Colorado Robotic Surgical Error Malpractice Attorneys
Robotic Surgery Error Malpractice Lawyers in Colorado Know How to Win
Like any other form of technology that doctors use, robotic surgery is a tool that must be used correctly. When this technology is misused, patients may be seriously injured. Doctors and the medical facilities that employ them are ultimately responsible for protecting the patient’s health and safety. Facilities throughout Colorado utilize robotic surgery, including Good Samaritan Medical Center, Colorado Spring Surgical Associates, and Sky Ridge Medical Center.
If you were injured during a robotic surgery procedure, contact the experienced trial attorneys at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. immediately. Our firm has been helping people in Colorado for over 40 years, and we’ve won record-breaking settlements for our clients.
Leventhal Puga Braley P.C is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, and we have high marks from Super Lawyers based on peer reviews and independent research.
There’s no charge for your initial consultation—call (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 to learn more today.
What Is Robotic Surgery?
Robotic surgery is at the forefront of the advancement of surgical technology. Over the past two decades, this advanced surgery has been adopted by hospitals across the U.S. It is generally considered less invasive and more precise than traditional surgery. The robotic arms are connected to a computer console that controls surgical instruments with a high-definition view of the surgical site on monitors. With new technology comes new complexities, and sometimes robot-assisted procedures go wrong.
Robotic surgery represents a big leap in medical technology, involving a surgeon operating with robotic arms that are controlled via a computer console. The system provides a 3D view of the surgery site and allows for precise, tremor-free movements of the robotic instruments. But it’s not without its challenges. The complexity of robotic systems means that surgeons must undergo extensive training.
Equipment maintenance is critical to avoid technical malfunctions that could lead to errors during surgery. Understanding the nuances of how these robotic systems work is the first step in appreciating the potential for errors that could result in malpractice claims. As medical technology progresses, operating these systems effectively and safely becomes increasingly important.
Understanding Surgeon Training and Certification for Robotic Surgery
Specialized training is required to safely perform robotic surgeries. Surgeons must be proficient in general surgical procedures and understand the specific functionalities and technicalities of the robotic system they’re using. This training typically includes simulator sessions, hands-on practice, and supervised surgeries to build the necessary skill set.
Certification programs are in place to verify that a surgeon has achieved a certain level of competency with the robotic system. This is essential for patient safety and reduces the likelihood of errors attributable to inexperience or lack of familiarity with the equipment.
In the context of surgical malpractice claims, the surgeon’s level of training and certification becomes a focal point. If the surgeon lacked the specialized training required for the complexity of the procedure, it could be a critical factor in establishing liability. Inadequate training has severe consequences when it comes to robotic surgery. Errors caused by poor training range from extended operation times due to inefficiency to more harmful outcomes such as tissue damage.
Who Is Liable in a Denver Robotic Surgery Malpractice Case?
In Denver robotic surgery malpractice cases, pinpointing the parties at fault is a meticulous process. The surgeon, the hospital, and the manufacturer of the robotic system could all bear responsibility. The surgeon is central to the success of any robotic surgery. Their role extends beyond the mere operation of the machinery. The surgeon must interpret real-time feedback and adjust the robotic instruments accordingly. That’s why surgeons must maintain their skills through ongoing training and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in robotic surgery.
When a surgical error occurs, it’s crucial to examine the surgeon’s actions. Was the surgeon adequately trained and certified to use the robotic equipment? Did they follow the standard of care throughout the procedure? A surgeon’s deviation from established protocols or failure to respond appropriately to complications during surgery can be a determining factor in assigning liability for errors that occur.
Hospital Liability for Colorado Robotic Surgical Errors
Hospitals are responsible for regularly maintaining and calibrating robotic surgery systems to avoid malfunctions that could lead to patient harm. Failure to adhere to these maintenance schedules can result in equipment failures, which, in turn, could be the basis for a malpractice claim. Assessing the functionality of the robotic equipment and the adherence to hospital protocols is as critical as evaluating the surgeon’s actions in malpractice cases. This step includes reviewing maintenance logs to ensure the robotic system is in proper working order.
Hospital protocols also play a critical role in ensuring patient safety. These protocols include credentialing processes for surgeons, ensuring they have the required training and experience to use the robotic systems, and establishing emergency procedures in case of technical issues during surgery. When these hospital protocols are not followed, or equipment is not adequately maintained, the hospital may share liability for any resulting surgical errors.
What Are Some Complications that May Occur with Robotic Surgery?
A tool is only as good as its user. Whether a problem in robotic surgery arises from human error or hardware and software issues, the complications can be devastating. Some possibilities include:
- Infections
- Loss of medical instruments within the body cavity
- Internal scarring
- Accidental lacerations or punctures
- Electrical current injuries
- Bleeding
- Need for additional corrective surgeries
Injuries sustained can disfigure, paralyze, or even kill a patient. No surgery is without risk, but when major complications arise, it is imperative to seek counsel from Denver-based robotic surgical malpractice lawyers.
Examples of Robotic Surgery Malpractice
Patients injured by a robotic surgical device or the practitioner behind it can seek compensation for medical malpractice. A surgeon may have improperly operated the device. A nurse or assistant may have improperly prepared or sterilized the surgical equipment. The surgeon may have received inadequate training and was ill-equipped for the procedure. There are many possibilities to wade through. Hiring a Denver-based robotic surgical error lawyer can give you or your loved one peace of mind that your claim is being handled while you recover.
How to Proceed with a Medical Product Liability Lawsuit in Colorado
Medical product liability differs from medical negligence. While negligence focuses on the medical professional’s actions measured against the standard of care and their authorized uses of medical products, product liability determines whether the robotic medical device required maintenance or was defective or dangerous.
Product liability and negligence are legally independent, but in most cases, both claims will need to be investigated simultaneously. In Colorado, strict liability applies to three types of product defects:
- Manufacturing defects
- Design defects
- Inadequate warnings
A skilled attorney will have the tenacity to take on doctors, hospitals, manufacturers, and lawyers to pursue fair compensation for all damages. At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we have been practicing for 40 years and will work tirelessly to research, investigate, and pursue justice and full compensation.
Why You Need a Denver Robotic Surgical Error Malpractice Attorney
Don’t let a doctor or robot’s preventable surgical error define your future. Call the experienced attorneys at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. right away. You can fight back – and our lawyers fight with you. We have the skillset and the experience needed to provide top-notch legal representation when you need it most.
There is no charge for an initial consultation or questions, and we only get paid if we achieve a settlement or jury award. To speak to an experienced Denver medical malpractice attorney at our firm, please call (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906.
