Serious Burns Related to Operating Room Incidents
Burn injuries that occur during surgery are among the most severe and preventable forms of medical harm. At Van Wey, Metzler & Williams, we represent clients across Tulsa who have suffered life-changing injuries due to operating room burns. These injuries often stem from surgical team negligence, improper equipment use, or product failures during medical procedures. Our Tulsa-based legal team is committed to helping victims and their families obtain accountability and compensation.
Surgical Burns: A Critical Patient Safety Issue
While most surgeries proceed without issue, burn injuries in the operating room can happen when protocols are ignored or safety measures break down. These injuries may result from electrical equipment malfunctioning, flammable materials igniting, or chemical agents being mishandled. In each case, the harm is often avoidable.
Burn Types Seen in Tulsa Operating Rooms:
- Thermal burns: Caused by contact with overheated surgical tools or fluids.
- Electrical burns: Often due to electrosurgical units being used improperly.
- Chemical burns: Resulting from misapplication of antiseptics, sterilizers, or other agents.
Severity can range from superficial first-degree burns to deep third- and fourth-degree injuries requiring extensive reconstructive surgery.
When Medical Negligence Triggers Burn Injuries
Operating room burns typically involve preventable mistakes. Our Tulsa attorneys routinely investigate incidents involving:
- Inadequate training of surgical staff
- Miscommunication during procedures
- Equipment malfunctions or unsafe setup
- Failure to control oxygen levels or isolate flammable materials
Burn injuries can result in extended hospital stays, skin grafts, multiple surgeries, permanent disfigurement, and deep emotional trauma. When medical professionals fail in their duty to protect patients, our firm stands ready to hold them accountable.
Fires in Tulsa Operating Rooms: Who Is Responsible?
Surgical fires are rare but devastating. They often occur when an ignition source (like a laser or cautery device), fuel (such as alcohol-based preps or drapes), and oxygen come together in an enclosed space. Surgical teams are trained to prevent this so any failure in those protocols may constitute negligence.
Our Tulsa-based legal team investigates surgical fires by examining:
- Pre-surgery safety protocols and checklists
- Equipment setup and maintenance logs
- Operating room communication breakdowns
- Hospital safety and response training
If a fire occurred during surgery in a Tulsa hospital or clinic, you deserve answers. We can help you uncover what went wrong and who is liable.
Product Liability: When Devices Cause Surgical Burns
Sometimes, the burn isn’t due to surgical error but rather a defective device. Electrocautery units, warming blankets, or surgical lighting tools can malfunction or overheat. If the product was recalled or known to be defective, both the manufacturer and the hospital that used it may share liability.
In these cases, our Tulsa burn injury lawyers will:
- Examine whether the device had known risks or was subject to a recall
- Investigate whether staff were properly trained on the device
- Work with biomedical engineers and product experts to understand the root cause
Long-Term Consequences for Burn Victims
Burn injuries impact far more than the skin. Many Tulsa victims require ongoing pain management, psychological support, and rehabilitative therapy. In the most serious cases, individuals lose mobility, suffer from PTSD, or are permanently disfigured.
Our legal team considers the full scope of damages when seeking compensation, including:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost earnings and reduced earning capacity
- Costs for cosmetic or reconstructive surgeries
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Why Choose Van Wey, Metzler & Williams in Tulsa?
We don’t just litigate medical malpractice cases—we specialize in them. Our Tulsa team is dedicated to representing victims of severe medical harm, and we bring decades of focused experience to these complex cases. We also collaborate with nationally respected medical experts to ensure every aspect of your injury is properly evaluated.
What sets us apart in Tulsa:
- Over 40 years of combined experience in medical malpractice law
- Successful track record handling operating room and surgical fire cases
- Compassionate, client-focused legal counsel
- No fees unless we win your case
Speak With a Tulsa Burn Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one suffered a burn injury during surgery in Tulsa, you may be entitled to compensation. These injuries should never happen. Let us help you uncover the truth, hold the negligent parties responsible, and secure the recovery you deserve.
Schedule your free consultation today. Call (800) 489-5082 or contact us online to speak with a Tulsa medical malpractice attorney who understands what you’re going through and is ready to fight for you.
