Attorney at Graves McLain Injury Lawyers
Practice Areas: Car Accidents, Medical Malpractice, Vaccine Injuries
Robotic surgery has become increasingly common in hospitals across Tulsa and the U.S. These procedures are often described as less invasive and quicker to heal from—but not everyone knows the whole story. While robotic systems like the da Vinci Surgical Robot have changed how some surgeries are done, they have also raised serious safety concerns.
Suppose you’re considering robotic surgery or have already experienced complications. In that case, it’s essential to understand how the technology works, what risks are involved, and what legal options you may have if something goes wrong.
The da Vinci system is a robotic surgical device that allows surgeons to perform complex procedures using a console that controls robotic arms. These arms hold surgical tools and a camera that gives the surgeon a 3D view of the area being operated on.
This system is often used for:
The device is promoted as a way to reduce recovery time and minimize visible scarring. However, those benefits don’t always outweigh the risks. Not all surgeons are equally trained on this equipment, and some procedures may be better suited to traditional techniques.
While robotic surgery can offer benefits in the right hands, it also brings unique risks. Injuries from robotic-assisted procedures have been reported across the country, including in Oklahoma. These injuries can range from mild to life-altering.
Some of the more serious complications include:
These injuries may happen because of mechanical failure, poor visibility during the procedure, or the surgeon’s lack of experience with the robotic system.
From 2000 to 2022, over 20,000 adverse event reports were filed with the FDA involving robotic surgical systems, including 274 reported deaths. — U.S. Food and Drug Administration (MAUDE Database)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received thousands of reports of injuries and deaths tied to robotic surgery. Although the da Vinci robot is FDA-approved, the approval process does not guarantee safety in every situation or with every user.
Hospitals are expected to train their surgeons thoroughly before allowing them to operate using this system. Failure to follow proper procedures or to fully inform patients of the risks could lead to legal liability.
The da Vinci system is FDA-approved, but that does not mean every use of it is risk-free. Patients must be told whether their surgeon is adequately trained. — Patient Safety Foundation.
Intuitive Surgical, the company that manufactures the da Vinci robot, has faced multiple lawsuits. These lawsuits often claim that the company failed to warn users about specific risks or did not design the device to prevent foreseeable harm.
Many robotic surgery claims involve not just the surgeon, but also the device manufacturer in a separate product liability claim. — National Law Review.
If your doctor recommends robotic surgery, take time to understand what’s involved. Not every hospital or surgeon has the same level of experience with this technology. Asking questions before the procedure could help prevent complications later.
Informed consent must include all known risks, benefits, and alternatives. A hospital’s failure to provide this can be grounds for a malpractice claim. — Oklahoma Medical Malpractice Law Summary.
Here are a few essential questions to ask your doctor:
Being fully informed is not just a good idea—it’s your right.
If you’ve experienced a serious injury after robotics surgery, You may have grounds for medical malpractice compliance. Or product liability claim. In Oklahoma, these cases typically focus on whether your surgeon was trained correctly, whether you were warned about the risks, or whether the equipment malfunctioned.
A successful claim may involve:
Oklahoma law generally gives patients two years from the date where the injury came to light to file a medical malpractice lawsuit. In some cases involving minors or delayed symptoms, this timeline may be different.
Complication Type | Robotic Surgery (Reported Cases) | Traditional Surgery (Baseline Risk) |
| Organ perforation | Higher | Lower |
| Infection risk | Similar | Similar |
| Surgeon error due to device | Moderate to high | Lower |
| Device malfunction | Present (unique risk) | Not applicable |
| Pain after gynecological surgery | Higher incidence reported | Lower to moderate |
The da Vinci robotic system is used for minimally invasive surgeries such as hysterectomies, prostate removals, and hernia repairs. It gives surgeons a better view and more precise control during the operation.
Not always. While some patients report faster recovery, robotic procedures can lead to serious injuries if the surgeon is inexperienced or if the device malfunctions.
Yes. If the injury resulted from surgical negligence, poor training, or a defective medical device, you may have a case for compensation through a medical malpractice or product liability claim.
You can ask directly. A qualified surgeon should be able to explain their training, how many robotic procedures they’ve done, and the outcomes they’ve seen.
You typically have two years from the date you became aware of the injury to file a medical malpractice claim in Oklahoma. Some exceptions may apply in unique cases.
Depending on the cause, responsibility could fall on the surgeon, the hospital, or the device manufacturer. An investigation will help determine who may be liable.
Robotic surgery can offer benefits, but it also carries real risks—mainly when used without proper training or oversight. If you were injured during a robotic procedure, don’t assume you’re out of options. These injuries may entitle you to legal compensation, especially if your care team didn’t follow safety standards or failed to warn you about the risks.
Graves McLain Injury Lawyers helps patients and families in Tulsa who’ve suffered harm from surgical errors or defective medical devices. If you’re unsure whether you have a claim, talking with an attorney can help clarify your next steps. The first step is understanding your rights—and we’re here to help you do that.
Please make an appointment for a free consultation with Graves McLain Injury Lawyers right now to find out how they can support your future.
When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.
