Orlando retained object malpractice attorney services are essential when a routine surgery turns into a devastating experience due to medical negligence. At Bounds Law Group, we specialize in representing victims of retained surgical object errors—an avoidable yet alarmingly frequent form of medical malpractice. If you or a loved one has suffered due to a surgical item being left inside the body, you may be entitled to significant compensation. This article explores everything you need to know about your rights, legal options, and how our team can help.
Complete our free case evaluation form or call us now at 877-644-5122 to schedule a consultation.
What Are Retained Surgical Objects?
Retained surgical objects (RSOs) are items unintentionally left inside a patient’s body following a surgical procedure. These can include:
- Sponges
- Surgical instruments (forceps, clamps, needles)
- Catheter tips
- Scalpel blades
- Medical gauze or pads
When these objects are not retrieved before the surgical site is closed, they can cause severe, often life-threatening complications. Patients may suffer for months or years without knowing the root cause of their pain or infections. When medical professionals fail to follow basic protocols, the results are catastrophic—and legal action becomes a necessity.
Common Causes of Retained Surgical Items
Despite the implementation of checklists and operating room protocols, RSOs continue to occur for several reasons:
- Miscommunication among surgical team members
- Inaccurate sponge and instrument counts
- Emergency surgeries or procedures
- Fatigue or distraction among medical staff
- Poor documentation
- Complex anatomy that limits visibility
All of these factors are preventable. When safety standards are breached, a skilled Orlando retained object malpractice attorney can help uncover exactly where and how the breakdown occurred.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Retained Surgical Object
It’s not always obvious that an object has been left inside the body. In many cases, symptoms may emerge slowly over time and include:
- Chronic pain at or near the surgical site
- Swelling or redness
- Persistent infections
- Nausea or vomiting
- Internal bleeding
- Digestive issues
- Unexplained fever or chills
If you've undergone a surgical procedure in Florida and are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical evaluation. Then, contact Bounds Law Group to speak with an experienced Orlando retained object malpractice attorney who can investigate your case.
Why You Need an Orlando Retained Object Malpractice Attorney
Pursuing justice in a retained object malpractice case requires deep legal and medical expertise. Hospitals often deny wrongdoing, and insurance companies will fight hard to avoid paying compensation. Here’s why you need an experienced attorney:
- We obtain and analyze surgical records and operative reports
- We consult with expert medical witnesses
- We reconstruct the events of your surgery
- We identify lapses in protocol or negligent actions
- We aggressively negotiate for maximum compensation
Bounds Law Group has extensive experience handling complex surgical error claims, and our legal team knows how to stand up to powerful healthcare institutions.
Proving Liability in Retained Surgical Object Cases
To win your case, an Orlando retained object malpractice attorney must prove:
- A duty of care existed between you and the surgical team.
- The team breached that duty by leaving an object inside you.
- That breach directly caused your injury.
- The injury resulted in financial, emotional, or physical damages.
Our attorneys will gather evidence, secure expert testimony, and build a compelling case to prove each of these elements.
Potential Compensation for Victims
When a retained surgical object causes harm, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Current and future medical bills
- Corrective surgeries
- Loss of income or earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death claims (if the error results in a fatality)
At Bounds Law Group, we believe victims of medical malpractice deserve justice. Our goal is to recover the maximum financial compensation possible on your behalf.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations: Act Quickly
Under Florida law, you generally have two years from the date you discovered—or should have discovered—the retained object to file a malpractice claim. However, the sooner you act, the better. Over time, evidence can be lost, and witnesses may become unavailable.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact an Orlando retained object malpractice attorney at Bounds Law Group today to preserve your rights and begin building your case.
Preventing Retained Surgical Objects: Best Practices and Safeguards
While patients rely on medical professionals to uphold the highest standards of care, it’s vital to know the steps that should be taken to prevent RSOs in the first place.
Hospital and Surgical Team Protocols
Healthcare facilities are expected to follow strict protocols to avoid surgical errors:
- Sponge and instrument counts before and after surgery
- Use of barcoding and RFID technology for trackable sponges and tools
- Final inspection of the surgical site before closure
- WHO surgical safety checklists to ensure all procedures are completed correctly
- Strong intra-team communication during the operation
When these protocols are ignored or poorly implemented, the consequences can be devastating.
Patient Awareness and Advocacy
Although the ultimate responsibility lies with the medical team, patients can also advocate for their safety by:
- Asking questions about the hospital's surgical protocols
- Requesting to review post-operative reports and surgical records
- Choosing reputable hospitals known for surgical safety
If these measures are not followed and a foreign object is left behind, it’s not just a mistake—it’s medical malpractice.
How Bounds Law Group Can Help
At Bounds Law Group, we have the experience, resources, and dedication to pursue justice for victims of surgical negligence. When you hire our team, you get:
- A comprehensive case evaluation
- Access to leading medical experts
- A team that prepares every case for trial from day one
- Fierce negotiation strategies and courtroom representation
- Regular communication and support throughout the process
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay unless we win your case.
Take the First Step Toward Justice
If you or a loved one is suffering due to a retained surgical object, you are not alone—and you have legal rights. Bounds Law Group is here to hold negligent parties accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Complete our free case evaluation form or call us now at 877-644-5122 to speak directly with a trusted Orlando retained object malpractice attorney. Let us help you recover, rebuild, and reclaim your future.
Sources
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Peer-reviewed research on surgical object retention and patient outcomes.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6466885/ - Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) – Trusted source for data on surgical safety and best practices.
https://psnet.ahrq.gov/primer/retained-surgical-items - Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) – Authoritative medical journal offering insights into malpractice trends.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/194058