Surgical errors can happen in any procedure, no matter how simple or complex. Whether the surgical mistake involves anesthesia, medication, incisions, leaving an instrument behind in the patient, or operating on an incorrect body part, the patient is put in a great amount of danger. When surgical errors occur, it may be the result of medical malpractice. In these situations, there are a number of different parties that may be liable for the surgical mistake, including:

• Your surgeon
  
• The anesthesiologist
• A nurse
• The hospital
• The pharmacist

There are a number of ways a hospital can be found negligent. The hospital may be liable for the negligence of a number of different types of employees, including nurse practitioners and physician's assistants. Surgeons who are technically "independent contractors" may also leave the hospital at fault - for providing hospital privileges to someone who is ill-experienced and incompetent.