When we undergo surgery, both minor and major, there is a chance that things may not go according to plan. If you’ve ever had surgery before, you’ll know that a surgeon will run through an extensive list of potential outcomes, predominantly to cover themselves if a problem is out of their control.
However, while unexpected events can happen to even the most skilled surgeons, so can they make mistakes. These mistakes can be due to a lapse in judgment, understanding, or just carelessness on the day. While these medical mistakes can be devastating, there are steps to take which can help you when trying to cope after the event.
Rationalize What Has Happened And Why
The chances are your surgeon is going to put in a lot of focus and care when conducting your surgical procedure, and there are many steps they take to maintain that focus. But sometimes, it’s possible for them to make a bad call or to let their attention slip due to tiredness or stress. However, we rely on our surgeons to be ready and well enough to function properly and do their job, as it requires a lot of focus and endurance.
In the event of the surgeon getting tired or lacking focus, you’d expect them to have the decision-making abilities to postpone the surgery until they are ready. Either way, it’s important to understand exactly why the mistake has happened and try to rationalize it, and understand that none of it is your fault.
Consider Making A Claim
If it turns out that things have come to pass due to a mistake made by your surgeon or someone else on the medical team, you may be eligible to make a medical negligence claim. The process of this can be confusing and overwhelming, especially for someone recovering from an ordeal like this. To help you to manage this, it’s essential to seek the services of specialist medical solicitors like Gadsby Wicks, who will be able to handle your case and advise you on the correct course of action.
Pursuing a claim like this is no easy task and can take a significant amount of time, as with most other compensation claims, but the result can be extremely beneficial to you in helping you to cope with the pain and discomfort you may be experiencing and allowing you to pursue rehabilitation treatment.
Talk To A Professional And Your Loved Ones
Ultimately, the goal of surgery is to remedy or improve a current condition or injury you may be suffering from. To come around after surgery only to find that your problem hasn’t been fixed, that things have been worsened, or that a new problem has been created due to a mistake can have a huge impact on your mental health too.
It’s important then, in this case, to make sure you are open about how you’re feeling and don’t avoid talking about things. Discuss your thoughts with your loved ones and explain how you feel about the situation. As well as this, it will be worth getting help from a mental health specialist who can help you deal with any trauma you’ve experienced.
Your GP can refer you to a specialist, so it’s important to speak to them as soon as possible to decide on your next steps.