Delaware Anesthesia Errors Lawyers Representing Victims of Anesthesia Malpractice

Anesthesia is an invention that has made many of our modern medical procedures possible, from open-heart surgeries to transplants and more. However, it is a complex process and it requires a team of skilled medical professionals to safely use it. At times these medical experts can make terrible mistakes in the administration of anesthesia, leading to injuries, mental trauma, and even death. In most cases, the errors occur when an individual undergoes surgery. If you or a loved one has endured an injury resulting from an anesthesia error, you deserve skilled representation to help you get compensated for your physical, emotional, and financial difficulties. Hudson, Castle & Inkell, LLC has more than 50 years of combined experience in medical malpractice claims throughout the State of Delaware. We offer comprehensive representation to people who have been hurt because of mistakes in the administration of anesthesia. Contact us today at (302) 428-8800 for a free initial consultation.

What Can Cause Anesthesia Errors?

Because the exact dose of anesthesia required for a patient can depend on many factors, including their weight, age, medical history, medications, health level, and more, an anesthesiologist must undergo intensive training to safely administer anesthesia. An incorrect dose can cause the body to shut down or it may result in everyone’s nightmare: Being paralyzed, yet fully aware of the procedure which is occurring. It is the duty of the anesthesiologist and their medical team to closely monitor the patient throughout the entire surgical procedure and maintain their safety. However, sometimes they do not fulfill this duty, and the patient is harmed. Some causes for anesthesia errors may include:

• Failure to properly hydrate a patient, leading to a reduction in blood pressure and injuries caused by inadequate blood flow
• Failure by medical personnel to gather all necessary information before the administration of anesthesia, resulting in medication mistakes or unnecessary side effects
• Failures in communication by different departments, doctors, or medical personnel, leading to the administration of incorrect amounts or incorrect types of anesthesia
• Insufficient monitoring of vital signs and failure to respond to medical complications
• Failure to monitor and refill anesthetic machine vaporizers
• Anesthetic machine misuse or malfunction
• Inadequate or improper training

What Are Some Anesthesia Error Related Injuries?

Being put under anesthesia while having surgery makes you incredibly vulnerable. You are trusting completely in the medical professionals to make the right dosing decisions, monitor you properly, and communicate and swiftly handle any issues that arise. However, if an anesthesia error is made, these serious injuries can result:

• Malignant hyperthermia: This is a severe reaction to certain kinds of anesthesia, caused by a genetic disorder. If the patient is known to have this disorder, other types of anesthesia should be used. If a patient unexpectedly exhibits symptoms of this reaction, treatment should be promptly given to reduce the risk of serious injuries and death.
• Rhabdomyolysis: Some types of anesthesia can cause this serious condition where muscle tissue breaks down and is released into the bloodstream. If not properly treated, it can cause severe complications.
• Lack of sufficient oxygen: If the patient’s oxygen levels are not properly monitored and kept within a safe range, they may suffer brain damage and other harm.
• Hypertension, tachycardia, and cardiac arrest: Serious heart complications can occur from too much anesthesia or allergic reactions.
• Severe allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience reactions such as swelling and anaphylaxis to the anesthesia and the medical team needs to be prepared to recognize and properly treat these symptoms.
• Anesthesia awareness: This is when a patient is paralyzed by the anesthesia so they cannot alert staff, but they are still conscious and can often feel the procedure taking place. Victims may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), nightmares, insomnia, flashbacks, and other symptoms associated with a traumatic and painful event.
• Aspiration: Liquids may get into the respiratory tract, potentially causing infection later.
• Death: While uncommon, anesthesia wrongful death may occur, and it is often the result of surgical errors or medical negligence.

What Damages Can Be Recovered?

If you or a family member have suffered anesthesia malpractice injuries, you deserve to recover compensation. These injuries can be extremely traumatic and may impact victims for the rest of their lives, both physically and emotionally. Some types of damages which may be awarded in cases involving anesthesia errors include:

• Lost wages: If your injuries caused you to be unable to work, either temporarily or permanently, you could be reimbursed for your lost income.
• Medical expenses: If you required immediate or ongoing medical treatment as a result of the error, you could be compensated for the cost. This may also include future medical expenses, if needed.
• Pain and Suffering: Many of the injuries caused by improperly administered anesthesia can lead to painful events which may cause trauma, nightmares, and PTSD for years. The court takes these factors into account when awarding compensation.
• Wrongful death: If your loved one died due to anesthesia malpractice, you could be compensated for the loss of their companionship and support.

Why Hire Us?

An anesthesia error can be a very traumatic experience, and you deserve to be compensated for your suffering and the other consequences resulting from your anesthesia malpractice injuries. At Hudson, Castle, & Inkell, LLC, our medical malpractice attorneys will work to achieve justice for you and your family. We combine extensive medical law experience with a dedication to providing the highest levels of client service and individualized personal attention. We devote all our energy and efforts to getting full and fair compensation for your or your loved ones’ injuries and use state-of-the-art case management software to monitor all aspects of your medical malpractice claims.

If you or someone you care about has been injured because of an anesthesia error, please contact Hudson, Castle, & Inkell, LLC. Every claim begins with a free initial consultation. We offer the convenience of flexible appointments, and we take all cases involving anesthesia errors on a contingency basis. We handle cases of Delaware medical malpractice. To schedule a free case evaluation, please call Hudson, Castle & Inkell, LLC at (302) 428-8800.