do happen—with devastating and life-changing consequences.
At Aston Knight Solicitors, we specialise in surgical error claims, helping patients and their families secure justice and compensation when mistakes during surgery cause avoidable harm.
What is a Surgical Error?
A surgical error occurs when medical professionals make a mistake during an operation that falls below the standard of competent care. These mistakes can cause serious injury, long-term disability, or even death.
Examples of surgical negligence include:
- Wrong-site surgery (operating on the wrong part of the body)
- Retained foreign objects (such as swabs or instruments left inside the body)
- Nerve or organ damage during surgery
- Avoidable bleeding or infection due to poor surgical technique
- Anaesthetic errors
- Failure to obtain informed consent about risks and alternatives
- Negligent post-surgical care, leading to complications
Consequences of Surgical Errors
Mistakes made during surgery can have long-lasting and often permanent effects, such as:
- Chronic pain and mobility issues
- Organ damage
- Infections requiring further surgery
- Nerve damage
- Loss of independence
- Psychological trauma including anxiety and PTSD
- In the most serious cases, death
Because of the serious consequences, surgery negligence claims are often high-value cases to reflect ongoing medical, care, and rehabilitation needs.
What Can Be Claimed For?
A successful surgical error compensation claim may cover:
- Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
- The cost of corrective or revision surgery
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Care and assistance needs
- Loss of income and reduced future earnings
- Adaptations to the home or vehicle
- Psychological support
Case Study
Surgical Negligence Claim
Mrs T noticed a small lump under her tongue and, after seeing her GP, was referred to her local NHS hospital for further investigation. She was listed for a minor surgical procedure to remove the lesion for testing.
After the operation, Mrs T realised the lump was still present. To her shock, the surgeon had mistakenly removed a piece of healthy tissue rather than the lesion. Not only had she undergone an unnecessary procedure, but she also needed to go through a second surgery to remove the original lump.
The first procedure left scar tissue which continues to cause discomfort and tightness when moving her tongue. Upset and frustrated, Mrs T instructed Aston Knight Solicitors to pursue a claim against the NHS Trust.
We instructed an expert in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, who confirmed that Mrs T had suffered avoidable injury as a result of the surgical mistake, and that her symptoms were likely to be permanent. Armed with this expert evidence, we negotiated a successful settlement of £10,000, which Mrs T was very pleased with.
This case demonstrates how avoidable surgical errors can cause lasting harm and why it is vital to seek advice from experienced surgical negligence solicitors.
Why Choose Aston Knight Solicitors for Surgical Error Claims?
- Experts in surgical negligence and hospital error claims
- Proven track record of success in complex and high-value cases
- Access to leading independent surgical and medical experts
- No win, no fee funding available
- Personal, compassionate support throughout your case
Start Your Surgical Error Claim Today
If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to a surgical mistake, Aston Knight Solicitors can help. We will investigate your case thoroughly, obtain expert evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation about your potential surgical error claim.
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Our friendly and professional team is always on hand to answer any of your questions, going above and beyond to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
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