What Anesthesia Errors Constitute Medical Malpractice?

One of the most important parts of most surgery is the process of undergoing anesthesia. This is also a delicate process and is handled by highly trained medical professionals called anesthesiologists. However, when an anesthesiologist makes a mistake, they can cause lasting injuries for a patient. The Philadelphia medical malpractice attorneys at The Weitz Firm, LLC are dedicated to helping those injured due to an anesthesia mistake. Let us help secure the compensation you deserve.

The most common anesthesia mistakes

Anesthesia is one of the most common medical procedures a person will undergo in this country each year. Approximately 40 million patients receive anesthesia each year in North America. While this procedure has become much safer over the decades, there is still a lack of knowledge about the mechanisms of actions of anesthesia drugs. Some of the most common mistakes made during anesthesia include:

Lapses in the protocol. Anesthesiologists are highly trained physicians. More than most other doctors, an anesthesiologist must follow a complex routine every time a patient undergoes the anesthesia process. Part of this process includes ensuring that they administer the proper drug at the correct dosage. This is a delicate process in which the patient must be monitored from the moment they are admitted into the hospital. This includes an interview with the anesthesiologist to confirm that the patient understands the risks associated with anesthesia.

When proper protocol is not followed, the following mistakes could occur:

• An anesthesiologist may overlook certain risk factors the patient has concerning anesthesia medication.
• The patient could receive too high a dosage of the anesthesia medication during the procedure (leading to brain injuries, a coma, paralysis, or death).
• The patient could receive too little medication, leading to “anesthesia awareness” in which the patient is conscious during the procedure but unable to convey that to those in the operating room.

Improper training or human errors. Even when proper protocol is followed, improper training and human errors can lead to serious medical mistakes. Human error during the anesthesia process can lead to the following:

• Confusing one medication for another.
• Improperly calculating the correct dosage of medication.
• Failing to maintain a clear airway for the patient.
• Failing to quickly intubate a patient.
• Misreading a patient’s vital signs while monitoring them during a procedure.
• Inattentiveness while interviewing a patient prior to their procedure.
• Failing to properly communicate with the surgeon and operating staff during a procedure.

It is time to get the compensation you deserve

If you or a loved one has been harmed due to the careless or negligent actions of an anesthesiologist, you need to consult with an attorney today. At The Weitz Firm, LLC, our qualified and experienced team understands what it takes to investigate these cases. We will diligently work to secure the following:

• Compensation for all medical expenses related to the anesthesia error
• Lost wages and benefits if you can no longer work
• Loss of enjoyment of life damages
• Pain and suffering damages
• Possible punitive damages against the anesthesiologist responsible

If you need a Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyer due to an anesthesia mistake, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 267-587-6240.