Surgical Errors in Denver: What Patients Need to Know
Undergoing surgery is a major event that requires trust in your medical team—particularly your surgeon and anesthesiologist. Sadly, errors occur in the operating room, and the consequences can be catastrophic. But victims often have legal options.
If you or a loved one suffered harm due to operative negligence, it’s essential to speak to an experienced surgical error attorney in Denver.
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we are nationally recognized for handling high-stakes medical malpractice claims. Our Denver-based attorneys know how to hold hospitals, doctors, and surgical teams accountable for preventable errors.
What Are Surgical Errors?
Surgical malpractice refers to mistakes made before, during, or immediately after a surgical procedure that fall below the accepted medical standard of care. These errors often stem from negligence, poor communication, improper planning, or failure to follow safety protocols.
Not every complication constitutes malpractice. But when a medical professional’s negligence causes preventable harm, the injured patient may have grounds for a lawsuit.
Common Types of Surgical Errors in Denver
Wrong-Site Surgery
One of the most egregious surgical mistakes is wrong-site surgery, in which the surgeon operates on the wrong part of the body, the wrong side, or even the wrong patient. This may involve removing a healthy organ or failing to address the actual medical issue, leading to devastating consequences.
Retained Surgical Items
Another serious error involves retained surgical items—instruments, sponges, or gauze left inside the patient after surgery. This can lead to severe infections, chronic pain, or additional surgeries. Such mistakes are considered “never events,” meaning they should never occur with proper surgical protocols.
Anesthesia Mistakes
Anesthesia mistakes can happen during the administration of general or local anesthesia. These errors include giving too much or too little medication, failing to monitor vital signs, or overlooking patient allergies. Consequences range from temporary confusion to brain damage or death.
Damage to Internal Organs or Nerves
Inadvertent lacerations or damage to surrounding tissue and organs can occur during surgery. If these injuries go unnoticed or untreated, they can result in life-threatening complications like internal bleeding or nerve damage.
Causes of Surgical Malpractice
Surgical errors often result from:
- Inattention
- Miscommunication between surgical team members
- Inadequate preoperative planning
- Poor documentation or record-keeping
- Failure to follow surgical checklists
- Lack of training or credentialing
In Denver and throughout Colorado, hospitals and surgical centers are expected to implement safeguards that prevent these errors. When they fail to do so, patients suffer, and legal accountability is necessary.
Legal Standards for Surgical Malpractice in Colorado
To bring a successful surgical malpractice claim, a patient must prove:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed
- The provider breached the standard of care
- The breach is a cause of the patient’s injury
- The injury led to specific damages (medical costs, pain, lost income, etc.)
Colorado law also requires:
- Filing within the two-year statute of limitations (or within two years of discovering the injury)
- A certificate of review from a medical expert within 60 days of filing the lawsuit
Our Denver medical malpractice lawyer at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. guide clients through every step of this complex process.
How We Investigate Surgical Error Claims
Building a strong case requires in-depth investigation and expert analysis. Our legal team works with top medical professionals to:
- Review operative reports and surgical notes
- Analyze anesthesia logs and post-operative records
- Identify breaches in protocol
- Assess whether the error caused preventable harm
- Determine the full extent of current and future damages
We also investigate the roles of hospitals, surgical centers, and attending staff to determine who is liable. In some cases, multiple providers may be at fault.
Who Can Be Liable?
Depending on the circumstances, we may pursue claims against:
- Surgeons
- Anesthesiologists
- Surgical nurses or technicians
- Hospitals or surgery centers
- Medical equipment manufacturers (in product-related failures)
In Colorado, hospitals can be liable for negligent employees and for failing to maintain adequate safety standards.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims of surgical errors may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Rehabilitation and therapy
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages (in fatal cases)
While Colorado does cap non-economic damages (like pain and suffering), our firm works to maximize compensation by pursuing full recovery of economic damages.
Why Surgical Malpractice Cases Require Experienced Legal Counsel
These cases are some of the most complex in medical malpractice law. Success depends on:
- Understanding intricate medical procedures
- Securing credible expert witnesses
- Presenting technical evidence in a compelling way
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., our attorneys have earned national recognition for their courtroom skills, medical knowledge, and unwavering dedication to our clients. We have also obtained some of the largest malpractice verdicts in Colorado history and are prepared to bring that same tenacity to your case.
Why Choose Leventhal Puga Braley P.C.?
- Proven Track Record: We’ve recovered millions for victims of surgical and medical malpractice.
- Trial-Ready Approach: We prepare every case as if it will go to trial.
- Medical Insight: Our firm works closely with expert surgeons, anesthesiologists, and healthcare analysts.
- Respected Attorneys: Listed among Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers in America, and the Inner Circle of Advocates.
- Client-First Philosophy: We fight not just for compensation but for justice and systemic change.
What to Do If You Suspect a Surgical Error
If you or someone you love was harmed during or after surgery, take the following steps:
- Request Your Medical Records – Obtain all hospital and surgical documentation.
- Seek a Second Opinion – A different provider may identify complications or oversights.
- Consult a Surgical Error Attorney in Denver – Early legal guidance is key to protecting your rights.
Speak With Our Trusted Medical Malpractice Attorneys in Denver
Surgical errors are preventable tragedies that can have permanent consequences. If you believe you or a loved one suffered harm due to operative negligence, anesthesia mistakes, wrong-site surgery, or retained surgical items, don’t wait!
Let our team fight for you. Contact Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. today at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 for a no-cost consultation with our surgical error attorneys and get help to pursue the compensation you deserve.