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Operating On The Wrong Patient

Boston Wrong Patient Surgery Lawyers

If a surgeon recently performed surgery on the wrong patient and you have suffered consequences as a result, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation via a medical malpractice claim. Wrong patient surgeries happen more often than you would think in the United States. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, wrong patient surgeries make up almost 5 percent of all types of surgical errors.

This type of critical mistake can cause severe, permanent injury or death to patients — both for the patient who has the surgery and for the patient who does not receive the operation they needed and suffers as a result. When surgical errors lead to injury or death, the surgeon and the hospital may be held responsible for the damage done. Through a malpractice claim, you may be able to recover financial compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, and more.

If you are facing serious health complications because a doctor operated on the wrong patient, you need a lawyer at Crowe & Harris, LLP to help you with your medical malpractice claim.


Call our office today at (617) 404-3417 or contact us online for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.


Why Do I Need a Lawyer?

Cases involving medical malpractice of any kind, including wrong patient operation, can be complex and difficult to manage. If you are suffering from severe health complications because of this surgical mistake, you likely do not have the time or energy to deal with insurance companies and hospitals. In addition to the physical and emotional pain you are experiencing due to a surgeon’s error, you are likely facing potential financial hardship because of this negligence.

An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can help you navigate the legal process so that you can recover damages that will help you pay for your expenses and move on from this catastrophe. A skilled attorney can demonstrate that your injury was a direct cause of negligence or error on the part of the surgeon or the health care provider that performed your surgery. A lawyer can thoroughly review medical records, read medical reports, and interview witnesses to ensure that your medical malpractice case will hold up in court so that you can receive the compensation that you deserve.

There is also a statute of limitations to consider for bringing a lawsuit against a health care provider. You have three years to file a claim, so you need to hire a lawyer as soon as possible in order not to miss this deadline.

Why Choose Us?

Crowe & Harris, LLP has represented a wide variety of clients in Massachusetts and throughout the New England area, securing more than half a billion dollars in settlements for victims of medical malpractice. Our attorneys are experienced in helping clients that have been victimized by doctors’ surgical mistakes, with over 100 years of experience. Our team includes four nurses who can help interpret the complex medical information involved in your case.

If you or a family member suffered devastating injuries due to a surgical error, you are likely facing extensive medical bills as well as weeks or months of medical treatments. We are committed to holding health care professionals accountable and getting the best possible settlement for you or a loved one. Our dedication to our clients has resulted in us being named to the 2018 Best Law Firms list by U.S. News, among other awards and accolades.

Cases We Handle

When a doctor performs the wrong surgery on the wrong patient, it is considered a “never” event in the medical field, which means that type of mistake should never happen. There are a variety of factors that can cause a wrong patient surgery, including:

  • Preoperative verification errors
  • Miscommunication between doctors
  • Mistakes in hospital protocol
  • Chart errors
  • Errors in administrative procedures or communications between health care professionals

These mistakes often occur in the following situations:

  • Two patients have similar names, which allows for confusion in procedures
  • Attendants bring the wrong patient to the operating room without verifying the identity
  • Patient verification protocols are hurried, leading to a patient mix-up

Tragically, these types of mix-ups can lead to the removal of healthy organs and delays in treatment, often with devastating results. Some of the health complications associated with a wrong patient case may include:

  • Severe infections
  • Removal of or operation on the wrong organs
  • Adverse reaction to anesthesia
  • Amputation of the wrong body part
  • Delays in treating a patient’s real medical condition
  • Permanent disability
  • Infertility
  • Death

Not only are there physical effects of surgical malpractice, but these surgical errors can cause psychological trauma. Victims of a wrong surgery may also experience depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder as the result of having the wrong operation.

For individuals that are victims of wrong patient surgery and have suffered as a result, you have the right to pursue compensation and damages. You can receive compensation for medical expenses, lost income (and future lost income), future medical expenses, permanent disfigurement, or disability. You can also obtain damages for the loss of enjoyment of life, as well as any pain and suffering that is caused by a surgical error.

If your loved one passed away as a result of surgery on the wrong patient, you may also be able to file a wrongful death claim against the at-fault parties. You may be eligible for compensation for funeral costs, burial expenses, medical bills, lost income, loss of emotional support, and more.

Contact Us

Your mental, emotional, and financial well-being is at stake, and you need the experience of Crowe & Harris, LLP to fight on your behalf. We will not only vigorously defend your rights in court, but we will build a strong case with a team of medical experts to make sure we obtain a fair settlement so you can move on with your life.

If you sustained injuries after a surgical error on the wrong patient, you deserve to have skilled and experienced attorneys on your side. The surgical error attorneys at Crowe & Harris, LLP will hold the surgeon or hospital liable so you can secure the maximum amount of compensation and damages you deserve.


Contact us at (617) 404-3417 or online to discuss your legal options during a free consultation.


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The Crowe & Harris Difference

  • A Boutique Law Firm Experience

    You’ll know the names and faces of the people who are working on your case. We limit our case load and case type to ensure the best results for you and your loved ones.

  • Cutting-Edge Representation
    We use the latest technology and methods to ensure you have the best experience.
  • The Right Resources for Your Case

    We have 9 attorneys and 4 registered nurses who do nothing but serious personal injury cases.

  • Known & Respected in the Profession

    We have more than 100 years of combined experience and countless awards and recognitions from professional groups.