Wrong-site surgery is one of the most shocking forms of medical negligence. These errors occur when a surgical procedure is performed on the wrong body part, the wrong side of the body, or even on the wrong patient. Despite strict hospital protocols, wrong-site surgeries still happen. Understanding why these errors occur is essential for patients, families, and medical professionals.
Miscommunication Among Medical Staff
One of the leading causes of wrong-site surgeries is miscommunication. Hospitals are fast-paced environments where multiple team members must coordinate: surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and support staff. Even a small lapse, such as a misread chart, unclear instructions, or verbal confusion, can lead to a catastrophic mistake.
Failure to Follow Safety Protocols
Hospitals and surgical centers follow strict protocols designed to prevent errors. The Universal Protocol, for example, requires:
- Preoperative verification of the patient’s identity
- Marking the surgical site on the body
- Performing a final “time-out” to confirm the procedure. Yet these steps are sometimes skipped or rushed due to time pressures or human error, increasing the risk of wrong-site surgery.
Documentation Errors
Accurate medical records are critical. When patient charts are incomplete, outdated, or misfiled, surgeons may operate based on incorrect information. Even small documentation mistakes like confusing “left” and “right” can have devastating consequences.
High-Pressure Environments and Fatigue
Surgeons and operating room staff often work long hours under intense pressure. Fatigue can impair judgment and attention to detail. Studies show that medical errors, including wrong-site surgeries, are more likely to occur when healthcare providers are overworked or distracted.
Complex or Rare Procedures
Certain procedures, such as spine surgery or surgeries involving multiple similar organs or limbs, are more prone to wrong-site errors. The complexity of the procedure increases the chance of misidentifying the correct site, especially if multiple team members are involved or the patient has unique anatomy.
Legal and Patient Implications
Wrong-site surgeries are preventable, which is why they are considered “never events.” When these errors occur, patients often face additional surgeries, long recoveries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. Malpractice claims show that victims can receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs.
At Baron, Herskowitz & Cohen, we have extensive experience helping victims of wrong-site surgery hold hospitals and medical staff accountable. Understanding why these errors happen is the first step toward prevention and justice.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a surgical error, contact us today for a free consultation. We will help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
