Boca Raton Anesthesia Errors Attorney
Anesthesia is a necessary component of modern surgery. Before its invention, patients were given alcohol or opiates in an attempt to block out the pain. Some patients even went through with surgery while completely conscious. Today, most patients simply fall asleep and waking up once the surgery is over.
Unfortunately, anesthesia errors compromise patient care. Indeed, some errors are so serious that patients can suffer permanent physical or psychological injuries or even die. At Hersh Kirtman Injury Law, our legal team can bring a lawsuit in the event anesthesia errors harm you or a loved one.
Anesthesia Mistakes
Anesthesiologists go to school for years to learn the proper way to administer anesthesia so that the patient is comfortable during surgery. Like all medical professionals, however, they can make mistakes that injure patients.
Some common errors include:
- Over sedation
- Under sedation
- Failure to account for allergies
- Use of improper medication
- Intubation mistakes
- Failure to monitor a patient’s vital signs
- Neglecting to maintain blood pressure
Many of these mistakes stem from confusion or poor communication in the operating room or from a simple lack of care when treating patients.
Anesthesia Mistakes Cause Serious Injuries
This type of medical malpractice can have serious side effects. The anesthesiologist is one of the most critical members of a surgical team. When he or she errs, patients can suffer catastrophically, including:
- Brain damage from insufficient oxygen
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- “Awareness” during surgery, where a patient wakes up in the middle of surgery, which can cause post-traumatic stress disorder
- Esophageal injury from improper intubation
- Postoperative cognitive impairment
- Death
Even where a patient survives the surgery, they could need considerable medical care going forward. Someone suffering from brain damage or impairment could need help with daily activities for the remainder of their life. Post-traumatic stress disorder can also be disabling, preventing people from returning to work as they struggle with emotional distress or flashbacks.
Compensation for Medical Malpractice
Anyone who is injured from substandard care should seek compensation in a legal claim against the anesthesiologist or other professional who contributed to their injuries. Our legal team strives to obtain:
- Full compensation for medical care, including past and future care
- Full compensation for lost income or lost wages
- Fair compensation for pain, suffering, disability, and/or emotional distress
The road to recovery may be a long and draining one for patients and their family members alike. Money cannot fully repair the damage, but it can defray the cost of lost resources.
If a loved one died in the operating room or after surgery due to anesthesia error, then other compensation for wrongful death could be available. This is a legal claim in Florida brought by the personal representative of the decedent’s estate to compensate surviving family members for their loss.
Speak with a Boca Raton Anesthesia Errors Lawyer
The results of anesthesia errors can leave you searching for answers. In addition to fears about whether you or your loved one will get well, medical providers are rarely forthcoming about what went wrong in the operating room.
At Hersh Kirtman Injury Law, we work with clients to hold negligent medical providers accountable for preventable mistakes. Please call us today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved ones.
