What Are Never Events In Medical Malpractice?
Last updated on June 5, 2025
In terms of medical malpractice, a never event is something that should not happen under any circumstances. It is a catastrophic and serious error. It is far more than just a negative outcome or basic mistake. Medical professionals, through negligence or omission, have done something that harmed the patient that never should have occurred.
Here at Kent M. Lucaccioni, Ltd., we are experienced medical malpractice attorneys. We know the law and know when to spot these “never events.” We are proud to serve the Chicago area, and our lawyers offer free initial consultations to our clients. We also speak Spanish and Vietnamese, and we have offices in both Chicago and Elgin.
What Is An Example Of A Never Event?
Wrong-site surgery is a never event. There are three main ways that this occurs:
- Operating on the wrong side of the body
- Operating on the wrong patient
- Performing the wrong procedure
These mistakes can happen due to miscommunication errors in the hospital or failing to follow certain safety protocols. For example, surgeons often need to mark patients before surgery to confirm the proper location. But if the surgeon fails to do so, it could lead to wrong-site surgery.
Other examples of never events include:
- Injections into the wrong site
- Foreign objects retained after surgery
- Certain medication errors
- Discharging an infant to the wrong parents
- Using the wrong prosthetic or implant
A never event can have catastrophic and life-altering consequences. It can lead to disfigurement and disability. It could create long-term issues for a patient who doesn’t receive the medical care they need or cannot return to work. That’s why it’s so important for injured parties and their families to understand exactly what legal options they have and how to seek appropriate compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment in life, lost or reduced earning capacity and much more.
Call For A Free Consultation
If you believe you have suffered a never event or another example of medical malpractice, call our Chicago lawyers at 877-930-2551 or use the online contact form to set up your free initial consultation today.
