Georgia Anesthesia Error Attorneys

Anesthesia is a critical component of many medical procedures, designed to ensure patient comfort and pain management. However, when anesthesia is improperly administered, the consequences can be devastating. If you or a loved one has suffered a severe injury due to an anesthesia error in a Georgia hospital, our skilled medical malpractice attorneys are here to help you seek justice and compensation.

What Constitutes an Anesthesia Error?

Anesthesia errors occur when medical professionals fail to follow standard procedures or make mistakes in the administration of anesthesia. These errors can happen before, during, or after surgery. They may involve several types of anesthesia, including general, regional, and local.

Different Types of Anesthesia

General – Puts a patient in a deep sleep during a procedure. Patients who receive general anesthesia are completely unconscious during the procedure and don’t remember anything.

Regional – Numbs a large area of the body so a patient feels no pain during a procedure. Some examples of regional anesthesia include spinal, epidural, and nerve blocks.

Local – A medication that numbs a specific area of the body, but the patient does not lose consciousness.

Examples of Common Anesthesia Errors

• Dosage Mistakes: Administering too much or too little anesthesia can lead to serious complications, including prolonged unconsciousness, brain damage, or inadequate pain management.
• Delayed Anesthesia Delivery: Failing to administer anesthesia promptly can cause significant pain and distress during a procedure.
• Failure to Monitor: Anesthesiologists must closely monitor patients’ vital signs. Neglecting this duty can result in dangerous fluctuations in heart rate, blood pressure, or oxygen levels.
• Inadequate Preoperative Assessment: Not thoroughly evaluating a patient’s medical history, allergies, or potential drug interactions can lead to adverse reactions.
• Equipment Malfunction: Faulty or improperly maintained anesthesia equipment can cause incorrect anesthesia delivery.

Common Injuries Associated with Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia errors can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be life-threatening or cause lifelong disability. Common injuries include:

• Brain Damage: Lack of oxygen to the brain during surgery can cause permanent cognitive impairment. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a brain injury that occurs from a lack of blood flow and/or oxygen to the brain.
• Nerve Damage: Incorrectly administered regional anesthesia can lead to nerve damage, resulting in chronic pain or paralysis.
• Cardiac Arrest: Severe reactions to anesthesia can cause heart failure.
• Awareness During Surgery: Inadequate anesthesia can lead to the patient being conscious and experiencing pain and emotional distress during the procedure.
• Postoperative Complications: Including infections, blood clots, or respiratory issues.

What Leads to Anesthesia Errors?

Several factors can contribute to anesthesia errors. Anesthesiologists who are not properly trained or lack experience may be more prone to making mistakes. Miscommunication between surgical team members can lead to errors in anesthesia administration. Long hours and demanding schedules can impair the judgment and performance of medical professionals. Lastly, poor hospital policies, understaffing, and inadequate resources can contribute to mistakes.

How a Skilled Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Help

Navigating the complexities of a medical malpractice claim requires expertise and experience. Our attorneys will thoroughly review medical records, consult with experts, and gather evidence to build a strong case. To succeed in an anesthesia error claim, it must be shown that the medical professional failed to meet the standard of care, directly causing the injury. Our attorneys collaborate with medical professionals to prove when an anesthesiologist’s actions or lack of care was the direct cause of our client’s injuries. We will oversee all communications and negotiations with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation. If necessary, we will represent you in court, presenting a compelling case to secure the justice and compensation you deserve.

Proving an Anesthesia Error Case

To prove an anesthesia error case, the following elements must be established:

1. Duty of Care: The anesthesiologist or medical professional owed a duty of care to the patient.
2. Breach of Duty: The medical professional breached this duty by failing to adhere to standard practices.
3. Causation: The breach of duty directly caused the injury.
4. Damages: The patient suffered actual harm or damages because of the error.

Holding Medical Professionals Accountable

Holding medical professionals accountable for their errors is essential for several reasons:

• Patient Safety: Ensuring accountability helps prevent future mistakes and promotes higher standards of care.
• Justice for Victims: Victims of medical malpractice deserve compensation for their suffering, medical expenses, and lost wages.
• Deterrence: Legal action against negligent professionals serves as a deterrent, encouraging others in the medical field to adhere to best practices.

If you or a loved one has been affected by an anesthesia error, contact our experienced medical malpractice attorneys today for a free consultation. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and helping you achieve the justice and compensation you deserve.

Call us at 706-354-4000 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule your free consultation. There is no cost unless we recover money for you in your case.