In medical procedures, anesthesia plays a crucial role in ensuring patient comfort and managing pain. However, when anesthesia errors occur, the consequences can be dire. It’s essential to understand the risks, causes, and legal options available for individuals and families affected by such errors.
Kline & Specter, PC, with more than 50 attorneys, including five medical doctors -- including one who is a board-certified anesthesiologist -- boasts more medical professionals than any other firm in the United States. Renowned for securing hundreds of multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements, including record-setting cases, the firm has unique insights into medical malpractice cases that can only come from having medical doctors on the team.
Defining Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia errors refer to mistakes made while administering anesthetic drugs before, during, or after a medical procedure. These errors can range from incorrect dosage and improper monitoring to equipment failure and lack of patient assessment. Each type of error carries its own set of risks and potential complications.
Common Types of Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia errors aren’t created equal. These dangerous mistakes can take many forms, such as:
- Dosage Errors: Administering too much or too little anesthesia can lead to severe complications. Overdose can cause prolonged sedation, respiratory distress, or even death. According to the National Library of Medicine, medication errors are common and are the seventh most common cause of death. Underdosage, known as anesthesia awareness, may result in inadequate pain management and awareness during surgery.
- Improper Monitoring: Anesthesiologists must continuously monitor a patient's vital signs during surgery. Failure to do so can lead to undetected complications such as drops in blood pressure, oxygen levels, or heart rate, putting the patient at significant risk.
- Equipment Malfunction: Faulty anesthesia machines or equipment can lead to incorrect delivery of anesthetic drugs. Regular maintenance and checks are crucial to prevent such errors.
- Lack of Patient Assessment: Each patient has unique medical conditions and history to consider before administering anesthesia. Failure to conduct a thorough assessment can result in adverse reactions and complications.
The Consequences of Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia errors can have a wide range of consequences, from minor temporary issues to severe, life-threatening conditions. Some potential outcomes include:
- Brain Damage: Prolonged lack of oxygen due to anesthesia errors can result in irreversible brain damage, affecting cognitive and motor functions.
- Cardiovascular Complications: Incorrect anesthesia administration can lead to heart attacks, strokes, or other cardiovascular issues.
- Respiratory Distress: Anesthesia errors can cause respiratory problems, including difficulty breathing and, in severe cases, respiratory arrest.
- Death: In the most severe cases, anesthesia errors can lead to fatal outcomes.
Legal Recourse for Victims
Victims of anesthesia errors may have legal options to seek compensation for their suffering. Medical malpractice lawsuits can be filed against the responsible parties, including anesthesiologists, surgeons, and medical institutions. To pursue a claim, it's essential to demonstrate that the error was due to negligence or a breach of the standard of care.
Find Out if You have a Valid Legal Claim in Philadelphia
If you or a loved one has been impacted by an anesthesia error, an experienced medical malpractice attorney can help you navigate the complexities of your case and seek the justice you deserve.
Call 215-772-1000 for free and confidential evaluations of potential cases. Kline & Specter handles cases in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York. For cases outside those states, the law firm works with local attorneys in each state as applicable.