Surgery is critical in addressing severe health conditions to improve a patient’s quality of life. But when a medical professional leaves a surgical item inside a patient’s body, the consequences can be devastating.

Retained surgical items can result in severe physical pain, long-term medical complications, and emotional distress. If you or a loved one has suffered due to such negligence, you need a skilled Maryland retained surgical items attorney to guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Brockstedt Mandalas Federico, we understand how overwhelming it is to face the aftermath of a surgical error. With decades of experience and a proven track record in medical malpractice cases, our retained surgical items attorneys in Maryland are here to pursue accountability and help you rebuild your life.

What Are Retained Surgical Items?

A retained surgical item occurs when surgical tools, devices, or materials are unintentionally left inside a patient’s body during an operation. Common examples of retained surgical items include sponges, needles, clamps, and even small pieces of surgical equipment. These items can go unnoticed during surgery but cause significant harm in the following days, months, or years.

Such errors are often the result of negligence, such as inadequate surgical protocols, improper counts of tools and materials, or failure to follow post-operative checks. Unfortunately, these mistakes can lead to infections, organ damage, and the need for additional surgeries to remove the item.

Patients who experience a retained surgical item in their body can endure unnecessary pain, prolonged recovery periods, and financial hardship. It may take considerable time to get a diagnosis. These preventable incidents represent a serious breach of trust and medical standards. When they happen, victims have the right to seek justice and compensation for their medical expenses and physical and emotional suffering.

Common Injuries and Consequences

The presence of retained surgical items in the body can lead to a range of serious complications, including:

  • Infections. A surgical item can introduce bacteria into the body, leading to sepsis or other life-threatening infections.
  • Chronic pain. Patients may experience unexplained and persistent pain caused by the item’s presence.
  • Organ damage. Items left near vital organs can cause physical trauma or impair the organ’s function over time.
  • Additional surgeries. Removing the item may require another invasive procedure, increasing the risk of further complications and extended recovery.

Beyond the physical toll, victims frequently suffer emotional distress and financial strain. Many patients lose trust in the medical system, and their families face the emotional burden of supporting a loved one through a prolonged recovery. Pursuing legal action not only provides some financial relief but also holds negligent healthcare providers accountable, preventing similar mistakes in the future.

Legal Rights for Victims in Maryland

Maryland has clear legal standards to protect patients from medical negligence, including retained surgical items. To pursue a claim, victims must demonstrate that the healthcare provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care and that this failure directly caused harm. These cases require careful investigation and the support of expert witnesses who can testify about the breach of duty and causation.

Victims must also adhere to Maryland’s statute of limitations for medical malpractice claims. Generally, you must file a medical malpractice lawsuit within five years of the injury or three years from the date the injury was discovered, whichever comes first. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to seek compensation. That’s why we strongly recommend contacting a lawyer as soon as you discover the item.

Working with a skilled Maryland retained surgical items attorney is essential to navigating these legal complexities. At Brockstedt Mandalas Federico, we have the experience and resources to build a compelling case and ensure your rights are protected every step of the way.

Compensation for Retained Surgical Items Left in Body Cases

Victims of surgical errors are entitled to pursue compensation for the damages they’ve endured. This compensation may include recovery for:

  • Medical expenses—coverage for the cost of corrective surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing treatment;
  • Pain and suffering—compensation for the physical and emotional toll caused by the error;
  • Lost wages—recovery for income lost during recovery and diminished earning capacity due to long-term complications; and
  • Emotional distress—addressing the psychological impact of negligence, including anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

Note that noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress, are subject to a state-mandated cap, which increases annually. Compensation for a retained item left after surgery is not only about recovering financial losses; it’s about holding negligent medical providers accountable and preventing future harm to other patients. Our team will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.

For a legal consultation, call (410) 421-7777 or complete the case evaluation form

Why Choose Brockstedt Mandalas Federico as Your Retained Surgical Items Attorneys?

At Brockstedt Mandalas Federico, we are dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation to victims of medical negligence. Here’s why families in Maryland trust us:

  • Decades of experience. Our team has a long history of handling complex surgical error cases, including retained surgical items. We understand the medical and legal nuances involved.
  • Compassionate advocacy. We treat every client with respect and empathy, recognizing their emotional and physical challenges. Your well-being is our priority.
  • Network of resources. We collaborate with leading medical experts to build strong and effective cases.
  • Proven track record. Our results speak for themselves, with numerous successful outcomes for victims of surgical errors and medical malpractice.

When you choose Brockstedt Mandalas Federico, you’re partnering with a legal team committed to justice. We take pride in delivering empathetic, compassionate representation to every client.

Frequently Asked Questions About Retained Surgical Items Lawsuits

When dealing with the consequences of a surgical error, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure where to begin. Understanding your rights and the legal process can help you take the first step toward justice. Below, we address common questions about pursuing compensation in a retained surgical items lawsuit, helping you navigate this complex and emotional journey.

What Are the Most Common Surgical Items Left After Surgery?

Surgical sponges, needles, clamps, and small instruments are among the most common retained surgical items. These items are often overlooked during post-surgical counts, leading to serious complications for patients.

How Do I Know If I Have a Case?

If you have experienced unexplained pain or infection or require additional surgery due to a retained surgical item left in your body, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Consulting with a Maryland retained surgical items lawyer can help you determine the strength of your case.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit in Maryland?

Maryland law generally requires that medical malpractice claims be filed within five years of the incident or three years from the discovery of the injury, whichever is sooner. It’s critical to act quickly to protect your legal rights.

What Should I Do If I Suspect a Surgical Item Was Left After Surgery?

If you experience unexplained pain, swelling, or infection after surgery, seek medical attention immediately. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or CT scans, can confirm whether a retained surgical item is present. Once your condition stabilizes, speak with a Maryland surgical error lawyer to evaluate your case and determine the best course of action.

For a legal consultation, call (410) 421-7777 or complete the case evaluation form

Contact Brockstedt Mandalas Federico for a Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a surgical error involving retained surgical items, you don’t have to face the fight alone. The skilled attorneys at Brockstedt Mandalas Federico are here to guide you through the legal process with professionalism and compassion. With our extensive litigation experience, we aren’t afraid to stand up to these medical professionals and medical groups.

Contact us today to speak with a trusted retained surgical items attorney in Maryland and schedule a free consultation. With no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you, there’s no risk in pursuing the justice and compensation you deserve.