Major Medical Mistake: Doctor Removes Wrong Kidneys

by James Lewis

JIm is a Virginia injury attorney who handles car accidents, medical malpractice, FELA, wrongful death, etc.

1/18/2010
James Lewis
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Major Medical Mistake: Doctor Removes Wrong Kidneys

In a prime example of medical malpractice, a doctor in Minnesota removed the wrong kidneys of a patient in 2008. Finally, after two long years, the doctor received their punishment - a ban from performing surgical procedures, according to The National Ledger.

This isn't the first time the wrong kidney has been removed from a patient. In July of 2009, a surgeon in California made the same surgical mistake and the patient was stuck with the diseased kidney while enduring dialysis every three days to stay alive, according to PE.com.

"Hospitals need to be very careful in following procedures and instructions. A simple apology doesn't work," said Francisco Torres, the victim of the California surgical error.

Very true.

Over 200,000 people die each year due to preventable medical errors and infections, according to a study by Hearst Newspapers. A common surgical error includes leaving sponges, knives, and/or needles inside a patient. However, removing the wrong kidneys is certainly a major medical error.

I'm glad to see action was taken to try and rectify the situation in Minnesota. I understand that doctors and medical professionals are human and will make mistakes from time to time, but to remove the wrong organ isn't a simple mistake - it is gross negligence.

If you, or a loved one, suffered an injury from a surgery and suspect it was due to a medical error, you should strong consider consulting with an attorney. You should also take a moment to review our free consumer guide which provides important information about surgical mistakes:

Top-5 Surgical Errors and How NOT to Become a Victim

Category: Medical Malpractice/Doctor Mistakes

Labels: Attorney error errors injury kidneys Lewis malpractice medical surgery surgical

About the Editors: Shapiro, Lewis & Appleton is a Virginia injury law firm whose attorneys focus on personal injury and accident law and have extensive experience handling medical malpractice and doctor mistake cases. Please take a few moments to review our medical malpractice case results. We have offices in Virginia Beach and Hampton, VA, but we're ready to come to you anywhere in Virginia, including Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, Newport News and Suffolk, VA, if you've been seriously hurt by the carelessness of a doctor, surgeon, nurse or pharmacist.

Rick Shapiro and James Lewis have been recognized as among the Best Lawyers in America since 2008. Also, Rick and Jim have been named Virginia Super Lawyers for Personal Injury Law since 2010. Fewer than 5 percent of lawyers are chosen for this professional honor.

Members of our VA personal injury law firm have also been selected by the National Million Dollar Advocates Forum since 2009. In addition, we were the first injury law firm in Virginia to join Primerus, a select group of highly ethical and respected law firms. Our VA medical malpractice firm has the highest rating of AV from Martindale-Hubbell, a national lawyer ranking organization, which means we have a reputation for preeminent legal skill.

We offer free special reports on the Top 10 Tips from a Medical Malpractice Insider and the top five surgical errors you must know about.

While not every injury case meets our criteria, we offer free initial confidential injury case consultation, so call us toll free at (800) 752-0042. If you cannot get through due to high call volume, please leave a voicemail so we can return your call.

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