Surgical Errors Statistics

Surgery is supposed to solve a medical problem, not create new ones. Yet, across the United States, patients face complications that should not happen during a procedure. Many are considered surgical errors—avoidable mistakes that occur during an operation.

At Pierce Skrabanek, we hear from people who underwent surgery expecting a recovery only to face more procedures, ongoing symptoms, or unexpected complications. Surgeons often don't give patients a complete explanation, and a growing body of data helps explain why.

Surgical errors statistics show that although these mistakes are rare when compared to the total number of procedures performed each year, they still affect thousands of patients annually. 

Understanding the frequency and types of mistakes that can occur is a starting point for those who believe something went wrong during their surgery.

Surgical mistakes can lead to serious harm. Our medical malpractice lawyers can review your case and explain your legal rights. Contact us online or by phone at (832) 690-7000.

Surgery Mistakes Statistics in the United States

Healthcare professionals use the term "never event" to describe serious surgical errors that should never happen when they follow proper protocols and safety standards. These include operating on the wrong body part, performing the wrong procedure, or leaving a surgical object inside the patient.

Despite system-wide safety efforts, preventable surgery mistakes continue to occur. Surgical errors related to "never events" account for more than 1 in 5 medical malpractice claims, with the most frequent issues involving:

• Retained surgical instruments or sponges left inside the patient,
• Performing the wrong procedure or operating on the wrong body site, and
• Operating on the wrong patient due to identification or communication failure.

A 2024 study published in the BMJ, which analyzed more than 75,000 malpractice cases, reinforced that surgical mistakes remain the leading cause of medical lawsuits, accounting for over 25% of all claims.

Although these figures come from reported claims, the actual number of surgical errors may be higher. Hospitals are not always required to report internal incidents unless prompted by a patient complaint or formal legal action.

Surgery Errors Statistics: What Contributes to These Events?

Most surgical procedures are completed without problems, but errors occur when standard protections are missed. Analysis of reported cases points to common contributing factors:

• Misidentification of the patient or surgical site,
• Poor coordination between team members,
• Fatigue during long or repeated procedures,
• Incomplete surgical checklists,
• Inadequate tracking of instruments and supplies, and
• Failure to review or update patient records.

Such missteps can lead to wrong-site surgeries, retained surgical instruments, or actions that do not reflect a patient's medical history. In some situations, hospital systems or day-to-day practices may contribute by skipping steps that are in place to safeguard patient care.

If you experienced complications after surgery, especially an unexplained outcome or need for additional procedures, you may have a medical malpractice claim. Contact the surgical error attorneys at Pierce Skrabanek for a free case evaluation today at (832) 690-7000 or online.

Surgical Mistakes Statistics and Medical Accountability

Surgery mistakes statistics indicate that these types of errors continue to be a leading cause of malpractice claims, with long-term consequences for many patients.

Medical malpractice payouts in the U.S. totaled more than $3.8 billion in a single year, with surgical mistakes ranking among the most common and costly causes. These mistakes often involve wrong-site operations, retained objects, or errors that could have been prevented. This estimate includes only reported and documented cases, excluding those resolved privately or never brought to light.

Claims involving wrong-site surgeries, retained objects, or procedural errors may require follow-up operations, prolonged hospital stays, or additional rehabilitation. Some patients undergo corrective procedures without fully understanding what happened in the original surgery.

As a medical malpractice law firm, we work with individuals who have questions about why their recovery from surgery has not gone as expected. Clients often come to us after being told little or nothing about what occurred in the operating room. Others seek a second opinion when they're advised to simply "accept" a poor outcome without a meaningful explanation.

How Often Do Surgical Errors Occur?

Surgical errors statistics indicate these events are not the norm, but they happen more often than many expect. When someone experiences pain, symptoms, or complications that weren't explained in advance, they should ask whether a mistake occurred.

Some signs include:

• Infection or inflammation near the incision that does not resolve,
• Need for an unexpected follow-up surgery,
• Foreign objects discovered after a procedure,
• Persistent nerve pain or mobility issues, or
• Recovery time that exceeds medical expectations.

Each case is different, but patients should consider whether the surgical team followed the standard care when these symptoms appear after surgery.

Pierce Skrabanek Demands Accountability for Surgical Errors

Surgical errors can have life-altering consequences—perforated organs, severe bleeding, post-operative infections, permanent injury, or even death. These outcomes are not always the result of surgical risk. In some cases, they are the result of negligence.

At Pierce Skrabanek, we represent patients and families harmed because a surgeon, nurse, or hospital failed to meet the standard of care. When safety protocols are ignored, surgical instruments are left behind, or critical steps are missed, we work to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Hospitals and surgical centers have teams protecting them. Patients deserve the same.

We're here to advocate for you if you believe something went wrong during surgery. Call (832) 690-7000 today or reach out online for a free, confidential case review.