When most people hear of operating room errors, they immediately think of the most famous cases; for example, when surgeons leave sponges or surgical instruments inside their patients. However, most operating room errors are much less obvious.

One common type of operating room error can be made before the patient ever touches the operating table: when hospitals do not triage properly and let patients wait too long before a doctor's visit, patients can suffer severe consequences. Doctors may also send patients home without ordering the care that the patient actually needs. Other common types of operating room errors include over-medicating or administering the wrong medication to a patient.

While operating errors are not always obvious, they are all too common. In 1990, a Harvard Medical Practice Study found that nearly 4 percent of studied patients suffered injuries at hospitals that resulted in a lengthened hospital stay or even permanent disability. Assuming these figures are correct, medical malpractice may occur as frequently as 1 in every 25 hospital visits.

If you believe that you are the victim of an operating room error, the first thing you should do is seek immediate legal advice. Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. has a proven track record of representing victims of operating room errors and other forms of medical malpractice.

For a free consultation, contact Hurley McKenna & Mertz, P.C. at 312-553-4900 or fill out our on-line form to have a lawyer contact you.