Anesthesia is one of the most commonly used medications in hospitals and medical facilities. Doctors use anesthetics during surgeries and other medical procedures to prevent patients from moving or feeling pain. Anesthesia can also alter the patient’s memory so they do not remember the procedure or any discomfort.
However, anesthesia errors can have life-altering consequences. In some situations, a mistake with anesthesia can result in wrongful death.
Anesthesia injury claims are complex medical malpractice cases. An experienced anesthesia error attorney can work with you to hold the doctors and medical providers accountable for their negligence and malpractice.
Common Anesthesia Errors That Can Lead to Death and Severe Injuries
Errors with anesthesia happen each day. Sometimes, an anesthesia injury is unavoidable. For example, the patient may have an unknown allergy to the medication.
Many anesthesia injuries are preventable if the medical providers take reasonable care to ensure the patient’s safety during the procedure. However, negligence and medical errors account for a majority of anesthesia injury claims.
Examples of common anesthesia errors attributed to malpractice or negligence include:
- Administering the incorrect dose of anesthesia medication
- Making errors while intubating a patient
- Failing to review a patient’s medical history
- Inadequate monitoring of patients
- Errors made with oxygen levels
- Failing to identify adverse interactions with other medications the patient is taking
- Waiting too long to administer anesthesia
- Failing to monitor a patient’s vital signs during the procedure
- Administering anesthesia too quickly
- Using general anesthesia instead of a safer alternative
Unfortunately, when medical staff fail to act quickly after an anesthesia error, the patient might not survive. If the patient lives, they might sustain a permanent disability or impairment because of the anesthesia error.
Injuries Caused by Anesthesia Errors Can Be Life-Threatening and Severe
Anesthesia errors can result in a variety of medical conditions and complications. Sometimes, the patient recovers without any lasting harm. However, some patients are not as fortunate.
Common injuries and conditions caused by anesthesia errors include:
- Organ damage
- Paralysis
- Heart attacks
- Dental damage
- Stroke
- Vegetative state
- Obstructed airways
- Seizures
- Nerve damage
- Traumatic brain damage
- Severe allergic reactions
- Respiratory arrest
- Internal bleeding
- Asphyxia
- Anesthesia awareness
- Death
If an anesthesiologist, hospital, medical facility, or other medical professional causes you harm due to an anesthesia error, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. The amount you receive depends on the facts of your case and the severity of the injuries caused by the anesthesia error.
What Damages Can I Receive in an Anesthesia Error Claim in Florida?
Most patients can recover compensation for their economic and non-economic damages.
Examples of damages available in a Florida anesthesia injury claim include:
- Past and future medical bills and expenses
- Long-term personal and/or nursing care
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Past and future lost wages
- Physical pain and suffering
- Impairments and disabilities
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- A reduction in earning capacity
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Diminished quality of life
Medical malpractice insurance companies, hospitals, and doctors fight claims for anesthesia injuries. You have the burden of proving your case to recover compensation for damages.
Hiring an experienced Destin medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you suspect a medical professional caused your injury is the best way to increase your chance of recovering a fair settlement from the at-fault party.
What Do I Need to Prove To Recover Compensation in an Anesthesia Error Claim?
Anesthesia errors fall under medical malpractice claims. Therefore, you must prove the elements of a medical malpractice claim before you can recover compensation for your damages.
The legal elements you must prove are:
- The medical provider owed you a duty of care
- The provider breached their duty by failing to provide the level of care required for the situation
- The provider’s conduct was the direct and proximate cause of your injury
- You suffered harm and damages because of the malpractice
Medical malpractice claims require hiring medical experts to provide testimony and evidence supporting your case. You must prove that your injury would have been preventable under normal circumstances had your doctor exercised reasonable care.
What Is the Deadline for Filing Claims Related to Anesthesia Errors in Florida?
A statute of limitations sets the deadline for filing lawsuits. Florida’s statute of limitations for most medical malpractice claims is two years. However, the circumstances of your case and exceptions to the statute of limitations could change your filing deadline.
Therefore, seeking legal advice as soon as possible is strongly advised. The court can dismiss your lawsuit if you do not file it before the deadline expires. Then, you lose your chance to hold the responsible party legally liable for your damages.
What Should I Do if I Was Harmed By an Anesthesia Error in Florida?
If you believe an anesthesia error is the cause of your medical condition or injury, seek medical treatment immediately. Inform the physician that you received anesthesia and are suffering adverse effects from the procedure. Your doctor will document your symptoms and conduct tests to provide a diagnosis.
Keep copies of all documents related to your medical procedure and the anesthesia used. Request copies of your medical records from the hospital, doctor, and all other medical providers involved. If you hire a lawyer to handle your case, your attorney will take care of this step for you.
Speak with an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney will determine the statute of limitations so that you know how long you have to file a claim or lawsuit. Furthermore, an attorney has substantial resources to investigate your claim, including hiring the necessary medical experts to assist with your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Destin Anesthesia Error Lawyer
You deserve to be compensated for your injuries and damages if a medical provider caused you harm. Anesthesia errors can cause lifelong complications, and you should not bear the burden of those complications alone. Schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Destin medical malpractice lawyer to discuss your situation.
