Can I Receive Compensation After an Anesthesia Error?

 Posted on January 29, 2024 in Medical Malpractice

During surgery, patients trust their doctors and anesthesiologists to put their full effort into their care and ensure that they come to no harm. However, mistakes can happen, which may be due to negligence or reckless behavior. With anesthesia errors, even a slight slip-up can result in severe consequences.

Victims of anesthesia errors may be able to receive compensation that covers the cost of medical bills and other expenses. An Illinois medical malpractice lawyer can help you explore these options.

Common Types of Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia refers to specific types of drugs called anesthetics. These drugs are used to create an unconscious or semi-conscious state for patients during surgeries and other medical procedures in order to prevent pain and awareness of the ongoing procedure.

Anesthesia can be a powerful tool, but one small mistake or negligence when it comes to administering anesthesia can lead to serious issues. Common types of anesthesia errors that may occur include:

• Incorrect dosage amounts can lead to awareness during medical procedures and trauma, or an overdose can lead to severe conditions like coma or even death.
• Failure to pay attention to the patient’s medical history in order to ensure no complications will arise.
• Improper monitoring of a patient under anesthesia can lead to missed signs of medical issues or complications.
• Failure to inform patients of pre-anesthesia safety precautions can easily lead to complications during a medical procedure.

Serious consequences arise from anesthesia errors, such as injuries, trauma, coma, and death. Victims of anesthesia errors may not even realize a problem until weeks after their medical procedure, something that makes anesthesia error cases challenging to pursue.

Are Anesthesia Errors Medical Malpractice?

Anesthesia errors can be considered medical malpractice in cases where recklessness or negligence leads to mistakes. These errors may be caused by an anesthesiologist not performing their job correctly or communicating safety precautions to patients.

An anesthesia error might also be caused by faulty equipment, something that would make the issue one of product liability instead of medical malpractice. An experienced Illinois attorney can help you navigate the type of legal case you must pursue.

Contact a Chicago, IL Medical Malpractice Attorney

Anesthesia errors can be severe, and the consequences of these errors may lead to life-changing injuries and even wrongful death. If you suspect you’ve encountered an anesthesia error after a medical procedure, contact a skilled Chicago, IL medical malpractice lawyer at Winters Salzetta O'Brien & Richardson, LLC as soon as possible to explore compensation options. Call 312-236-6324 for a free consultation.