Orange County Anesthesia Error Attorneys

Anesthesia errors can range in the nature of the medical error and the damages victims suffer. Below are various types of anesthesia errors that victims commonly file medical malpractice claims for:

• Improper amount of anesthesia administered
• Failing to monitor anesthetized patients
• Negative interaction with other medications
• Allergic reactions to anesthesia
• Delayed delivery of anesthesia
• Defective anesthesia medical equipment

Anesthesia errors are obviously dangerous, but the cause of injury or death due to this form of negligence can vary. Here are some of the injuries associated that can occur from an anesthesia error:

• Stroke
• Blood clots that lead to a heart attack
• Paralysis and nerve damage
• Oxygen deprivation resulting in brain damage
• Anaphylaxis resulting from an allergic reaction
• Airway trauma
• Anesthesia awareness

In order for a patient to have a viable claim for compensation, several legal elements of a medical malpractice claim must be present. This includes the fact that a medical professional had a duty of care to treat a patient safely, and that they failed to uphold this duty by acting or administering anesthesia negligently.

Who is Liable for an Anesthesia Error?

Anesthesia errors can result in serious harm to patients, and determining liability for these errors involves identifying who was responsible for the mistake. Here are the parties who might be held liable:

• Anesthesiologist: The anesthesiologist, who administers the anesthesia, can be held liable if they fail to follow standard care protocols. This can include errors in dosage, improper monitoring of the patient, or failure to respond to complications.
• Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA): Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) can also be held liable if they make an error in administering anesthesia or monitoring the patient.
• Surgeon: If the surgeon fails to communicate necessary patient information or administers drugs that interact negatively with the anesthesia, they might share liability.
• Hospital or Surgical Center: The institution where the surgery takes place can be held liable if it is found that poor staffing, inadequate training, or defective equipment contributed to the error. This is often referred to as "vicarious liability."
• Pharmaceutical Companies: If the anesthesia drug was defective or improperly labeled, the manufacturer might be held liable for any resulting harm.
• Other Medical Staff: Any other healthcare provider involved in the preoperative or postoperative care that negligently contributes to an anesthesia error could also be held liable.

Properly identifying all potential parties liable for an anesthesia error is critical for ensuring that the injured patient receives appropriate compensation for their injuries.