Any time that medical treatment is administered, the safety of a patient is potentially put at risk. This is why we must rely on the experience and professionalism of doctors and medical personnel to ensure patients get the treatment they require in the manner that is expected. Unfortunately, all too often, the actions or negligence of medical staff result in serious consequences for patients. These cases of medical malpractice may result in serious injury or even death, and can have life-altering effects on patients and loved ones. Specifically in cases of medical malpractice and anesthesia errors, the consequences for our New Jersey clients can be high. In these types of situations, it is important to have the aid of experienced medical malpractice attorneys, such as those at Wilhelm & Roemersma, to ensure that a patient’s rights are protected.
Types of Anesthesia Errors
Although errors can be made throughout any medical treatment or procedure, anesthesia is often an area of particular concern. Anesthesia requires careful attention and proper monitoring to ensure that a patient is kept safe while they are under the effects of anesthesia. Below are some types of errors that may be made in regards to anesthesia:
- An improper amount of anesthesia is used
- The wrong type of anesthesia is administered
- Delayed delivery of anesthesia
- Anesthesia awareness (the patient is conscious throughout treatment due to insufficient anesthesia)
- Failure to prevent anesthesia interactions
- Failure to properly monitor the patient while they are under anesthesia
- The use of defective medical equipment in the administration of anesthesia
Any of these errors, either made on the part of a doctor, nurse, anesthesiologist, or other medical personnel, may be considered medical malpractice should a patient suffer pain, illness, injury, or death as a result.
Dangers of Anesthesia Errors
Unfortunately, anesthesia errors are a real risk of medical treatment. In fact, a study by Columbia University found that roughly 300 deaths result from anesthesia errors each year. But this is only one of the many dangers of anesthesia errors. Below are some of the complications that may occur should an anesthesia error take place:
- Awareness (physical and mental discomfort) during surgery
- Heart arrhythmia
- Brain or organ damage
- Asphyxia
- Blood pressure complications
- Seizure or stroke
- Coma
- Death
Seeking Compensation
Should a complication occur as the result of an anesthesia error, the patient or his or her family have a right to seek compensation for financial losses and pain and suffering. However, medical malpractice lawsuits involving anesthesia errors can be quite complicated and require thorough investigation and careful case preparation. At Wilhelm & Roemersma, our medical malpractice attorneys are experienced in working on such cases and are prepared to aggressively fight on our client’s behalf to ensure that their rights are protected.
Contact Us
If you believe that you or a loved one is a victim of medical malpractice involving anesthesia error, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. Contact us at your earliest convenience to discuss your case with one of our skilled attorneys at Wilhelm & Roemersma. We look forward to hearing from you.
