Anesthesia Error Lawyers in Maryland

Anesthesia is Meant to Alleviate Pain, Not Administer It

Anesthesia is used before surgeries and other medical procedures to prevent patients from feeling the pain or distress that would occur if they were awake or conscious. However, the incorrect administration of anesthetic drugs can cause serious harm and may be considered a case of medical malpractice if it causes injury or death to an unsuspecting patient.

If you or a loved one has suffered from an anesthesia error, please contact the experienced attorneys at Potter Burnett Law today. Our Maryland anesthesia error attorneys possess the legal experience, medical knowledge, and determination needed to help you build a strong claim and receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Call (301) 820-7820 or contact us online today for your free case evaluation.

Why Are There Anesthesia Error Medical Malpractice Cases?

Anesthesia errors occur in up to half of all surgeries, according to a 2015 study by Massachusetts General Hospital. Unfortunately, it is difficult to pinpoint the exact number of anesthesia errors that occur throughout the United States—scientists cannot possibly observe every procedure or trust that the individuals reporting the errors will always be honest. What is known is that these errors occur often enough to warrant a number of anesthesia error claims every year.

However, there is a caveat. Like any medical procedure, administering anesthesia comes with inherent risks. If the anesthesia was administered correctly and the patient was properly made aware of potential complications before the drug was administered, then they likely will not have a case that will hold up in a court of law even if they still suffered harm. This is because the medical professionals did everything they could—and should—have done to prevent such a scenario.

In order to have a viable case for anesthesia malpractice, you must be able to show that the medical professional or facility that administered the drug did so negligently. Additionally, you must be able to prove that actual harm was caused due to the anesthesia error. Because the burden of proof is so high in medical malpractice cases, having a local anesthesia error lawyer work on your case can greatly increase your chances of successfully holding the responsible parties accountable.

What Are Common Anesthesia Errors?

There are several forms of anesthesia errors that can occur, including:

• Over-administering anesthetic drugs
• Under-administering anesthetic drugs
• Administering an incorrect anesthetic drug
• Administering anesthesia at the wrong time
• Administering anesthetic drugs to a patient who is allergic to them
• Failing to provide proper instructions to patients before administering anesthesia
• Failing to properly monitor the patient while they are under anesthesia
• Using defective medical devices and equipment during anesthetic administration

According to a 2019 study, the majority of anesthesia errors are caused due to a lack of knowledge regarding how to administer the drug properly, the failure to follow patient care procedures and guidelines, and a lack of communication between the members of the anesthesia team. Such injuries often occur in emergency room settings due to their fast-paced nature.

What Are Injuries Caused by Anesthesia Error Medical Malpractice?

There are many potential consequences of an anesthesia error. These can range from minor side effects such as temporary pain and nausea (about a 40% risk) to more serious injuries such as pneumonia, strokes, blood clots, heart attack, and death.

Additionally:

• Hypoxia, or an inadequate supply of oxygen, can lead to brain death
• Pregnant mothers who are administered anesthesia may give birth to a child with cerebral palsy
• Anesthesia awareness, in which a patient is conscious but immobile during an operation or procedure, may occur

While such serious anesthesia errors are far from the norm, the potential consequences of malpractice are life-altering and devastating. It is imperative that you speak with an attorney about your legal options right away if you believe you or a loved one has been the victim of anesthesia malpractice.

Call Now for a Free, No Obligation Case Evaluation

If you or a loved one has been seriously harmed by an anesthesia error that could have been prevented, it is your legal right to pursue compensation to cover any losses you have suffered as a result. At Potter Burnett Law, our attorneys possess the knowledge, determination, and compassion to effectively resolve an anesthesia malpractice case in Maryland. We can help you seek justice and secure compensation to cover your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages incurred.

Call (301) 820-7820 today for your free case evaluation.