Surgical Errors
Surgical error solicitors in Cheltenham
At Pembridge Solicitors, we advise patients who have suffered harm as a result of mistakes made during surgery or surgical aftercare. Based in Cheltenham, our medical negligence solicitors provide clear, practical advice to help you understand whether a surgical error may amount to negligence and what options may be available to you. Surgical errors can have serious and long-lasting effects, including ongoing pain, additional procedures, or permanent injury. Our role is to explain your position in plain English and guide you through the process with care and professionalism.
What is a surgical error?
A surgical error occurs when a mistake is made before, during, or after a surgical procedure that falls below the standard of care reasonably expected of a competent surgical team. This can include errors in planning, technique, judgement, or post-operative care. Not every complication is caused by negligence, but where an avoidable mistake causes harm, a claim may arise.
Common examples of surgical errors
Surgical errors can take many forms. Examples include operating on the wrong site, leaving surgical instruments inside the body, damage to surrounding organs or nerves, incorrect procedures being performed, poor infection control, or failure to monitor and respond to complications after surgery. Errors may occur in both routine and complex operations and can involve surgeons, anaesthetists, or wider clinical teams.
When surgical error advice is needed
Advice is often sought where recovery does not go as expected, symptoms worsen after surgery, or further procedures are required to correct a problem. Some patients only later discover that something went wrong during their operation. Legal advice can help clarify whether the outcome was an unavoidable complication or the result of substandard care.
Understanding the surgical error claims process
Surgical error claims involve a detailed review of medical records, operation notes, consent forms, and post-operative care. The key questions are whether the surgery was carried out to an acceptable standard and whether any mistakes caused harm that could have been avoided. These cases often require independent medical expert evidence to assess what should have happened and what went wrong.
How we handle surgical error claims
When you instruct Pembridge Solicitors, we begin by listening carefully to your account and reviewing your medical records in detail. We assess whether the surgical care provided fell below the required standard and whether the error caused avoidable injury or complications. Where appropriate, we work with independent medical experts to support the claim. Throughout the process, we explain each stage clearly, manage expectations honestly, and handle your case with sensitivity and care.
Compensation in surgical error cases
Compensation is intended to reflect the harm caused by the surgical error. This may include pain and suffering, the impact on daily life, the need for further treatment or surgery, and financial losses where relevant. Each case is assessed individually, and we provide clear advice on what compensation may realistically be recovered.
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Clear, confidential advice on Surgical Errors. Speak to an experienced solicitor to understand your options and next steps.
Surgical error FAQs
Does a poor surgical outcome always mean negligence?
No. Surgery carries risks, and not every poor outcome is caused by negligence. A claim depends on whether the care fell below an acceptable standard and whether that failure caused harm that could have been avoided.
What if I signed a consent form?
Signing a consent form does not prevent a claim if a surgical error occurred. Consent means you accepted the known risks of the procedure, not that you agreed to negligent treatment.
Can post-operative care mistakes count as surgical errors?
Yes. Surgical errors can include failures after surgery, such as poor monitoring, delayed treatment of complications, or failure to act on warning signs. These issues can be just as serious as errors made during the operation itself.
Do I need proof that the surgeon made a mistake?
Medical records and expert evidence are usually used to assess whether a mistake occurred. You do not need to prove this yourself before seeking advice. We explain how evidence is obtained and reviewed.
Is there a time limit for bringing a surgical error claim?
Yes. Strict time limits apply, usually running from when you became aware that something may have gone wrong. Because these rules can be complex, early advice is important.
What if the surgery happened many years ago?
In some cases, claims can still be brought if the issue was only discovered later. Legal advice helps assess whether time limits may still allow a claim to proceed.
Where we also assist clients
While our surgical error solicitors are based in Cheltenham, we also assist clients from Tewkesbury, Gloucester, and across England and Wales, with support provided in person or remotely where appropriate.
Speak to surgical error solicitors in Cheltenham
If you believe you have been affected by a surgical error and want clear advice on your options, our solicitors are here to help. We provide practical medical negligence advice focused on understanding what went wrong and helping you move forward. To speak to one of our medical negligence solicitors, call 0330 900 0377 or contact us online to arrange a confidential consultation.
How to Find Us
Pembridge Solicitors
Calderwood House
Montpellier Parade
Cheltenham
GL50 1UA