When you go to a hospital or see a doctor, you place a tremendous amount of trust in the hands of medical professionals. You expect to be safe and receive the highest standard of care. But what happens when a preventable error breaks that trust?
These catastrophic mistakes, known as “never events,” are severe medical errors that should, as their name suggests, never occur in a health care setting. When they do, the consequences can be devastating.
What are these preventable errors?
A “never event” is part of a larger category of serious reportable events, or SREs, identified by organizations like the National Quality Forum (NQF). These are medical errors that are clearly identifiable, serious and entirely preventable through proper hospital protocols. Their occurrence is not just a simple mistake but often a sign of a larger breakdown in the system of care.
For example, a hospital may have a flawed process that allows for a medication error to occur. These systemic failures are what ultimately lead to harm. Some common examples of “never events” include:
- Wrong-site surgery, where a procedure is performed on the incorrect body part or on the wrong patient.
- Administering the wrong medication or dose, which can lead to serious injury or even death.
- Leaving foreign objects like surgical sponges or instruments inside a patient after a procedure.
These mistakes are a wake-up call, showing that even with proper safeguards, critical lapses can occur.
The startling truth about “never events”
Despite their name, these mistakes are not rare. Statistics show they happen more often than you might think. For instance, thousands of surgical errors are estimated to occur each year in the U.S., frequently resulting in severe consequences for patients, including permanent disability, long-term recovery and even wrongful death.
The financial burden can also be significant. For example, Medicare may refuse to pay for some costs related to a “never event,” placing that burden on you and the hospital. These numbers highlight the urgent need for heightened accountability in health care facilities.
Seeking justice for patients and families
If you or a loved one has suffered because of a medical “never event” in Illinois, you likely have legal grounds for a medical malpractice claim due to a clear breach of the accepted standard of care. Because these errors are so flagrant and entirely preventable, they are strong indicators of negligence.
Consider consulting with a knowledgeable medical malpractice lawyer in Illinois to understand your rights and explore options for compensation. Potential damages include payment for medical expenses, lost wages and compensation for pain and suffering. The gravity of these preventable errors makes it essential that you seek immediate legal guidance from a skilled attorney.