San Francisco Surgical Error Attorney
Help After A Life-Changing Surgical Mistake
If you or someone you love suffered a serious injury after surgery and you suspect something went wrong, you are not alone. Wrong-site operations, wrong procedures, anesthesia failures, and other operating room errors can leave patients facing more surgeries, permanent disability, or even loss of life. In the middle of medical appointments, bills, and unanswered questions, it can be hard to know where to turn.
At Peterson Injury Law, we focus our practice on serious medical malpractice. Families trust us to investigate complex surgical care, explain what really happened, and pursue accountability when a surgeon or hospital violated the standard of care. Backed by more than 30 years of experience and over $200 million recovered for injured clients, our goal is to help people rebuild stability after devastating medical harm.
If you are worried that a surgical error may have changed your future, you can talk with our team for a free consultation. We review cases carefully and give honest feedback about your options so you can decide what is right for you.
Contact our San Francisco surgical error lawyer by calling (415) 630-2913 today!
Who Can Be Liable For A Surgical Error
When a serious mistake occurs in an operating room, responsibility often extends beyond a single surgeon. Modern surgery involves teams of professionals and complex systems. In San Francisco, that can mean large hospital networks, ambulatory surgery centers, anesthesia groups, and staffing companies, all interacting during a single procedure. Understanding where the system failed is essential to holding the right parties accountable.
Potential defendants in a surgical malpractice case can include the operating surgeon, assisting surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, circulating nurses, scrub technicians, and the hospital or surgery center itself. In some situations, independent contractors or corporate entities that manage staffing or protocols may also share responsibility. When a wrong medical procedure lawyer evaluates a matter, a key part of the work is mapping how decisions were made and by whom.
Our firm conducts detailed investigations that typically involve obtaining and analyzing surgical and anesthesia records, consent forms, post-operative notes, and internal hospital documents when available. We consult with outside medical professionals to compare what occurred with the standard of care. We have experience bringing claims involving major medical institutions in this region and in navigating processes such as Kaiser arbitration when care was provided within that system.
In a serious surgical error case, responsible parties may include:
- Operating and supervising surgeons who planned and performed the procedure.
- Anesthesia providers who monitored and managed the patient during surgery.
- Hospitals or surgery centers that created or enforced safety protocols.
- Nurses and technicians who handled preparation, instruments, and documentation.
- Corporate or contracted entities that influenced staffing, policies, or scheduling.
Many cases involve overlapping negligence, such as a surgeon’s error combined with a hospital’s failure to enforce safety checklists. We work to identify every responsible party so that the full impact of the harm can be addressed in the claim.
Compensation & How Our Team Helps
After a devastating surgical error, families are often focused on immediate medical needs and daily survival, not on the details of a legal claim. At the same time, the costs of additional treatment, lost work, and long-term care can be overwhelming. A successful case handled by a surgical error attorney can help provide the financial resources needed to move forward.
In a serious malpractice matter, compensation may include the cost of past and future medical care, rehabilitation, and assistive devices. It can address lost income and reduced earning capacity when an injury prevents someone from returning to their previous work. For life-altering harm, damages can also account for the need for in-home assistance, modifications to a home, or other support that allows as much independence as possible.
Our team guides clients through each phase of the legal process. This typically begins with a detailed investigation and consultation with medical professionals, followed by filing the case within the applicable California deadlines. We handle written discovery, depositions, and negotiation efforts such as mediation. When a fair resolution is not offered, we are prepared to take cases to trial when that is in the client’s best interest.
Throughout this process, we maintain clear and consistent communication. We outline timelines and expectations early, explain what each stage means in plain language, and remain truthful about risks and potential outcomes. Our goal is to carry the legal and financial pressure so your family can focus on medical recovery and emotional healing. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront fees and you only pay legal fees if there is a financial recovery.
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$3.75 Million Anesthesia Error
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$6.25 Million Anoxic Brain Injury, Anesthesia Error
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Record-Setting $17 Million Birth Injury Settlement
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“Erik and his team were incredibly helpful. They consistently helped me through the unfamiliar and uncertain legal processes, which were all new to me. I trusted Erik always had my best interests in mind and was fighting on my behalf. I deeply appreciate all they did for me and my family.”- Peter M.
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“Erik and his paralegal, Kate, were incredible throughout our case. Erik is an amazing attorney, he was open with us from the very beginning, attentive, and always made sure we understood every step of the process. His honesty and professionalism gave us so”- Joyce D.
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“Working with Erik Peterson was an exceptional experience during one of the most difficult times in our lives. As we faced shock and a maze of medical decisions, Erik seamlessly took on our medical malpractice case with professionalism, compassion, and deep expertise. From our very first conversation, it was clear that Erik had both the knowledge and the sensitivity to guide us through the process with integrity. Erik ultimately secured a settlement that protected our financial future and gave us peace of mind to focus our energy on healing and recovery. We are profoundly grateful for his guidance and advocacy, and we cannot recommend Erik and his team highly enough.”- Jennifer B.
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“I am so very grateful to my lawyer, Erik and his team for his unwavering support, dedication and commitment. Thank you for all your hard work leading us to a victorious outcome in court!”- Quia K.
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“My wife and I are forever grateful to Erik and his team for putting the effort and care for our son and his needs. We chose Erik over another lawyer because they took the time to FaceTime with us and speak to us on a personal level which made us feel safe and heard. Throughout the process Erik was very communicative and detailed in explaining how all the legal things worked and how long things took. He was always truthful and honest but also caring. At the end Erik and his team were able to help us and now our son will have his needs met and a more comfortable life. Thank you.”- Adrian B.
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“He couldn't have managed independence to this extent, his current level of physical activity, or the complexity of his recent social interactions 6 months ago. None of it would have happened without ongoing therapeutic support - which has only been possible with the financial settlement.”- Former Client
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“Thank you Erik for winning our case! Erik and his team are superb. If you are in need of his attorney services, it is likely, like myself, that you are experiencing one of the most traumatic and painful times of your life. Of course you want an excellent lawyer - and he is it. The bonus: he is also a genuinely real and kind human being. I am so grateful to him and his team.”- Margaret C.
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“His knowledge and attention to detail was stellar, making me feel secure during a difficult case. Unlike most people in life, he was always upfront with me and kept me updated every step of the way, which is truly not what I was expecting from a lawyer. Although it was determined my case could take several years, especially during a pandemic, due to his dedication it was over in only 2yrs and made the process as easy for me as possible. I would absolutely recommend this firm and use him again if I ever need to, although I hope I don't.”- Kristy N.
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“My husband passed due to medical malpractice and I didn't know what to do or who to call. All I knew was I needed to get him justice. I researched and found Erik Peterson on google and reviewed various reviews on various sites. He was very patient and fought for me and my late husband. Erik told me what to expect ahead of time so I could prepare myself mentally. All in all, I HIGHLY recommend them to anyone who may need legal assistance in personal injury, medical malpractice and wrongful death. They are excellent and I can't say enough good things about them.”- Kiki A.
Steps To Take After A Suspected Surgical Error
If you believe a wrong-site surgery, wrong procedure, or other serious mistake occurred, you may feel unsure about what to do next. Taking a few careful steps can protect both your health and your legal rights. You do not need to have every answer before you speak with a surgery attorney San Francisco patients trust with complex medical cases.
First, focus on your medical safety. Follow up with appropriate physicians and, when possible, consider an independent second opinion so you understand your current condition and options. Keep copies of discharge summaries, imaging, prescriptions, and any written instructions you received. Try to write down what you were told about the surgery, especially if someone hinted that something did not go as planned.
Helpful steps you can take now include:
- Continue needed medical care and attend follow-up appointments.
- Request copies of your medical records, including operative and anesthesia reports.
- Save bills, insurance communications, and any photos or notes about your recovery.
- Avoid signing releases or quick settlement offers without legal advice.
- Contact our office for a free, confidential review of what happened.
When you reach out to our firm, our Registered Nurse and legal team will listen carefully to your story and review the information you have. We then discuss whether further investigation as a wrong medical procedure attorney matter makes sense and what that might look like. There is no obligation, and you leave the conversation with a clearer understanding of your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my surgery was malpractice?
Not every bad result is malpractice. We compare what happened in your surgery to accepted medical standards, using medical records and clinical review. Our team, including our Registered Nurse, can evaluate your situation and explain whether there are signs that the standard of care was violated.
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Talk With Our Team About A Surgical Error
If you are living with the consequences of a serious surgical mistake in San Francisco, you do not have to face hospitals and insurers on your own. Our firm is built to handle complex medical malpractice cases, and we work to secure outcomes that support long-term care, stability, and quality of life.
When you contact us, you speak with a team that understands both the clinical and legal aspects of your situation. The consultation is free, and you pay no upfront fees. We are here to listen, answer your questions, and help you decide whether pursuing a claim with a surgeon malpractice lawyer is the right step for you.
To discuss a potential case, call (415) 630-2913 today.
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