Medical Instruments Left Inside a Patient | Florida Surgical Malpractice Lawyer
A surgery is supposed to help you heal, not leave you in worse pain. Unfortunately, surgical errors involving medical instruments left inside a patient’s body still happen far too often. These mistakes, known as retained surgical items (RSIs), can cause infections, internal injuries, and even death.
If you or someone you love suffered complications after a surgery in Florida, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim. At Graves Law Practice, our Florida medical malpractice lawyer help victims.
What Does It Mean When a Surgical Instrument Is Left Inside a Patient?
A retained surgical instrument occurs when doctors or nurses accidentally leave medical tools, sponges, or materials inside a patient during surgery. Commonly forgotten items include:
Surgical sponges
Clamps and retractors
Scalpels or scissors
Needles or wire fragments
Towels and gauze
These items can remain undetected for days, months, or even years, leading to severe infections, organ perforations, and chronic pain.
Real Cases of Surgical Instruments Left Inside Patients
1. California Woman Wins $5.6 Million for Sponge Left After C-Section
A woman in California developed a severe infection when doctors left a surgical sponge inside her abdomen after a C-section. The case resulted in a $5.6 million settlement for medical expenses, pain, and suffering.
2. New York Patient Receives $9.3 Million After Clamp Left in Body
A New York jury awarded $9.3 million to a patient who suffered chronic pain after a metal clamp was left inside during a kidney surgery. The object was discovered years later through imaging.
3. Florida Case: $2 Million Settlement for Gauze Left in Abdomen
A Florida hospital reached a $2 million confidential settlement after a surgical sponge caused sepsis and multiple follow-up surgeries. The case highlighted a breakdown in sponge count protocols.
4. Illinois Patient Awarded $7.5 Million for Retained Surgical Pad
After years of unexplained abdominal pain, a patient in Illinois learned a surgical pad had been left behind during gallbladder surgery. The verdict included damages for lost wages, suffering, and long-term care.
5. Texas Lawsuit Results in $4.2 Million Verdict Over Retained Forceps
A man in Texas underwent emergency surgery for internal bleeding caused by forceps left in his body after an earlier procedure. The jury found the hospital grossly negligent, resulting in a $4.2 million award.
How These Mistakes Happen
Surgical teams are required to follow strict counting and verification protocols before closing a surgical site. However, retained surgical items often happen because of:
Human error in counting tools or materials
Poor communication between surgical staff
Emergency procedures where time is limited
Fatigue or understaffing in operating rooms
Failure to use tracking technology for surgical sponges
Your Legal Rights After a Surgical Error
If a medical instrument was left inside your body, you may be entitled to significant compensation under Florida law. A Florida surgical malpractice attorney can help you recover damages for:
Medical expenses for additional surgeries or treatment
Lost wages and reduced earning ability
Pain and suffering
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Emotional distress
In most cases, victims can file a medical malpractice lawsuit within two years of discovering the injury. However, it’s best to contact a lawyer immediately to preserve evidence and protect your claim.
Why Choose Graves Law Practice for Surgical Malpractice Cases
At Graves Law Practice, we understand how devastating surgical negligence can be. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex medical malpractice cases across Florida, from Orlando to Tampa Bay and Fort Myers.
We collaborate with medical experts to prove negligence, identify responsible parties, and pursue the maximum possible compensation. We offer:
Free consultations and no upfront fees
Decades of combined experience in medical negligence cases
Personalized attention from attorneys who truly care
A proven track record of results against hospitals and insurers
When your health and future are at stake, you want the best medical malpractice lawyer in Florida on your side.
Preventing Surgical Retention Errors
While hospitals should bear responsibility, patients can also take proactive steps to reduce risk:
Ask if your hospital uses radio-frequency tracking systems for surgical sponges
Confirm that surgical counts are performed and verified before closure
Request a follow-up appointment soon after surgery if you feel unexplained pain or swelling
These steps may not prevent negligence, but they help ensure accountability and early detection.
Contact a Florida Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
If you believe a surgical instrument was left inside your body after surgery, do not wait. Contact Graves Law Practice today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Florida medical malpractice attorney.
We proudly represent clients in Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, Pensacola, and throughout the state of Florida. Let us help you seek justice and secure the compensation you deserve.