When Surgery Goes Wrong, We Step In to Make It Right.
Fierce Advocates for Surgical Malpractice Victims in Chicago
Every time you undergo a surgical procedure, you’re placing your life in the hands of doctors, nurses, and hospital staff—trusting they will do everything right.
But when that trust is violated due to negligence in the operating room, the outcome can be devastating.
At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we represent patients in Chicago who have suffered catastrophic injuries—or lost a loved one—due to preventable surgical mistakes. Our firm brings nationally recognized experience, a track record of multi-million-dollar recoveries, and a reputation for taking on complex surgical error cases that other firms won’t touch.
If you or your family have been affected by a surgical error in Chicago, we’re here to help you take the next step toward justice.
The Hidden Epidemic: Surgical Errors Are More Common Than You Think
Many patients assume surgery is always safe when done in a hospital. Unfortunately, thousands of serious surgical mistakes happen every year—and many are never publicly disclosed. Some patients are left with permanent injuries. Others never wake up.
Whether it’s a botched robotic procedure, a retained surgical sponge, or anesthesia mismanagement, we know how to uncover the truth—and how to hold healthcare providers in Chicago’s hospitals and surgical centers accountable.
Common Surgical Error Cases We Handle in Chicago
Anesthesia Negligence
- Overdose or underdose
- Allergic reactions due to poor screening
- Airway mismanagement leading to oxygen deprivation
Bowel & Colon Perforation
- Common during hysterectomies and gynecologic surgeries
- Can lead to deadly infections and sepsis if not quickly recognized
Retained Surgical Items
- Sponges or instruments left inside the body
- Often requires additional surgery and causes serious harm
Wrong Site or Wrong Patient Surgery
- Operating on the wrong body part or performing the wrong procedure
Surgical Fires and Burns
- Caused by flammable prep solutions and ignition sources in the OR
Hypoxic Brain Injury
- Inadequate oxygen delivery during surgery
- Can lead to cognitive decline, coma, or death
Severe Nerve or Spinal Cord Injuries
- From improper patient positioning, surgical trauma, or anesthesia error
Gallbladder Surgery Malpractice
- Bile duct damage is one of the most litigated surgical errors in the country
Robotic Surgery Complications
- Caused by system malfunction or lack of training in da Vinci and similar systems
When Surgical Errors Result in Wrongful Death
Sadly, some Chicago families lose loved ones due to surgical negligence. These are the hardest cases we handle—and the most important.
We help surviving families:
- Get honest answers from hospitals that often hide mistakes
- Pursue full wrongful death compensation
- Shine a light on systemic issues that put future patients at risk
If your loved one died after a routine surgery, and you’re not getting clear answers from the hospital, we will investigate on your behalf.
Are Non-Board-Certified Surgeons Practicing in Chicago?
Yes—and it’s more common than you think. In fact, around 80% of medical malpractice lawsuits nationwide involve doctors who lack board certification in their specialty.
Our legal team will investigate your surgeon’s credentials, hospital safety protocols, and whether your injury was the result of substandard care.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Surgical Malpractice Case?
Our Chicago surgical error attorneys work with economists, life care planners, and medical experts to calculate the full extent of your damages, including:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Home modifications and mobility aids
- Lifetime care needs
- Wrongful death compensation, if applicable
Signs That Surgical Malpractice May Have Occurred
Not all bad outcomes are malpractice—but if any of the following occurred after your surgery in Chicago, it’s worth speaking to an attorney:
- Your symptoms worsened suddenly without clear cause
- The hospital refuses to give you straight answers
- Imaging shows retained instruments or foreign objects
- You were discharged, then rushed back to the ER
- You experienced unexpected brain damage or coma
Why Chicago Clients Choose Van Wey, Metzler & Williams
Award-Winning Trial Lawyers
Decades of experience in surgical malpractice, with a national footprint and local focus.
Relentless Investigation
We don’t stop until we know exactly what went wrong—and why.
Patient-Focused Care
We treat every client like family, keeping you informed at every step.
No Win, No Fee
You pay us nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Schedule a Free Consultation with a Chicago Surgical Error Attorney
If you’ve suffered due to surgical negligence in Chicago, don’t go up against the hospital alone. We’re here to demand answers and deliver justice. At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we help victims of surgical malpractice turn their pain into power—and we’ll stand beside you every step of the way.
