Fairfax, VA Anesthesia Error Lawyer

Knowledgeable Anesthesia Error Attorneys Protecting Injured Patients in Fairfax, Virginia

Anesthesia is a crucial part of surgical procedures and other types of medical treatment. However, the drugs used by anesthesiologists must be carefully selected, dosed, and administered, and a patient must be monitored to ensure that any potential complications are recognized and addressed correctly. When an anesthesiologist fails to provide the proper treatment, a patient can suffer serious consequences.

Anesthesia errors are some of the most serious forms of medical malpractice that can affect patients. When issues related to anesthesia are not handled correctly, a patient could be seriously injured or killed. At Shevlin Smith, P.C., our attorney understands how to address anesthesia errors and other forms of medical negligence, and he can take steps to ensure that a patient who has suffered harm will be compensated for their damages.

Pre-Operative Errors by Anesthesiologists

The work of an anesthesiologist begins while preparing for surgery or another procedure. They will need to review a patient's medical history, their current medications and allergies, and their physical status to ensure that the proper forms of anesthesia will be used. This can also help them prepare for potential complications or other issues that could affect a patient's health.

Through a pre-operative evaluation, an anesthesiologist can determine whether a patient is taking any medications that could interact with anesthesia. Failure to account for interactions between anesthesia and anticoagulants, antidepressants, or blood thinners could lead to dangerous complications during a procedure.

The patient should receive an explanation of the anesthesiologist's plans, the potential risks, and the alternatives that may be available. This will ensure that the patient can provide informed consent. An anesthesiologist may be held liable for their failure to disclose risks or ensure that a patient had the information needed to make the right decisions.

Errors Administering Anesthesia

An anesthesiologist will need to provide anesthesia at the right dose and at the proper times. Errors that can occur may include:

Administering Too Much Anesthesia

The appropriate dose of anesthesia will depend on factors such as a patient's weight, age, and overall health. An anesthesiologist who does not account for these factors when calculating the appropriate dose may deliver an amount that is higher than what the patient can safely tolerate. An overdose of anesthesia can affect the heart's ability to pump blood correctly. In some cases, a patient may experience cardiac arrest. Doses that are too high may also affect a patient's ability to breathe and get enough oxygen.

Administering Too Little Anesthesia

When an anesthesiologist does not provide a patient with enough anesthesia, the patient may regain consciousness during surgery. This can be very traumatic, because a patient may feel pain, hear what is happening, and feel the sensations of the procedure, but they may be unable to move or speak. Inadequate anesthesia can also result in issues such as elevated blood pressure, elevated heart rate, and other forms of stress that can injure a patient.

Airway Management Errors

To ensure that anesthesia can be delivered correctly and that a patient will receive enough oxygen, an anesthesiologist will need to manage the person's airway during a procedure. In many cases, patients will be intubated, ensuring that oxygen can be delivered directly to their lungs. However, intubation errors may occur, putting a patient at risk of harm due to a lack of oxygen. Without enough oxygen, brain damage can occur.

Failure to Monitor a Patient While Under Anesthesia

Continuous monitoring of a patient is crucial during a procedure. An anesthesiologist will need to pay attention to oxygen levels, heart rate, body temperature, and other signs that may indicate whether the patient is experiencing distress or other issues that could lead to injuries. An anesthesiologist who does not monitor a patient correctly may not be able to respond to complications. A patient may suffer harm due to hypoxia, excessive doses of anesthesia, or other issues that could have been addressed if they had been properly monitored.

Compensation for Victims of Anesthesia Errors

When anesthesia malpractice has caused a patient to suffer harm, they may be able to receive compensation for the damages they have experienced. These may include medical expenses for the treatment related to an anesthesia injury and any ongoing care that will be required. They may also be compensated for lost income and reduced earning capacity when an injury has affected their ability to work. Pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and other damages may also be addressed. In cases where an anesthesia error led to a patient's death, the person's family members may be able to recover compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Contact Our Fairfax, Virginia Anesthesia Error Attorney

Anesthesia malpractice cases can be complicated. They will require a detailed review of pre-operative assessments that were performed, records related to anesthesia administration, monitoring data during a procedure, and other information. At Shevlin Smith, P.C., our attorney will work to identify every responsible party and every form of compensation that may be available to an injury victim. Contact our Fairfax anesthesia malpractice lawyer at 703-591-0067 to arrange a free consultation.