Patients who undergo surgery not only place their trust on a surgeon’s hands, but patients also trust anesthesiologists to make appropriate decisions throughout the medical procedure. When these medical caretakers fail to act according to the medical standard of care, this can have devastating consequences to the patients who have placed their trust on them.
Filing a Lawsuit Following an Anesthesia Injury
Very few people will undergo a medical procedure with the worry that the anesthesia they have been administered will cause them life-long injuries. Nonetheless, according to a published medical journal, more than 46% of a total 2,211 anesthetic-related casualties were caused by an anesthesia overdose. Of the total amount of casualties, more than 42% included therapeutic anesthetics, and about 4% involved pregnancies and childbirth procedures.
The reality is that across the United States, anesthesia is a contributing factor or the direct cause of more than 300 deaths each year. Even when anesthesia does not result in a patient’s demise, the patient can still be left with serious injuries that can include the following:
- Lung collapse
- Paresthesia, which includes numbness, a tingling sensation, burning, or a continual pain
- Toxicity
- Paralysis
- Nerve damage
- Brain damage
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Visual disturbance or blindness
Anesthesia that is negligently administered can be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. Injured patients or their surviving family members can file a lawsuit against the negligent doctor, anesthesiologist, or other responsible caretaker.
The Varying Types of Anesthesia Error
Anesthesia can be administered in a centralized area of the body. This “local” injection will block pain receptors on that area of the body. Anesthesia, however, can also be administered throughout the patient’s body. Both of these forms of administration can cause serious injuries, particularly when administered negligently. The following are forms of anesthetic errors that can give rise to a medical malpractice lawsuit:
- Anesthesia overdose
- Delayed anesthesia
- Insufficient anesthesia
- Epidural injuries occur during a mother’s pregnancy, birthing process, or the postpartum recovery period
- Failure to obtain enough information regarding the patient’s medical history
- Medical facility malpractice
- Improper post-surgery care that results in an infection
- Lack of discharge instructions
Contact the Support of a Well-Versed Medical Malpractice Law Firm
Injuries and other complications that result from negligent anesthesiologists have a tremendous impact not only on the victim but the victim’s entire family as well. If you or a loved one suffered an anesthesia-related injury, consult the legal guidance of a professional law firm who is qualified in medical malpractice cases. It is important to note that medical malpractice cases need to be filed within the state’s statute of limitations. Failing to file under the appropriate time frame will invalidate the claim, where damages will no longer be available.
The attorneys at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation are experienced in medical negligence cases and work aggressively to pursue justice on their client’s behalf. If you were injured after being administered anesthesia, seek the legal support of a law firm who will ensure you obtain the maximum amount of restitution possible. Contact the attorneys at SANFORD A. KASSEL, A Professional Law Corporation today for a free case evaluation.
