Talk to an expert
Rather arrange a call to discuss your
requirements? Simply fill out our short request a
callback form and a member of our dedicated
team will be in touch when it works best for you.
Take your first steps today
For more information, please contact our team on 0800 195 6412,email us at enquiries@steplegal.co.uk or pop in to see us for a chat.
What Is Wrong Site Surgery?
Wrong site surgery can occur when appropriate checks and procedures are not followed before an operation.
For example, a surgeon may operate on the wrong limb, organ, or side of the body. In some cases, the intended procedure may be performed on the wrong area while the original condition remains untreated.
These errors can require further surgery and may result in avoidable complications. Where the error was caused by inadequate care or a failure to follow appropriate procedures, it may form the basis of a Medical Negligence Claim.
If the incorrect operation results in additional injury or means that corrective surgery is required, the circumstances may also overlap with Failed Surgery Claims.
What Can Cause Wrong Site Surgery?
Wrong site surgery may involve failures at different stages of a patient's treatment, including errors in identifying the patient, reviewing medical records, confirming the intended procedure, or marking the correct surgical site.
A failure to communicate important information between members of the medical team can also contribute to a surgical error. In some circumstances, inadequate checks or procedures within a hospital may also be relevant to Hospital Negligence Claims.
The circumstances of each case need to be carefully investigated to determine what happened and whether the appropriate standard of care was followed.
Can I Make a Wrong Site Surgery Claim?
You may have grounds for a claim if surgery was performed on the wrong part of your body and this caused you additional injury or loss.
The consequences can include further surgery, infection, scarring, pain, reduced mobility or psychological distress. Where the error results in significant physical injury, it may also overlap with other Surgical Negligence Claims.
For example, if the wrong limb or joint is operated on during an orthopaedic procedure, the circumstances may also be relevant to Orthopaedic Surgery Negligence Claims.
Medical evidence and your treatment records can help establish whether the error was avoidable and whether it caused the harm you experienced.
What Compensation Can I Claim?
Compensation may take into account the injury caused by the wrong-site surgery and its impact on your everyday life.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include compensation for pain and suffering, additional treatment, corrective surgery, rehabilitation, loss of earnings and other financial losses resulting from the negligence.
Where an incorrect operation affects the spine or causes neurological complications, the resulting injury and its long-term consequences may also need to be considered when assessing the claim.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?
Medical negligence claims are generally subject to a three-year time limit, although exceptions can apply depending on the circumstances.
The relevant period may run from the date of the negligent treatment or from when you became aware, or should reasonably have become aware, that your injury may have been caused by negligence.
How Can Step Legal Solicitors Help?
Step Legal Solicitors can investigate the circumstances surrounding your surgery, review your medical records and obtain independent medical evidence where necessary.
We can assess whether the wrong-site surgery resulted from negligent care and consider the physical, psychological and financial consequences of the error.
If the operation involved complications relating to anaesthesia or the care provided around the procedure, these circumstances can also be investigated as part of the wider claim.
If you are happy to instruct us, we will handle your matter on a No Win No Fee basis. This means no financial risk to yourself, and no upfront costs.
Contact Step Legal Solicitors
If you have suffered harm because surgery was performed on the wrong site, contact Step Legal Solicitors on 0800 195 6412 or get in touch through our online contact form to discuss your potential claim.
Alternatively, you can come into our offices during any of our working hours to discuss your case. The consultation will be free, and on a no-strings-attached basis.
