Anesthesia Injury
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Anesthesia involves the practice of administering drugs to a patient so they are rendered unconscious and unable to feel pain during an invasive procedure. Doing so, however, is a high-risk process that involves extensive training and proper certification.
An anesthesiologist must consider many factors when identifying the proper dosage for a patient, such as their weight, age, heart health, and allergies. A patient must also be carefully monitored for any adverse reactions while they are both under the effects of and coming out of anesthesia.
While relatively rare, injuries caused by anesthesia can do serious damage and incur significant medical expenses. If you or a loved one have been treated with anesthesia and now suspect or notice symptoms of an anesthesia injury, you should strongly consider seeking out a medical malpractice lawyer to learn more about recovering compensation for your losses.
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Anesthesia injuries are injuries or medical complications that arise as a result of having anesthesia administered, often improperly so. These injuries can take many forms, and though some can be minor, others result in serious, permanent harm to a patient.
Anesthesia can result in several different types of injury. If you or a loved one have recently been given anesthesia and have suffered any of the following injuries, there’s a good chance you’ve sustained an anesthesia injury:
Brain damage is a risk often associated with errors in anesthesia administration. It can result in cognitive impairment, memory issues, and problems with logic, problem-solving, and judgment. When brain damage is severe enough, it may leave a patient unable to work or interact with their loved ones without lifelong attendant care.
Anesthesia is used to ensure a patient doesn’t feel pain during surgical procedures. But, as a result, it’s possible for there to be issues with a patient’s ability to regain feeling in their nerves after waking up.
Such circumstances often arise due to the nerves being compressed or damaged while the anesthesia is administered, though anesthesia nerve damage can range widely. Some patients might experience it as a slight numbness in a certain area, but at its most extreme, it can result in total paralysis.
Anesthesia can lead to a variety of issues with life-sustaining organs.
In the most serious cases, it can cause issues with the heart and respiratory system, such as:
The results of organ damage caused by anesthesia can include brain damage, organ failure, and death.
Allergic reactions are one of the most serious risks associated with anesthesia use, given that — as its most severe — an allergic reaction to anesthesia can result in anaphylactic shock and death. With that said, anesthesiologists are required to follow certain procedures designed to identify whether a patient is at risk of having an allergic reaction to the drugs used.
Aside from the above, anesthesia can still result in a variety of other injuries and concerns, some of the most common of which include the following:
These injuries often have compounding effects. Patients who regain awareness during a surgical procedure are at risk of developing PTSD, and cuts can develop into open wounds and increase the risk of a patient developing an infection while hospitalized.
These complications then further add to a patient’s medical treatment costs while harming both their physical and mental health as well as their quality of life as a result.
Anesthesia injuries can occur for a number of different reasons, though human error is the leading reason why such incidents occur.
Some of the most common situations that lead to anesthesia injuries are as follows:
Ultimately, ensuring that anesthesia is administered safely and appropriately is the responsibility of the medical professionals who are treating the patient. When an anesthesiologist or other healthcare providers fail to take appropriate care, provide sufficient monitoring, or respond promptly to adverse reactions, they can be held financially responsible for the patient’s injuries.
Treatment for anesthesia injuries depends on how the patient was injured and whether their injuries are treatable. Healing outcomes can depend on the type and severity of the injury, but they often vary by patient.
When an anesthesia injury results in permanent brain damage, for instance, treatment options are fairly limited, and other injuries may result in the need for additional surgeries or medical procedures. Medication, along with physical or occupational therapy, may be recommended during or after the initial recovery period.
Anesthesia injuries often have a direct and immediate financial impact on the patient. At a minimum, complications from anesthesia can result in longer hospital stays and the need for additional medical treatment, which alone can significantly increase the overall amount of a patient’s medical bills.
When anesthesia injuries are more serious, though, the financial implications will likely run just as deep. Severe anesthesia injuries can lead to permanent medical conditions and the need for both future medical procedures and attendant care. At the same time, the patient may temporarily or permanently be unable to return to work or care for their family members.
An anesthesia injury is considered an instance of medical malpractice. As a result, a person who has experienced an anesthesia injury can pursue compensation with the help of an anesthesia injury lawyer.
The unfortunate truth, however, is that healthcare providers won’t always admit to their errors. They may even try to cover them up, so if you suspect that you or a loved one has sustained an anesthesia injury, your first step should be to seek the advice of a medical malpractice lawyer.
At the Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the life-altering impact an anesthesia injury can have on your finances and quality of life.
Award-winning trial attorney Jay Knispel has recovered millions for injured clients in New York City, and he’s ready to fight to recover the compensation you need. Call today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced New York City anesthesia injury attorney.
If you need legal assistance, contact the New York City personal injury lawyers at Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation.
We have two convenient locations in New York:
Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – New York City Office
450 7th Ave #1605
New York, NY 10123
(212) 564-2800
Law Offices of Jay S. Knispel Personal Injury Lawyers – Brooklyn Office
26 Court St Suite 2511
Brooklyn, NY 11242
(718) 802-1600
New York City Office
450 7th Ave Suite 1605
New York, NY 10123
(212) 564 2800
Brooklyn Office
26 Court St., Suite 2511
Brooklyn, NY 11242
(718) 802-1600
We are available to take your call 24/7