Transfusion errors occur when a patient does not receive a transfusion when indicated (such as red blood cells or platelets) or the patient receives an incompatible transfusion due to a preventable mistake. Examples of tranfusion errors that can lead to catastrophic injury or death include:

 

• Failure to transfuse red blood cells during surgery when the patient has an abnormally low hemoglobin level and further substantial blood loss is anticipated

 

• Failure to transfuse platelets or other clotting factors during surgery when the patient has an abnormally low platelet count and further substantial blood loss is anticipated

 

• Transfusion of incompatible blood products due to clerical mistakes, absence of required labels, and other preventable mistakes

 

If you or a family member have suffered a catastrophic injury or loss due to a transfusion error, contact Bill Maddix, your Minnesota medical malpractice lawyer, for a free consultation.