Anesthesia is a common form of medicine that is given to patients in preparation for surgery. While anesthesia is provided frequently in hospitals across the country, there are mishaps that occur on a regular basis. If the complications that occur are not treated immediately and effectively, victims can suffer serious or fatal injuries. If you or your loved one suspects that malpractice has occurred when administering anesthesia, contact Sanford A. Kassel Law, APLC for an initial consultation.
Common Causes of Malpractice
Anesthesia malpractice can occur from a misstep that happens prior to, during, or after surgery. In most cases, errors stem from the failure to properly check a patient’s medical history and the improper administration of anesthesia.
Improper Administration of Anesthesia: The use of anesthesia can cause complications during or after surgery. Some complications arise as a direct result of the way anesthesia was administered. Administration errors can result from failing to properly position a patient, providing an improper amount of anesthesia, and failing to properly monitor the patient during surgery. These types of errors amount to medical negligence.
Failure to Check Medical History: Another type of medical error associated with anesthesia occurs because of the failure to properly check a patient’s medical records. Many patients are allergic to anesthesia but are not aware of their symptoms. In addition, medical professionals fail to ask some patients whether or not they are allergic to the medication. It is important that they fully understand the potential reactions to the anesthesia, both good and bad, to ensure it is part of the best possible treatment.
Complications from Improper Administration
There are a variety of complications that arise after anesthesia is administered. Giving a patient anesthesia if he or she is allergic can cause a range of symptoms which can be as slight as a skin allergy and as severe as anaphylaxis or brain damage. Even if medical complications arise due to an unknown allergy, doctors must act promptly to prevent further harm that can result from inaction. Another complication of anesthesia errors when a patient wakes up during surgery or fails to wake up when a surgery concludes. These are often signs that there was not enough medication administered, there was too much medication administered, or a doctor did not account for a particular patient’s medical circumstances. Regardless of the type of complication suffered, you should speak with an attorney if you or your loved one has been harmed and you believe it occurred as a result of medical negligence.
About Us
Sanford A. Kassel Law, APLC is an experienced firm located in San Bernardino, California. Our attorneys practice personal injury, medical malpractice, and employment law. If you or someone you know is in need of a personal injury attorney after suffering as a result of medical negligence, our attorneys will be happy to meet with you for a risk-free initial consultation. Our attorneys will work to get you the maximum amount of relief that is possible. We assist clients in San Bernardino, Riverside, Inland Empire, and Southern California.
