All surgeries come with inherent risks. Even the simplest procedure can result in devastating consequences if there are unforeseen complications. As you can imagine, surgery is a complicated process. Surgeons require years of education before they even step foot into a surgical suite. From the kinds of procedures to the equipment and tools needed, surgery is complicated.

When a patient agrees to surgery, they also agree to the potential risks that accompany it. Anesthesia risks, possible infections, and more can all happen. However, one of the things that patients often don’t consider is the potential of a surgeon leaving a foreign object or sponge behind in the body after they close the incisions.

When a surgeon forgets to remove these foreign objects, they can lead to serious complications, including pain and suffering, as well as another surgery. This is one of the most preventable surgery errors possible, yet thousands of patients suffer from them each year. Fortunately, you can fight back and recover compensations for the damage you suffered.

At Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C., our New Orleans attorneys have decades of experience assisting clients that have suffered injuries and other damages due to the negligence or recklessness of medical professionals. We possess the legal knowledge, proficiency, and resources to conduct thorough investigations, secure the help of reputable and respected attorneys to ensure justice is served.

Common Objects Left Behind

Hundreds of surgical instruments are used in every surgery, with major surgeries using upwards of 600 of them. Healthcare professionals have to track each tool carefully to ensure they leave none behind. However, for one reason or another, these instruments get forgotten.

Sponges account for nearly 67% of all foreign objects left behind. Other common foreign objects include:

  • Needles
  • Scalpels
  • Forceps
  • Retractors
  • Masks
  • Screws
  • Broken bits of tubing or other surgical equipment

Complications of Foreign Objects in the Body

As you can imagine, if something is in your body that does not belong, it can cause significant damage. That is the case when it comes to surgeons or healthcare professionals leaving behind foreign objects.

These objects can cause a lot of damage. Some of the complications they can cause include:

  • Infections
  • Damage to surrounding organs, muscles, tissues
  • Internal bleeding
  • Pain and suffering
  • Additional surgery
  • Death

When you agree to a surgery, you expect your surgeon to uphold a standard of care and duty and exercise reasonable caution and care throughout the procedure. Additionally, the team that assists them in the surgery also has to uphold this standard. That includes ensuring each instrument is accounted for after the surgery.

In almost all cases of foreign objects in the body, the doctor in question breached this standard of duty. Regardless, you still have to prove that a doctor/patient relationship existed, you suffered injuries, and the left object caused these injuries. However, with the assistance of our expert New Orleans attorneys, we can ensure this is done while you recover.

All medical malpractice cases are complicated. These cases require attorneys with legal prowess and an understanding of the medical field and medical laws. Fortunately, the attorneys at Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C. possess both. Our law firm has assisted countless patients throughout Louisiana and Mississippi, securing them the compensation they deserve.

Our years of experience and expansive legal knowledge give us an advantage. Our team is ready to aggressively fight to ensure that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve. Contact us today

To schedule a free initial consultation with one of our experienced litigators, Please contact our firm via email or call 504-522-2304 .

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We understand the challenges injured individuals and entities face in selecting a lawyer to litigate complicated legal matters where the stakes are high. With those challenges in mind, we take cases on a percentage fee basis. If we do not secure a settlement or judgment, we do not charge a legal fee.

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