(845) 802-0047Intubation can be crucial to a patient’s ability to breathe during severe illnesses and certain medical procedures. As with any procedure, medical professionals responsible for intubation should adhere to standards of care and strictly follow protocol to protect the patient. However, some professionals fail to live up to their duty of care, potentially resulting in serious complications or even premature death.
If this happened to you or a family member, an experienced Albany intubation complications lawyer could help you recover the compensation to which you may be entitled. Your qualified malpractice attorney could also answer any questions you may have and help you identify which specific parties may be liable for the mistreatment you endured.
What Causes Intubation Complications?
During intubation, a soft and flexible tube is placed down a patient’s airway through their mouth. The tube opens the airway and connects to a ventilator, manually cycling the patient’s lungs.
Intubation has saved countless lives and allowed many others to receive necessary procedures and surgeries, but it is not without risks and complications.
Common Errors
Intubation complications could occur for many different reasons, with some of the most common being:
- The medical provider intubating too late
- A medical professional inexperienced with intubation
- Using the wrong equipment or wrong sized tube
- The tube being placed in the wrong area
- Failure to properly monitor the patient
- Improper dislodging or displacement of the tube
- Trauma and damage from incorrect application or extended use
Compensable Damages in Intubation Complications Cases
An Albany attorney could work to ensure that a malpractice victim claim all the damages they suffered due to intubation complications. Damages for which injured individuals might be able to claim compensation in these cases include:
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Decreased earning capacity
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
- Emotional trauma
It is important to note that the State of New York does not have damage caps that would limit the compensation a potential plaintiff in a malpractice case could receive. Instead, their compensation would be determined between both parties in a settlement or by the court.
Are There Time Limits on Intubation Lawsuits?
When determining when to contact an intubation complications lawyer in Albany, potential plaintiffs should know that their legal right to sue has an expiration date. Under New York Civil Practice Law and Rules §214-a, also known as the statute of limitations, plaintiffs in a malpractice case have only two years and six months from the date of their injury to file a lawsuit. If injured individuals wait too long to file their case, they may forfeit their ability to seek compensation for injuries.
Consult an Albany Intubation Complications Attorney
Medical professionals performing intubations owe their patients a duty of care to act in the same way another reasonably prudent healthcare provider would act in similar circumstances. If they breach that duty in a way that causes you harm, you may have a legal right to seek compensation. Call today to schedule a case consultation with a seasoned Albany intubation complications lawyer and begin pursuing justice for your injuries today.