Over $250 million in verdicts and settlements
the past 5 years alone.
Serving New Jersey families for 70 years.
$7 million verdict for a woman injured by an electrical shock.
"It's about winning. It's about helping those who can't go it alone."
— Attorney David Wheaton
$11 million settlement for auto accident resulting in wrongful death.
"It really does matter which attorney you choose."
Privacy Policy
Home  >  Articles  >  Foreign Objects Left in the Body after Surgery

Foreign Objects Left in the Body after Surgery

Though it may seem like a laughable phenomenon – something that never really happens, except perhaps in sitcoms – surgeons do, on rare occasions, absent-mindedly sew foreign objects up inside their patients’ bodies. Anything from sponges to scissors have been left inside torsos, where they can create serious medical issues such as dangerous infections or internal puncture wounds

If you or someone you love has been a victim of this inexcusable form of malpractice, then you have the right to demand damages from the doctor at fault. The New Jersey medical malpractice attorneys of Levinson Axelrod can help you ensure that you receive the money you deserve. Contact us today at 800-346-5529.

Objects Commonly Left Behind

When a physician behaves negligently, a surgical tool may be sewn into the body after the operation is complete. Such behavior includes failing to document the items placed in the body during surgery or failing to check that all foreign objects have been removed. As a result, any of the following may remain in the body cavity after surgery:

  • Gauze
  • Towels
  • Scissors
  • Needles
  • Sponges

Though some of these items may seem pretty harmless, they will still be treated by the body as a foreign object. The body, therefore, may react poorly to their presence.

Complications Resulting from Foreign Objects

There are a number of complications that may accompany a foreign object left inside the body cavity, including:

  • Infections
  • Organ puncture wounds
  • Pain
  • Blockage of organ functions
  • A second surgery to remove it, as well as all risks associated with this procedure

All of these side effects will be quite uncomfortable, and many of them can be very dangerous.

Contact Us

If you have suffered because a negligent physician left a foreign instrument or object inside your body after surgery, then you deserve to claim compensation. Contact the New Jersey medical malpractice attorneys of Levinson Axelrod at 800-346-5529 to get the legal support you need.