Holding Surgeons and Hospitals Accountable for Preventable Mistakes
Every surgery carries risks — but patients trust that their doctors and hospitals will follow the highest standards of care. When a surgeon, anesthesiologist, or hospital staff makes a preventable mistake, the consequences can be catastrophic. Surgical errors often cause permanent injuries, infections, or even wrongful death.
At The C. Paul Law Firm P.C., we represent patients in [City] and across New York who were harmed by negligent surgical practices. We fight aggressively to hold medical providers accountable and to recover the compensation victims deserve.
Call today for a free consultation: (212) 551-PAUL
Common Types of Surgical Errors
| Error Type | Example | Potential Impact |
| Wrong-Site Surgery | Operating on the wrong body part | Permanent injury, unnecessary procedures |
| Wrong-Patient Surgery | Performing surgery on the wrong patient | Life-altering harm to an uninvolved patient |
| Retained Surgical Items | Tools, sponges, or instruments left inside body | Infection, organ damage, additional surgery |
| Anesthesia Errors | Incorrect dosage, failure to monitor | Brain damage, cardiac arrest, death |
| Nerve or Organ Damage | Mistaken cuts or poor technique | Chronic pain, disability |
| Post-Surgical Negligence | Poor monitoring or infection control | Sepsis, long-term complications |
Causes of Surgical Errors
Surgical malpractice often results from:
- Fatigue or overworked medical staff
- Poor communication between surgical teams
- Inadequate pre-surgical planning
- Failure to review patient charts or conditions
- Lack of proper sterilization or infection control
- Defective surgical tools or equipment
Legal Considerations in Surgical Error Cases
To prove surgical malpractice in New York, a patient generally must show:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed.
- The provider breached the standard of care.
- The breach directly caused injury or harm.
- The patient suffered damages (medical, financial, emotional).
Compensation for Victims of Surgical Errors
Victims of surgical negligence may recover damages for:
- Corrective or additional surgeries
- Long-term medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death damages for surviving family members
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all surgical complications malpractice?
No. Malpractice occurs only when negligence caused the error — not when a known, unavoidable risk occurs despite proper care.
Can I sue if a surgical tool was left inside me?
Yes. Retained surgical items are clear evidence of negligence.
What if my condition worsened after surgery?
If caused by error, misdiagnosis, or poor follow-up care, you may have a claim.
How long do I have to file a surgical malpractice lawsuit in New York?
Generally 2.5 years from the malpractice date, though exceptions apply in some cases.
Serving [City] and the Greater New York Area
We represent surgical malpractice victims in [City], Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and across New York.