Anesthesia errors can cause a patient to experience unnecessary harm and can fall under the umbrella of medical malpractice. These errors most commonly stem from anesthesiologists who routinely administer anesthesia to patients prior to undergoing surgery. However, doctors, nurses, and any other hospital staff responsible for determining the proper amount and type of anesthesia to use may be liable for any damages that occur due to the use or misuse of anesthetic.

If you were harmed as a result of an anesthesia error in a hospital or medical office, know that an Albany anesthesia error lawyer could help you take stock of your damages and concerns, and potentially file suit for financial compensation. Read on to learn more about how a dedicated injury attorney could offer you their assistance today.

What is Anesthesia?

Anesthesia is a temporary and medically-induced state meant to nullify pain responses in a patient undergoing surgery. Additional effects may include temporary loss of muscle reflexes, loss of responsiveness, decreased stress response, and amnesia. Anesthetics encompass several types of drugs. The number and type of anesthetic administered to a patient will depend upon the desired effect, including the length of time someone must be unconscious during a medical procedure.

In terms of legal and medical applicability, the term anesthesia may refer to general anesthesia, spinal and epidural anesthesia, local anesthesia for a specific body area, regional anesthesia for larger body parts, and dissociative anesthesia. Reach out to a determined injury attorney to learn more.

Types of Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia errors can occur in a variety of medical settings and at the hands of any healthcare provider. Defective medical equipment can also cause an anesthesia error. The most straightforward form of an anesthesia error is administering too much or too little anesthetic, but it is no less dangerous than any more complex type. Too little anesthetic can result in a patient waking up or feeling extreme pain during a procedure, and even a small excess of anesthetic can lead to coma or death.

Delayed delivery of anesthetic, administering the wrong kind of anesthetic, and failing to account for harmful drug interactions or patient allergies can produce similarly catastrophic results. In addition, failing to properly instruct and care for patients before, during, and after administering anesthetic may lead to significant difficulties and complications during surgery. If a patient eats or drinks before receiving anesthetic or does not get enough oxygen while they are unconscious, anyone responsible for monitoring them in those regards may be liable for any injuries that ensue. For this reason, it can be extremely valuable to have a qualified Albany anesthesia error lawyer on one’s side to help prove the liability of the party at fault.

Potential Consequences

Anesthesia errors can result in serious and traumatic consequences. Some may be innocuous, such as dizziness and confusion, blurred vision, and tinnitus. Most side effects, however, can be extremely dangerous in the wrong circumstances, and range from heart arrhythmia, asphyxia from lack of oxygen, and hyperthermia to serious damage or injury to the brain, nervous system, arteries, or spinal cord.

Can Anesthesia Lead to Death?

In extreme circumstances, improperly administered or monitored anesthetic can produce catastrophic seizures or strokes. In the worst cases, coma or death could result. Know that a weathered Albany anesthesia error lawyer could assist those who have experienced these injuries through professional representation in court.

How an Albany Anesthesia Error Lawyer Can Help

With great responsibility comes great liability in the event of an error in dosage or diagnosis. If other doctors or nurses are at fault for ordering the wrong amount of anesthetic or failing to diagnose an allergy, they may share that legal liability as well. If you were harmed as a result of an anesthesia error, an experienced Albany anesthesia error lawyer may be able to file a medical malpractice claim or lawsuit on your behalf. If your case is strong and presented well in court, you may be able to win compensation for the damages you or your loved ones suffered while under anesthesia. If you wish to begin your case, reach out to a seasoned Albany anesthesia error lawyer today for your initial consultation.

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