Anesthesia is an indispensable part of the modern surgical process, making it easier and safer for patients and surgeons. However, anesthesia is not without its risks and the consequences of improperly-administered anesthesia can be deadly. Patients who have suffered adverse consequences after going under anesthesia may have a legal right to compensation with the help of a medical malpractice attorney. Victims should consult with a knowledgeable New Port Richey anesthesia errors lawyer to learn about their options for holding negligent anesthesiologists accountable for the injuries they have cause.
Signs and Symptoms of an Anesthesia Error
Patients who undergo a surgical procedure involving anesthesia may not always know if the anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist administered anesthesia correctly. Some common signs and symptoms that might indicate an anesthesia-related injury include:
- Seizures and injuries to the brain
- Hallucinations and dementia
- Hypothermia
- Trouble breathing normally
- Unconsciousness
- Nausea and vomiting
In certain extreme situations, anesthesia errors may even lead to wrongful death. Mistakes that might lead to these and other complications include administering too much anesthesia, incorrectly monitoring a patient who is under anesthesia, and administering anesthesia to a high-risk patient without conducting adequate consultation and evaluation.
Elements to Prove Damages in New Port Richey Anesthesia Error Cases
Patients seeking to recover compensation for their anesthesia-related injuries must be prepared to present evidence of:
Established Duty of Care and a Breach of Duty
Plaintiffs must demonstrate that the anesthesiologist or anesthetist owed the plaintiff a duty to conduct themselves in a certain way. Medical standards and regulations, along with hospital or industry best practices, may establish what this duty of care looks like in the plaintiff’s situation. The plaintiff must then show that the anesthesiologist or anesthetist breached or violated this duty.
The Breach of Duty Caused Injury
The plaintiff must also show that the anesthesiologist’s or anesthetist’s subpar and careless actions caused the plaintiff to suffer injury. If the plaintiff would have experienced the same trauma regardless of what the professional did or did not do, then causation may not be present. However, if the plaintiff’s harm can be proven to be more likely than not the result of the anesthesia error, then the plaintiff may be successful in proving causation.
The Injuries Cause Compensable Damages
Victims must then present evidence of the amount of compensation that he or she will need to address the financial costs of their injuries. To this end, the plaintiff may show medical bills, work attendance records, estimates of future medical needs, and personal anecdotes to support the compensation pursued. With appropriate documentation and support, a plaintiff may be successful in obtaining compensation for past expenses as well as future needs related to their injuries. An anesthesia error attorney in New Port Richey could help prepare, file, and present a patient’s case to fight for the best possible outcome.
Contact a New Port Richey Anesthesia Errors Attorney
If you learned from your doctor that an anesthesia mistake occurred during a recent procedure or if you suspect your anesthesiologist or anesthetist did not provide you with appropriate care, you may be entitled to compensation for any resulting injuries. Speak with a knowledgeable New Port Richey anesthesia errors lawyer about your situation and your rights. With your lawyer’s help, you may be successful in obtaining financial damages to help you address any harm you may have suffered. Call today to schedule a consultation.
