Common Injuries Caused by Anesthesia Errors

An anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who specializes in administering anesthesia to patients during surgical procedures. The job comes with many responsibilities but an anesthesiologist’s primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient during and after surgery. While most anesthesiologist’s provide high-quality care to their patients, anesthesia errors do occur. Here is a list of negligent care that can lead to anesthesia errors:

1. Failure to evaluate the patient’s medical history. Before administering anesthesia, an anesthesiologist must evaluate the patient’s medical history, including any pre-existing medical conditions or allergies that may affect their response to anesthesia.
2. Failure to conduct a preoperative evaluation. An anesthesiologist is responsible for developing a safe and effective anesthesia plan for each patient, taking into account their medical history, the type of surgery, and the patient’s individual needs.
3. Negligent administration of drugs. An anesthesiologist is responsible for administering anesthesia to the patient during surgery, monitoring their vital signs, and adjusting the anesthesia as needed.
4. Failure to manage complications. An anesthesiologist must be prepared to manage any potential complications that may arise during the procedure, such as changes in blood pressure, heart rate, or breathing.
5. Failure to monitor the patient after surgery. An anesthesiologist is responsible for monitoring the patient after surgery to ensure that they are recovering safely from the effects of anesthesia.
6. Failure to provide appropriate pain management. An anesthesiologist may also be responsible for providing pain management to patients after surgery, using a variety of techniques, including medications and nerve blocks.

Anesthesia is a crucial component of many medical procedures and when administered properly, it is generally considered safe. However, like any medical procedure, anesthesia carries some risks. Anesthesia errors can lead to serious injuries.

Common Injuries Caused by Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia errors can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from mild to severe, including:

1. Allergic reactions. Some patients may have an allergic reaction to the anesthesia medication that was used. This can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, and difficulty breathing.
2. Nerve damage. If the anesthesia is not administered properly, it can cause nerve damage, leading to pain, weakness, and numbness.
3. Brain damage. In rare cases, anesthesia errors can lead to brain damage. This can occur if the patient’s brain does not receive enough oxygen during the procedure.
4. Aspiration. Anesthesia can cause a patient to lose the ability to protect their airway, which can lead to the inhalation of stomach contents into the lungs. This can result in a serious lung infection and other complications.
5. Cardiac arrest. Anesthesia errors can cause the patient’s heart to stop beating, leading to cardiac arrest.
6. Postoperative delirium. In some cases, anesthesia errors can lead to confusion and disorientation after the procedure. This is known as postoperative delirium and can last for several hours or days.

It’s important to note that anesthesia errors are relatively rare and most patients undergo anesthesia without experiencing any significant problems. If you or a loved one was injured as a result of negligent care by an anesthesiologist, you have a right to pursue a settlement.

Anesthesia Malpractice Claim

In the state of Washington, injured victims can pursue compensation from the at-fault party under RCW 4.56.250. Depending on who provided negligent care, it may be appropriate to file a claim against the hospital that employed a negligent anesthesiologist. The settlement is usually negotiated by a medical malpractice lawyer with their insurance carrier.

The value of an anesthesia claim is often high because a victim’s injuries can be permanent or even deadly. An anesthesia malpractice lawyer can discuss your legal rights and the value of your claim.

The Seattle Personal Injury Lawyers You Want on Your Side

The personal injury attorneys at Tinker Law Firm have been winning birth injury, medical malpractice, and personal injury cases for individuals and their loved ones in Seattle and across Washington State since 1974. We seek justice for injury victims who have been harmed by preventable medical errors, and the negligent or abusive actions of another. Our clients pay no fees or expenses to file a personal injury claim; our firm advances out-of-pocket expenses and is only reimbursed when we recover a settlement on your behalf. Do not delay; personal injury claims in Washington State have a statute of limitations, which means they must be filed within a certain time from the date of the injury.

Call us now at 206-842-1000 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our skilled and experienced injury attorneys.