Top Lawyers for Surgical Errors

WHAT IS A RETAINED FOREIGN OBJECT?

A retained foreign body, also known as a “retained surgical body,” is any object that remains inside of a patient following a surgery. This condition is sometimes called “unintended retention of a foreign object” (URFO). The foreign object may be a medical instrument, tool, or surgical material.

When a retained foreign object is left inside of a patient, a follow-up surgery is usually necessary. The object is removed during the follow-up surgery, allowing the patient to continue living safely. If it’s untreated, however, this condition can be dangerous or life-threatening.

In some cases, surgeons or providers leave foreign objects behind as the result of negligence. Normally, operating rooms are organized to create reasonably safe conditions for the patient.

Surgical teams are trained to employ effective communication. They are also trained to prepare the necessary tools and count them before and after the operation. Despite these protections, errors and negligent actions sometimes happen.  Some common examples of retained foreign objects include Catheters, Cotton swabs, Gauze, Needles, Retractors, Surgical scissors, Sponges, towels and Wires.

If you need a retained foreign object medical malpractice attorney, the knowledgeable team at Davis Adams can help.  You should not be responsible for the medical negligence of a healthcare professional. Before you spend hours searching online for “retained foreign object medical malpractice attorney Atlanta,” contact Davis Adams.

REASONS TO USE A FOREIGN OBJECT MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWYER , ATLANTA

Physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals are under an enormous amount of pressure. Many healthcare specialists work schedules of 60 to 70 hours per week on average.

The most inexperienced doctors usually carry the largest workloads in hospitals. This is particularly true in doctors who are in their first two years of residency. These high-pressure environments can lead to overwork and sleep deprivation.

This makes economic sense for administrators and insurance providers. But patients often bear the cost. It can be terrifying to realize that your healthcare providers may be overworked. This can decrease the quality of care.

With these unreasonable working conditions, mistakes become likely. It is no wonder that many patients need a retained foreign object medical malpractice attorney. In operating rooms across Georgia, surgical errors due to negligence happen every day.

Like all types of medical malpractice, URFO cases are highly complex. This complexity sometimes allows negligent parties to avoid responsibility. Although there are systems in place to keep patients safe, error and negligence can occur in any context.

If you have suffered from this type of medical negligence in Georgia, contact Davis Adams. You need the best retained foreign object medical malpractice lawyer Atlanta can offer. We can help.

HOW OFTEN DOES RETAINED FOREIGN OBJECT MEDICAL MALPRACTICE OCCUR?

According to research from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), around 1,500 surgeries result in retained foreign objects every year in the U.S. This accounts for 0.3 to 1.0 for every 1,000 abdominal operations that occur annually.

In most cases, the problem arose because the surgical team miscounted the number of objects in the room after the operation. As this shows, miscommunication is not an uncommon problem in operating rooms. It can be difficult to count all of the surgical items in the room while also focusing on the medical needs of the patient.

Your URFO may be due to a failure in communication amongst the surgical team. It may have been caused by simple oversight. No matter what the cause may be, you have the right to seek financial recovery for medical negligence.

SYMPTOMS YOU MAY SEE WHEN YOU NEED A RETAINED FOREIGN OBJECT MEDICAL MALPRACTICE LAWYER, ATLANTA

When an object is left inside of your body cavity, serious complications can arise. Retained foreign bodies can result in severe injury, illness, pain, and suffering.

When patients undergo surgery, they want to hope for the best.  Many patients do not know about the possibility of retained foreign bodies. If symptoms appear after their surgery, they may not know to inquire about retained surgical objects.

Every case of a retained foreign body is unique. Some patients may not notice a problem long after their surgery. Some victims can even experience significant internal bleeding and infections without being aware of it.

If you have suffered symptoms of this condition, contact a retained foreign object medical malpractice attorney. Some of the common signs and symptoms of retained foreign bodies include:

• Swelling, seepage, fever, red streaks, and other signs of fever
• Difficulty urinating and having bowel movements
• Bloody or black stools
• Vomiting or coughing up bloody material
• Difficulty eating or swallowing
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Unexpected weight loss
• Severe pain and soreness around the surgical site
• An opening in the surgical incision
• General health decline following your operation
• Increasing pain and discomfort over time

These symptoms are only examples of the ones that can occur. Each case involves a range of physical factors and indicators. Retained foreign objects can result in dangerous and life-threatening conditions.

Unfortunately, some victims do not recognize the cause of their symptoms until it is too late. The retained foreign object can cause inflammation, obstructions, and other complications. This condition can even be fatal.  If you find yourself searching for “retained foreign object medical malpractice lawyer Atlanta,” contact Davis Adams.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A RETAINED FOREIGN OBJECT INCIDENT OCCURS

It is crucial to take the right actions if you suspect that you may be suffering from a retained foreign object after a surgery. Taking these steps is not only important for your health and safety, but it is also helpful for your medical malpractice case.

One of the most important steps is to secure a retained foreign object medical malpractice attorney. If you are considering a medical negligence claim, take the following steps:

• Find a Different Doctor- If you believe that there is a foreign object inside your body, get a second opinion. You should find a different doctor to provide you with a medical consultation. It is not advisable for you to return to the same facility where the operation was conducted.
• Collect Medical Records- You should also collect evidence of your situation. Medical records contain documentation of your operation, examinations, and general medical history. 
• Contact a Retained Foreign Object Medical Malpractice Attorney, Atlanta- A retained foreign object medical malpractice lawyer will use your records to build a legal case for you. URFO is a serious type of medical malpractice. An attorney can assess your case and help you to explore all of your legal options.

If you have experienced the unintended retention of a foreign object, you have the right to seek compensation. Careless health care providers should compensate victims for damages from medical negligence.