A surgical error can range from a failure to operate to unnecessary surgery. In extreme cases, a surgical error results from patient misidentification, where either the wrong patient undergoes an operation, or the wrong side of a patient's body is opened up (wrong-site surgery). Any of these circumstances can lead to the filing of a Georgia medical malpractice claim.

A surgical error can also include: 
  • Failure to recognize a surgical complication - when a complication occurs during a surgery, and a surgeon fails to address it, or doesn't recognize it at all (such as when tissues or organs are perforated during surgery, and the patient is closed up, only to have complications later on).
  • Procedural Errors - these can happen during a surgery, and often take the form of anesthesia mistakes or use of unsterile equipment. Effects of either surgical error can result in coma, organ and nerve damage, cardiovascular issues and even death.
  • Post-Operative Errors - errors on the part of a surgeon after a procedure can sometimes result in infection, septic shock and even death. 


No matter the precautions taken, patients expect that a surgical procedure always carries with it some kind of risk. Blood clots, infection and complications can occur - but in most cases, the risk is actually quite small.

When a patient suffers a serious or even life-threatening condition as a result of a surgical error, he or she has the option to file a Georgia medical malpractice claim.

A standard of care is expected of medical professionals and when that standard of care is breached, such as with a surgical error, you may be able to seek compensation through a Georgia medical malpractice claim to cover the resulting medical bills, lost time at work and mental anguish.

Talk with an Atlanta medical malpractice lawyer who can listen to the details of your case and gather evidence to prove negligence on the part of the medical professional(s) involved. An Atlanta medical malpractice attorney can work with you to determine liability, prove the extent of your injuries and fight for compensation on your behalf through a Georgia medical malpractice claim.

Contacting an Atlanta Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If you are the victim of someone else's negligence or carelessness, whether in a surgical error or some other type of medical malpractice, you have certain rights guaranteed by law. To help you understand these rights and seek the compensation you deserve to help get your life back in order, contact the Atlanta Law Offices of Sheryl L. Burke for a no-cost consultation on your injury case - 404-842-7838.