Fifth Wrong-Site Surgery at RI Hospital

This is the 5^th time since 2007. This time the surgical site was the patient’s hand. Apparently, and the reports differ, it was the correct hand, the right finger but the wrong joint. I have to give the hospital credit for publicizing the mistake. It can’t be easy for the hospital’s president Timothy Babineau. Even though the mistake won’t help to make patients comfortable his honesty with the public is refreshing.

So how can patients increase the chances of avoiding a wrong-site surgery? It’s actually pretty simple. By having the doctor mark the surgical site with a surgical marker and reviewing the procedure, the identity of the patient and the body part/location that is to be operated on, mistakes would rarely occur.

Here are two questions that would help.

1.      Have you read the chart?

2.      If so, then describe the procedure to be undertaken and to what part of the body.

You might think this is an embarrassing discussion to have with the surgeon, but it’s your body so get over it.

Here are three articles discussing the Rhode Island Hospital case.

Are you one of the many patients who every year experience a medical mistake that seems so obvious you can't believe it happened to you? Did they operated on the wrong site or do the wrong procedure or worse yet operate on the wrong patient. We have experience litigating these cases and can help you. It's really pretty straight forward. Don't talk with the doctor or hospital’s insurance company representative. They aren't there for you. If you are the surgical patient it's important you understand the time-out procedure and how it's supposed to be used. Lombardi Law Firm has been studying this issue and we have represented clients involved in wrong-site surgeries.

Remember there are three types of surgical mistakes that the time-out is supposed to prevent. 1. Wrong-site surgeries. 2. Wrong-patient surgeries. 3. Wrong-procedure surgeries.  If this happens to you contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We will assist you with your claim.  Know your rights, act proactively and protect yourself.

Labels: attorney iowa Lombardi medical malpractice surgery wrong-site