Before the rise of modern medicine, surgeries and medical procedures were extremely painful for patients. Relief eventually came in the discovery of anesthesia.
Today anesthesia is administered roughly 40 million times per year to give patients peaceful surgeries free of pain and distress.
Unfortunately, the process of administering anesthesia leaves room for human error. Anesthesia errors are considered medical malpractice, and occur when a patient experiences unnecessary harm as a result of errors in administering the anesthetic. Negligent doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists and medical staff who administer anesthesia incorrectly can be held accountable for anesthesia errors resulting in patient injury and harm.
There are many types of errors resulting from the negligent administration of anesthesia, such as:
- Defective medical devices and equipment
- Incompetence of medical professional
- Administering too much of one or more anesthesia
- Administering too little of one or more anesthesia; also known as anesthesia awareness. This results in a patient being conscious, unable to move or speak during surgery; loss of speech prevents them from being able to inform medical professionals of their state and need for more anesthesia
- Failure to prevent allergic reaction to anesthesia
- Failure to offer patient guidance prior to inducement, such as counseling them on limiting food and liquid intake
- Improper monitoring of patient
The effects of these errors can range from blurred vision to stroke and comatose. According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, respiratory complications are one of the most common causes of serious injury, brain damage and death in patients. Other causes of death result from anesthetic overdosing and adverse drug effects.
Medical professionals are highly trusted in society and negligence should come at a big cost to them, not to you. When you or a loved one is injured due to an anesthesia error, the medical professionals who were suppose to look after you and ensure your wellbeing should be held accountable for their mistakes. The law experts at Parvey & Cavenago think you deserve justice. Contact us today for a FREE consultation and file a lawsuit to recover damages for your injuries.
