5 Fatal Anesthesia Mistakes – Insights from a Medical Malpractice Attorney

Physician errors are more common than most people assume, but some examples of negligence are far worse than others. Anesthesia mistakes, in particular, can lead to long-term complications or death. Victims often face exorbitant expenses for health-care bills and ongoing treatment, but a medical malpractice attorney may be able to recover some of these financial losses.

According to the United States National Library of Medicine, 281 people die each year due to anesthesia mistakes in this country, on average. Many of these victims are elderly patients.

If you were the victim of medical malpractice in Louisiana, then The Bowling Christiansen Law Firm may be able to help. David A. Bowling is a New Orleans brain injury lawyer who can evaluate your case and aggressively fight for the compensation that you deserve. If you would like to discuss your legal options, call us today at (504) 586-5200 to schedule a consultation.

In the meantime, read on to learn five common anesthesia mistakes that may constitute malpractice:

1. Incorrect Dosage

According to WebMD, anesthesia is an effective way to control pain during surgery and other medical procedures. However, serious complications can arise if the doctor administers too much or too little anesthesia to the patient.

2. Incorrect Intubation

Anesthesia allows a patient to remain unconscious during a medical procedure. The doctor may have to insert a tube into the patient’s mouth to ensure that his or her airways remain open throughout the operation. If the physician does this incorrectly, then the result may be damage to the mouth or teeth, or respiratory complications.

3. Inadequate Monitoring

Despite many advances in the anesthesia process, it is still critical that doctors monitor patients carefully. If the physician fails to monitor the patient, then he or she may not recognize complications as they develop. This negligence can be potentially fatal.

4. Improper Preparation

As a patient, it is critical that you prepare adequately for an anesthesia. This may include not drinking or eating for a certain period prior to the procedure. If a doctor fails to inform you of this, and it results in complications, then you may have valid grounds to claim medical malpractice.

5. Complications Related to Blood Oxygen Level

If you receive anesthesia, then your health-care provider should monitor your blood oxygen levels at all times. If the doctor fails to use the right equipment, or if he or she turns it off during the procedure, then you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

Although mistakes during anesthesia are uncommon, they do happen. This, however, is only one of many types of medical malpractice. If you were injured due to a health-care worker’s negligence, then you should contact a personal-injury lawyer as soon as possible.

As an innocent victim, you should not have to pay for medical expenses and ongoing care out of your own pocket. David A. Bowling can evaluate your situation to determine if you may have grounds for a lawsuit. To schedule a consultation, call us today at (504) 586-5200.