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In the healthcare industry, there are certain events or mistakes that are deemed “never events.” Healthcare providers have a legal and ethical obligation to prevent never events from occurring, however, they unfortunately sometimes still happen due to negligence. This blog will explain what never events are, examine common scenarios and detail how an injured individual can pursue compensation.
What is a Never Event?
A never event is a mistake that should never occur in healthcare settings as it is preventable through reasonable safety procedures. Examples of never events include:
- Wrong-site surgery – An avoidable medical error that occurs when a procedure takes place on the wrong body part or organ of a patient.
- Objects left in the body after surgery – Surgical instruments like scalpels, forceps, gloves and sponges have been left inside patients before they have been closed up.
- Wrong-patient surgery – Shocking occurrences when patient information is swapped or mixed up, and the wrong procedure is performed on the wrong patient.
A study by Johns Hopkins revealed that never events occur an estimated 4,082 times each year.
Consequences of Never Events
The effects of such events can be devastating for the patient and their family, often inflicting long-term physical and psychological consequences for both parties. In some cases, a never event can cause permanent disability or death, making it imperative for healthcare providers to do everything possible to prevent these types of occurrences from happening in the first place.
Pursuing Compensation for Never Events
If you have sustained an injury due to a healthcare provider’s negligence in preventing a never event, you may be able to pursue compensation for your losses. It is important to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney who can assess the facts of your case and advise you on the best course of action.
A successful claim will require proof that the healthcare provider breached their duty of care by acting negligently in their treatment and/or diagnosis of your condition, which resulted in harm to you as their patient. An experienced attorney can help you gather the evidence necessary for your claim and guide you through the legal process every step of the way.
Boston, Massachusetts Medical Malpractice Attorneys
Never events are preventable mistakes that no one should ever have suffered from at the hands of medical professionals. If you believe that you have been injured due to negligent care or treatment by your doctor or another healthcare provider, it is important that you consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney at Crowe & Harris, LLP as soon as possible so that they can review your case and advise you on how best to proceed with seeking justice and compensation for your injuries. Do not hesitate—seek help now!
If you were injured as a result of medical malpractice, call us today at (617) 404-3417 or fill out our form online for a free consultation.