Retained Foreign Object Compensation Claim Solicitors

A medical surgery can be a nerve-wracking experience at the best of times.

But when a surgical item is involuntarily left in the body after a surgery, it has the potential to cause great harm to the body and mental health of the patient.

This completely preventable result of surgical negligence is described by the NHS as a ‘Never event’, and yet, in England alone, an average of 2 people are affected each week. When this happens, it is important that those affected know their rights.

At SDS Solicitors we are dedicated to defending those that have fallen victim to medical negligence.  For expert advice on claiming compensation for the pain and suffering you have experienced contact us today.

I have suffered with a retained foreign object after surgery. What should I do?

If you or someone you know have suffered through a below-standard level of care from a health professional that has caused you harm which could otherwise have been avoided, then you may be entitled to compensation.

If this sounds familiar and you would like to make a claim, you will need to contact an experienced medical negligence solicitor to determine whether it is likely that you will be entitled to compensation.

Why choose SDS Solicitors?

Since 1997, we have been defending our clients, including victims of retained foreign objects.

SDS Solicitors is a specialist medical negligence, accident and personal injury law firm based in Manchester, England.

We work closely with clients from all over England and Wales by providing them with expert legal advice on claiming compensation.

The truth is, we know that experiencing a retained foreign object is never easy. But the process of trying to claim compensation does not have to be confusing.

To learn whether you could possibly have a claim, call us for free now at 0161 796 3000, or fill in the contact form and a member of our expert team will get back to you.

What are the potential side effects of a surgical item being retained in the body?

Every incident of a retained foreign object is unique.

Depending on where in the body the object has been left, its shape, its size, and the health of the victim prior to the surgery, the symptoms can range from a mildly painful infection to far more severe consequences, such as organ failure or even fatality.

As such, in order for the victim to have the best chance at recovery, the root cause of any possible side effects must be examined, identified and treated as soon as possible.

Once the retained foreign object has been identified, an additional surgery will usually be required to remove the foreign object. This surgery can be emotionally difficult for the patient and may also cause further disruption to the patient’s life.

No matter the size and shape of a retained foreign object, it is a serious and preventable incident that nobody should have to experience.

Everyone is entitled to proper medical care. To discover whether you could have a claim, get in touch.

What is a foreign object?

In the case of retained foreign objects, any object unintentionally left behind in a patient’s body post-surgery is considered to be a retained foreign object.

It is important to note that any surgical objects left in the body intentionally, such as a hip replacement, are not included in this description and should be left on the patient’s records.

As such, any unintentional retained foreign object in the body post-surgery could mean that the victim is eligible for a claim.

Prior to any surgical procedure, the medical practitioners will formally count certain items from the NHS’ definitive list. This list includes surgical items such as needles and other medical instruments.

Before the end of the surgery, the objects are counted once more in order to prevent any retained objects being left in the body post-surgery.

While this process is made to ensure that no objects are left unaccounted for, some do still go missing during a surgery.

In certain cases, the medical team may identify one or more missing items, but due to the nature of the particular surgery, they may be unable to safely remove the item from the patient at that time. In this case, arrangements will be made and the patient will be informed.

It is important to note that even though the patient has been informed of their situation, the patient may still be entitled to compensation.

What is classed as a surgical procedure?

While the term ‘surgery’ may bring images of a hospital theatre to mind, the term actually refers to all invasive procedures and interventions conducted within a medical context.

Simply put, a surgical procedure is an invasive operation that is carried out with the goal of physically intervening with the body in some way - for example, on tissues, organs or bones - in order to help the patient get better. Closing a wound may also be considered as a surgical procedure.

Any foreign surgical items found after an invasive medical procedure are considered to be ‘retained foreign objects’.

If you have suffered through a retained foreign object, the first step is to seek impartial advice from a medical negligence solicitor about the strength of your claim, so call SDS Solicitors today for a free initial consultation.

If we believe you have a case that can be pursued, we will investigate your case on your behalf and do everything in our power to right the wrongs that you have suffered.

What if no ‘serious’ harm has been caused?

Even in instances where no serious harm has been caused by the presence of a foreign object retained after a surgery, in some cases the patient may still be entitled to compensation.

Going through any kind of surgery is stressful enough, but with the added pressures of taking more time off work for corrective surgery and the emotional burden involved, a foreign object unintentionally left behind after a surgery can be an incredibly difficult situation to experience.

So, even without any severe side effects, retained foreign objects can cause a traumatic experience that would otherwise have been preventable.

But you are not alone.

If you have suffered from a retained foreign object and want expert legal advice from a law firm that cares, simply contact SDS Solicitors today.

Contact us

We are a leading specialist medical negligence, accident at work and personal injury law firm acting for claimants nationwide.

Our expert medical negligence solicitors regularly act for clients across Greater Manchester including Ashton, Bury, Bolton, Radcliffe, Prestwich, Middleton, Failsworth, Rochdale, Oldham and Whitefield.

Our team of recognised Surgery Negligence Claims Solicitors can support your needs wherever you live in Wales, England & Northern Ireland.

Call us for free now using the number at the top of the page or complete the online contact form and a member of our team will get back to you.