When you or a loved one undergoes surgery, you place your life in the hands of medical professionals. You trust that your surgeon will follow proper procedures, monitor your condition, and provide the care you need for a safe and successful recovery.

But what happens when that trust is broken? What happens if something went wrong—and it didn’t have to?

If you’ve experienced a surgical error, you may feel overwhelmed, afraid, and unsure of your next steps. The truth is, surgical errors are often preventable and can lead to devastating long-term consequences. You may be wondering:

At Poulos & Coates, you’ll work with a Deming surgery malpractice lawyer who understands the emotional and physical toll a surgical injury can take on your life. We’re here to listen, investigate, and help you pursue the compensation and accountability you deserve.

Surgical Mistakes Are More Common Than You Think

You’re not alone. Thousands of people across the United States suffer from surgical malpractice each year. According to a study published by BMJ Quality & Safety, over 4,000 preventable surgical errors occur annually in U.S. hospitals. These “never events,” like leaving tools inside a patient or operating on the wrong body part, can cause permanent injury or even death.

Botched surgeries can result from:

  • Poor communication between surgical staff,
  • Inadequate preoperative planning,
  • Fatigue or distraction,
  • Failure to follow standard protocols, and
  • Neglect in postoperative care.

If you’ve suffered any of these, it’s natural to wonder, “What constitutes a botched surgery?” Legally, a botched surgery occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in harm to the patient.

You Deserve Answers and a Path Forward

The aftermath of a surgical error is more than just painful—it can impact your ability to work, support your family, or enjoy life. You may be facing:

  • Corrective surgeries,
  • Ongoing pain or disability,
  • Lost wages or future income,
  • Emotional trauma, and
  • Mounting medical bills.

Our team at Poulos & Coates is ready to help. With over 100 years of combined experience, we are uniquely equipped to handle even the most complex surgery malpractice claims as the only New Mexico law firm focused solely on medical malpractice.

Why Choose Poulos & Coates?

Here’s what sets a Poulos & Coates surgery malpractice lawyer apart:

  • Medical expertise in-house. We’re the only law firm in New Mexico with a licensed medical doctor and two nurses on staff, giving us unmatched insight into healthcare standards.
  • Track record of success. We’ve secured over half a billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for injured clients and their families.
  • Deep courtroom experience. Our lawyers are trial-ready and in the courtroom nearly every day.
  • Focused practice. We handle only medical malpractice cases. That means our team understands every nuance of this complex area of law.
  • Client-focused representation. We care about your well-being and your future. You’ll never be just another case number to us.

When you’re facing the aftermath of a botched surgery, you need a team that’s experienced, focused, and fully equipped to fight for your recovery. Poulos & Coates has the legal firepower and medical insight to make a difference in your case.

What We Can Do for You

When you work with Poulos & Coates, you get more than just legal representation—you get a strategic team that understands both the law and the medicine behind your injury. Here’s what you can expect.

Free Case Evaluation

We start with a no-cost, no-obligation consultation to learn your story. We’ll ask about your surgery, your symptoms, and what you’ve experienced since the procedure.

Detailed Medical Review

Our legal-medical team will carefully review your surgical records and consult with experts to determine whether your provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care.

Filing a Lawsuit

If we determine that medical negligence occurred, we’ll begin the process of filing a lawsuit. We’ll prepare every aspect of your case for trial—even if we resolve it through settlement.

Negotiation or Trial

Most medical malpractice cases are resolved outside of court, but we’re not afraid to go to trial if necessary. We’re aggressive negotiators and even stronger litigators.

Understanding Compensation: What Is the Average Settlement for Surgery Malpractice?

The average settlement for surgery malpractice varies depending on several factors, including:

  • The severity of the injury,
  • The cost of future medical treatment,
  • The extent of disability or disfigurement,
  • Lost wages and earning potential, and
  • Emotional pain and suffering.

In New Mexico, noneconomic damages (like pain and suffering) in medical malpractice cases are subject to a $750,000 cap. This cap does not include medical expenses or punitive damages, which are available in extreme cases.

Every case is unique. We’ll help you understand the full value of your claim and fight to recover everything you’re entitled to.

Can You Sue for a Messed Up Surgery?

Absolutely. If your surgeon or healthcare team acted negligently and caused harm, you may be entitled to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. But it’s important to act quickly.

Under New Mexico law, the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice claim is three years from the date the injury occurred. There are exceptions, but time is always critical in building the strongest case.

How to Know If You Have a Case for Surgery Malpractice

You may have a viable surgery malpractice claim if:

  • Your symptoms worsened significantly after surgery;
  • You needed a second surgery to correct a mistake;
  • A surgeon operated on the wrong body part;
  • You were not properly monitored after the procedure;
  • Instruments were left inside your body; or
  • You experienced internal bleeding, infection, or organ damage.

Unsure if what happened to you qualifies as malpractice? Let us help you figure it out.

Call a Deming Surgery Malpractice Lawyer Today

You’ve suffered enough. Let our experienced team at Poulos & Coates fight for the justice, answers, and compensation you deserve.

We’re proud to serve the Deming community and surrounding areas with compassion, integrity, and strength. Our only goal is to help you move forward. Call us at 575-523-4444 or contact us through our secure form to schedule your free consultation with a Deming surgery malpractice lawyer.

We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and be your trusted guide through this difficult time.