Anesthesia is an integral part of any surgical procedure. It makes procedures available that would be otherwise impossible or extremely painful for the patient. The work of an anesthesiologist takes extreme care and precision. If the anesthesiologist makes a mistake when administering the drugs, it can lead to injury, paralysis, or even death. Negligence on the part of the anesthesiologist may be a form of medical malpractice. Here are some things you should know about anesthesia malpractice.
Types of Anesthesia
There are different types of anesthesia that can be used depending on the surgical procedure. The four main types of anesthesia are:
Local anesthesia: The patient remains conscious while a small area of the body is numbed to perform the surgery. Local anesthesia is most commonly used in dental procedures, stitches, and other minor procedures.
Regional anesthesia: This type of anesthesia numbs a larger body while the patient remains conscious. Epidurals administered during labor are the most common form of regional anesthesia.
Monitored sedation: This ranges from mild sleepiness to a deeper sedation. It is usually used for minimally invasive procedures like cataract surgery and colonoscopy.
General anesthesia: Renders the patient unconscious for the entire procedure and is used for major surgeries such as cardiac surgery or organ transplants.
Anesthesia Errors
Most anesthesia errors occur when using general anesthesia. There are many ways errors can happen, including:
- Administering the incorrect dosage
- Defective equipment
- Failure to read a patient’s medical history prior
- Neglecting to monitor the patient’s vital signs during the procedure
- Not informing the patient of pre-surgery information
- Failure to notice distress signs in a patient
An error can cause severe injuries and distress to a patient and their family. These injuries include organ damage, spinal cord injuries, seizures, stroke, and even death.
Hire a Malpractice Attorney
All surgeries involve some level of risk, but some complications are avoidable. If you have been a victim of an anesthesia error or a loved one suffered a serious injury due to an anesthesiologist’s negligence, you may be entitled to legal representation and financial compensation. We here at Snyder Law Group are committed to helping victims of medical malpractice get the justice they deserve. Our experienced attorneys will help build your case and work with you to get the support you need.
Contact The Snyder Law Group Today
The Snyder Law Group, LLC, proudly represents clients throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C. Our experienced Baltimore attorneys understand the frustration that comes with an insurance company, medical professional, or other party that refuses to accept liability for negligent or reckless behavior. You can take heart in knowing there are talented and experienced lawyers ready to work for you. We are experienced in handling personal injury claims of medical malpractice or injury resulting from serious car and truck accidents, and have secured hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements. Please visit our website, www.410thefirm.com, or call us at 410-843-3476, for more information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.