Since it was a mistake the surgeon made, it likely was a mistake made during the surgery. Which probably put OP in danger or they at least had to fix it due to it eventually causing issue. Depending on how severe it was, I'd sue. Doctors double down on insurance for a reason. They are sued a lot. And if they **** up enough, no lawyer can save them. You can throw yourself a 'Yay I survived a incompetence' party with any money you may get ( though note half of it will go to your lawyer. it's worth it though medical mistakes are serious business and if people didn't sue because 'everyone makes mistakes' then in essence that's saying it's okay for surgeons to make mistakes. It's not okay. Yeah, it's inevitable, but that still doesn't it make it okay. the surgeon probably won't even lose their job of sued. reputation takes a hit, but yeah like a said doctors tend to have a heavy duty insurance so it would cost the hospital/doctor an thing barring insurance rates may go up. idk how that insurance works)

...is this supposed to make OP feel better?

probably not, but it's a legit statement.

found the American

dude. if a surgeon ***** up your surgery, you sue. this isn't being petty. This could have been a isse teetering between life and death. being sued when you botch up a surgery is a caveat of being a surgeon. yes, nobody is perfect. but a surgeon should try their darndest to be perfect and know there will be consequences if they mess up. the more consequences the better because the last thing competent surgeons need is more people scared out of their wits I'm regards to having surgery to the point of maybe even opting out despite that perhaps being a bad decision health-wise.

just making note (because I forgot to) that my comment was towards #7.

it said "avoidable mistake". which is even worse than an unavoidable one!

My bad. I read it wrong. But you're right. That's even worse.