Did you or someone close to you suffer from an anesthesia error during surgery? If so, you know the severity of the consequences that can follow. Handling the aftermath of this type of incident alone can be overwhelming, and you might feel unsure about what to do next. A lawyer with experience in medical malpractice can offer the guidance and support you need.
What Are Anesthesia Errors?
Anesthesia errors are problems that occur during the administration of anesthesia to a patient during surgery. These errors can involve giving too much or too little anesthesia, using the wrong type of anesthesia, or not monitoring the patient properly during surgery. Such errors can lead to severe problems, like waking up during surgery, experiencing too much pain, or having an allergic reaction.
What Are the Most Common Anesthesia Errors?
Anesthesia errors can happen in various ways, each potentially affecting the patient’s health during and after surgery. Common examples of these errors include:
- Incorrect Dosage: Anesthesiologists might administer too much or too little anesthesia. Too much can suppress vital functions, while too little might not adequately numb the pain.
- Delayed Delivery: Sometimes, there is a delay in administering anesthesia. This can result in the patient feeling pain during the surgery, which can be traumatic and dangerous.
- Failure to Monitor: During surgery, anesthesiologists must continuously monitor a patient’s vital signs and adjust the anesthesia as needed. Failure to monitor can lead to life-threatening situations or severe discomfort for the patient.
- Poor Communication: Miscommunication between surgical teams and anesthesiologists can lead to incorrect anesthesia administration, which can be ineffective or even dangerous.
- Equipment Failure: Anesthesia equipment can malfunction if devices are not manufactured or maintained correctly, which can cause interruptions during the administration of anesthesia.
Consequences of Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia errors can have serious consequences for patients undergoing surgery. One major risk is the possibility of brain damage, which can occur if the brain is over-anesthetized and does not receive enough oxygen during surgery. Patients might also experience heart attacks or strokes if anesthesia affects their blood pressure or heart rate too much. In some cases, severe allergic reactions can happen and potentially threaten the patient’s life. Furthermore, if a patient is under-anesthetized, they might wake up during the procedure and experience extreme distress and pain.
Legal Options for Victims of Anesthesia Errors in Houston
Victims of anesthesia errors in Houston can file medical malpractice claims against the healthcare providers responsible for the errors. Successful claims can yield compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering resulting from anesthesia errors.
If you believe you have an anesthesia malpractice case, you should contact a local malpractice attorney. They can review your case details, gather evidence, and guide you through the legal process. Prompt action is important in these cases because Texas law has strict deadlines for malpractice cases.
Contact Our Houston Medical Malpractice Attorneys to Learn More
Are you seeking justice for an anesthesia error? Contact Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs today for a free initial consultation. Our attorneys have over a century of combined experience and are board-certified to handle the most complex of injury cases. Let us help you take the first step toward demanding the recovery you deserve.
