Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia is a cornerstone of modern medicine, transforming surgery from a traumatic ordeal into a safe, controlled procedure. However, the high stakes of perioperative care leave little room for error. When mistakes occur–whether due to dosage inaccuracies, monitoring failures, or equipment malfunctions–the consequences can range from minor complications to catastrophic neurological injury or death.

As surgical techniques become more complex and patient populations grow more diverse, understanding the root causes of these errors is essential for improving patient safety and clinical outcomes.

The San Bernardino-based Medical Malpractice Lawyers at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation, have been handling cases involving Anesthesia Errors and Medical Malpractice claims in the State of California, Since 1981.

If you are ever faced with a serious medical condition that involves surgery you will most likely be put under using anesthesia. As you are most likely concerned about the outcome of the surgery you may take for granted that the anesthesia will be properly administered. While more often than not anesthesia is administered without incident there is always the risk of an anesthesia error or medication error while you are under.

Even a minor miscalculation, mistake or oversight can result in serious and life altering injuries and long-term health complications.

If you have, or someone you love has, been the victim of anesthesia malpractice you do not have to face it alone. It is important for you to consult with a trusted and knowledgable California Medical Malpractice Attorney.

Contact SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation to discuss your medical malpractice claim. There is no charge for the initial consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, NO RECOVERY=NO FEE. Call today regarding getting any compensation and benefits you may be entitled to for your injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering.

Anesthesia is a medication that numbs specific parts of a person’s body. It is also used to render a person unconscious. Surgeons and other medical professionals may use this to perform medical procedures on a person with minimal pain or discomfort. The following are the four main types of the medication:

1. Local Anesthesia Affecting Only A Small Section Of A Person’s Body:  This can be used during dental procedures or when there is a topical injury.
2. Regional Anesthesia Used To Numb A Larger Section Of A Person’s Body:  This type of anesthesia can be used to numb a person’s entire leg or arm. It is commonly used when treating a bone fracture or a wound that is too large the use of local anesthesia.
3. Monitored Sedation Allows For A Patient To Remain Conscious During The Procedure:  This type of medication will provide numbing effects but will still allow the person to remain awake during the medical procedure. It is common in procedures such as childbirth.
4. General Anesthesia Which Renders A Person Completely Unconscious:  This can be used for major surgeries, such as heart surgery, back surgery, hip and knee replacements, cosmetic procedures and more.

Common mistakes that lead to injury or death during anesthesia administration can include:

There are two very common types of anesthesia malpractice injuries. They are:

Anesthesia Wrongful Death:

The point to anesthesia is to numb the body so that the patient does not experience any pain or discomfort during the procedure. The body and its functions are intentionally slowed nearly to the point of death. If proper procedures, protocol and standards of care are not adhered to it is possible for a patient to die from incorrect anesthesia dosages.

Anesthesia Awareness: 

Sometimes a patient will be administered anesthesia and it will appear as though they are under. This may not be the case as they are actually awake, cognizant of their surroundings and can hear the conversations in the operating room. What they cannot do to the paralyzing agents they are given is move or communicate this to the surgeons and medical team.

Victims of anesthesia awareness may suffer from post traumatic stress disorder, nightmares insomnia, flashbacks, paranoia and other symptoms associated with extremely traumatic and painful events.

When medicating a person with anesthesia, any amount can have dangerous consequences if administered incorrectly. Medical professionals need to cautiously examine a person’s medical history and current medical condition in effort of ensuring that the correct dose is administered. Additionally, there are some people who can be allergic to the medication or the mixture of medications. If the medical staff has overlooked these issues, the consequences can even be fatal.

Anesthetic errors can result in a multitude of problems for the patient. Symptoms of an incorrect dose can include, but are not limited to:

• Vomiting,
• Nausea,
• Heart rate issues,
• Dizziness,
• Organ damage,
• Brain damage,
• Ringing in the ears,
• Lack of oxygen or the inability to breath, and/or
• Spinal cord injuries