Chances are you’ve undergone a medical procedure requiring the use of anesthesia. This medication is commonly used in various procedures, from wisdom tooth extraction to major surgeries. Anesthesia can take several forms—as a localized numbing agent or to induce a loss of consciousness. While designed to inhibit feelings of pain, anesthesia also carries risks.
Did you know that an estimated 17,116 anesthesia errors occurred between 2007 and 2014? These errors can range from minor side effects, such as vomiting, to more serious complications, occasionally resulting in death. If you’re navigating an anesthesia error injury claim, there are several important things you should know before starting the legal process.
A Look at the Different Types of Anesthesia
Medical professionals rely on three types of anesthesia to keep patients calm and pain-free during procedures:
- Local Anesthesia: Used to numb a specific area, such as a tooth.
- Regional Anesthesia: Numbs a larger section of the body; for example, an epidural.
- General Anesthesia: Induces unconsciousness and is typically used during major surgeries.
Before administering anesthesia, a medical professional will explain what to expect and any potential risks. However, complications can still occur, leading to anesthesia malpractice.
Types of Anesthesia Malpractice Lawsuits
Malpractice involving anesthesia can happen before, during, or after a medical procedure. While each case is unique, some common examples of anesthesia errors include:
Errors During Intubation and Extubation
The processes of intubation and extubation occur when general anesthesia is used. Since the medication can temporarily paralyze muscles, including the diaphragm, patients often experience difficulty breathing. To ensure oxygen flows continuously, a tube is inserted into the windpipe. Improper insertion can lead to complications such as:
- Anoxic or hypoxic brain damage due to oxygen deprivation
- Nerve damage in the neck or esophagus
- Arrhythmia (dangerously fast heartbeat)
- Stroke
- Perforated trachea
- Injuries to the lips, mouth, or teeth
- Vocal cord paralysis
The same complications can arise if the tube is improperly removed (extubation).
Errors with Dosage
Anesthesia dosage is not one-size-fits-all. Different procedures and individual patient factors affect the required amount. An anesthesiologist must administer the correct dosage, as:
- Too little anesthesia may cause the patient to wake up during surgery.
- Too much can induce a coma, organ damage, or even death.
Errors in Monitoring the Patient
An anesthesiologist’s responsibilities extend beyond administering medication. They must monitor the patient’s vital signs, blood oxygen levels, and level of consciousness. Neglecting these duties can lead to complications, including:
- Nerve damage caused by restricted blood flow due to improper patient positioning
- Loss of blood flow to vital organs
What Is Aspiration
What is Aspiration – Aspiration occurs when anesthesia prevents a patient from swallowing. Liquids, food, or vomit can enter the lungs and trachea, increasing the risk of aspiration pneumonia. This condition can cause severe lung damage and breathing difficulties.
Additional Anesthesia Errors
Other mistakes, such as turning off monitoring equipment too early or anesthesia awareness (when the medication wears off prematurely), can also lead to medical malpractice claims. Anesthesia awareness may result in patients feeling pain or being conscious during surgery—a traumatic experience that can cause physical and emotional distress.
Proving Your Anesthesia Medical Malpractice Case
Before administering anesthesia, your anesthesiologist should discuss potential risks and side effects and review your medical history to identify harmful or deadly risks. If these steps are skipped, and complications occur, it can strengthen your malpractice case. However, patients must also follow medical instructions, such as avoiding food and drink hours before anesthesia. Failing to do so may weaken your case.
To prove a malpractice case, four essential points must be established:
- Duty: Establish that the anesthesiologist had a professional duty to administer the medication safely.
- Breach of Care: Demonstrate that the anesthesiologist failed to fulfill their duty of care.
- Causation: Prove that the breach directly caused your injuries or complications.
- Injury: Show evidence of harm resulting from negligent care.
Your medical records often provide much of the information needed to build a strong malpractice case.
Don’t File a Medical Malpractice Case Alone
Even with complete medical records and documentation of your injuries, navigating a malpractice case can be complex. Partnering with an experienced medical malpractice attorney increases your chances of receiving full compensation for your injuries and related health complications. An attorney can guide you through the legal process and advocate for your rights.
