How Common Are Surgical Errors That Injure Children?

 Posted on August 25, 2025 in Medical Malpractice

There are numerous reasons why children can benefit from surgery. These procedures may treat serious medical conditions and help to improve children’s long-term health. However, when surgical errors occur, the consequences can be devastating. In these situations, a qualified Arlington Heights, IL personal injury attorney with experience in medical malpractice cases involving child patients can help families understand their legal options. By recovering compensation for the harm a child has suffered, a family can make sure they will have the financial resources needed to provide for the child’s ongoing care.

Pediatric Surgical Errors Are Rare but Serious

A large-scale study analyzing approximately 5.4 million surgical procedures performed on children in the United States and other countries found that there was an error rate of about 0.2 percent. While this number may seem low at first glance, it still translates to nearly 9,000 children harmed by surgical mistakes. Each of these cases represents a child whose life may have been permanently altered due to a preventable error.

Children have smaller, more delicate organs than adults, and their bodies are still developing, which can make surgical procedures more complex. As a result, even minor mistakes can lead to serious complications, long-term disability, or even wrongful death.

Common Causes of Surgical Errors Affecting Children

Pediatric surgical errors can occur for a variety of reasons. Understanding the most common causes of surgical errors in cases involving children may help families identify the mistakes that have affected them. An attorney with experience in these matters can also help determine the reasons that a child may have suffered harm following a surgical procedure. Preventable errors related to child surgery may include:

Improper Patient Evaluations

Before any surgery, a full evaluation should be conducted to determine whether the procedure is appropriate for the patient. This includes reviewing the child’s medical history, their current health status, and any potential risks. Failure to properly evaluate a child can lead to unnecessary procedures or complications during surgery.

Diagnostic Errors

A surgery performed based on an incorrect diagnosis can result in avoidable harm. For example, if a surgeon operates on a child under the mistaken belief that a tumor is malignant, the child may undergo an invasive and unnecessary procedure.

Wrong-Site or Wrong-Procedure Errors

Surgical errors involving the wrong part of the body are among the most alarming. These mistakes, known as "wrong-site," "wrong-procedure," or "wrong-patient" surgeries, can occur due to breakdowns in communication, inadequate pre-surgery verification, or human error. These are considered "never events," meaning they should never happen in a properly functioning healthcare system.

Internal Injuries or Organ Damage

Even when the correct procedure is performed, a surgeon can inadvertently damage surrounding organs, blood vessels, or nerves. Because children's organs are smaller and closer together, even small mistakes can have serious consequences.

Surgical Instruments Left in the Body

When surgical tools or other objects are left inside a child’s body, these retained items can cause infections, blockages, or other health issues, and additional surgeries may be needed to remove the objects.

Inadequate Postoperative Care

A child’s recovery from surgery is just as important as the procedure itself. Postoperative complications like infections, bleeding, or poor wound care can result in prolonged hospital stays, readmissions, or permanent injuries. Failing to monitor and respond to postoperative complications promptly can turn a successful surgery into a tragic outcome.

The Lifelong Impact of Pediatric Surgical Errors

Surgical mistakes during childhood can lead to long-term physical and emotional harm for the child. Some children may face a lifetime of chronic pain, disability, or disfigurement. In many cases, additional corrective surgeries are needed, further increasing the risk of complications. Beyond the physical consequences, families may face overwhelming emotional stress and financial burdens.

Hospitals and medical providers have a legal and ethical duty to ensure that children receive the highest standard of care. When preventable errors occur, families can take steps to seek accountability and recover financial compensation.

Contact Our Rolling Meadows, IL Pediatric Surgical Errors Lawyer

If your child was harmed due to a surgical error, you may be entitled to compensation that will address your family’s medical costs, your child’s pain and suffering, and other financial or personal losses. Contact the Arlington Heights, IL medical malpractice attorneys at Newland & Newland, LLP to discuss your case. Call 847-797-8000 today to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you hold negligent healthcare providers accountable for your child’s injuries.