Anesthesia Errors
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Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim After an Anesthesia Injury
Anesthesia is an essential element of numerous medical procedures, including surgery. However, it is also a powerful medication and, as such, comes with certain risks. When medical professionals make mistakes in administering anesthesia, the consequences can be deadly.
If you were injured or if someone you love died due to an anesthesia error in Pennsylvania, reach out to Metzger Wickersham. Since 1888, our firm has been fighting on behalf of individuals and families throughout the state. We now offer trusted legal representation for those who have suffered immense losses through no fault of their own. We are known for our compassionate yet aggressive approach, as well as for our long history of success in complex personal injury cases. We understand the nuances inherent in medical malpractice claims and are ready to help you navigate the legal process of seeking fair compensation for your damages.
Please note: When in the best interest of the client, anesthesia error cases may be referred to other law firms.
You do not have to suffer on your own. Contact Metzger Wickersham online or call us at (888) 286-2850 to speak to an attorney at our firm for free.
Common Anesthesia Errors
All medical professionals—including anesthesiologists, physician anesthetists, and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs)—have a responsibility to provide patients with an acceptable level of care. Unfortunately, this does not prevent mistakes from happening. Anesthesia errors occur every day in the U.S., often with devastating consequences.
Some common examples of anesthesia errors include:
- Administering an incorrect dose (too much or too little anesthesia)
- Anesthesia awareness/patient consciousness during a procedure
- Delayed administration of anesthesia
- Administering anesthesia to the wrong patient
- Failing to consider a patient’s medical history prior to administering anesthesia
- Administering anesthesia to a patient who is allergic
- Negative interactions between anesthesia and other medications the patient is taking
- Failing to adequately identify/respond to adverse reactions
Furthermore, when medical professionals fail to provide patients with proper pre-procedure and post-procedure care, they can be held legally liable for resulting injuries and damages. A medical provider who fails to obtain informed consent prior to administering anesthesia may have acted negligently; the same is true of a medical provider who fails to properly monitor a patient who is under anesthesia or has just received anesthesia.
In short, if you believe your doctor or another medical professional failed to provide you with the same level of care that another qualified provider would have in the same or similar circumstances, you could have grounds for a claim. Reach out to our Pennsylvania anesthesia error attorneys at Metzger Wickersham to learn more, including how we can represent you and your rights.
Injuries Caused by Anesthesia Errors
Whether the error occurred in the administration of anesthesia or before, during, or after a medical procedure involving anesthesia took place, these mistakes can have seriously, lasting implications. In many cases, anesthesia errors can even be fatal.
Some of the many, wide-ranging injuries caused by anesthesia errors include:
- Brain injuries and damage
- Damage to the heart and other organs
- Oxygen deprivation (hypoxia/anoxia)
- Confusion and disorientation
- Blurred vision and/or ringing in the ears
- Heart arrhythmia (abnormal pulse)
- Cardiovascular collapse
- Spinal cord injuries, leading to paralysis
- Blood pressure problems
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Coma
- Birth injuries (when anesthesia is administered to a pregnant patient)
- Malignant hyperthermia (high body temperature, spasms, rapid heart rate, etc.)
The effects of these injuries are immense, often impacting both victims and their families for the remainder of their lives. At Metzger Wickersham, we believe that you should not have to simply suffer the consequences of a medical professional’s mistake. Instead, our Pennsylvania anesthesia error attorneys are ready to fight for you and the fair compensation you deserve.
Don’t Wait to Contact Metzger Wickersham
Suffering an injury or the loss of a loved one at the hands of a trusted medical provider can leave you feeling incredibly upset, angry, and unsure of where to turn. You deserve justice, and Metzger Wickersham can help.
We have multiple offices located in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Pottsville, Shippensburg, Wilkes-Barre, Williamsport, and York and can travel to meet you in a more convenient location if needed. Our Pennsylvania anesthesia error lawyers are here to answer your questions and guide you through this difficult time. Do not hesitate to get in touch with us at any time of day or night to set up an appointment for a free case evaluation.
Call (888) 286-2850 or submit an online contact form today. There are no attorney fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict for you.
Holding Negligent Parties Accountable
Proving that your medical provider—be it a CRNA, an anesthesiologist, or even a hospital—was negligent is an important but difficult element of your claim. To file a successful claim or lawsuit, you must prove that the medical provider in question failed to uphold what is known as the acceptable standard of care. A medical professional who does everything properly and acts within the standard of care has not committed malpractice, even if the patient suffers a poor outcome. However, if your provider acted in a way or failed to act in a way that another qualified medical provider would have in similar circumstances, you could have grounds for a case.
At Metzger Wickersham, we understand just how complex and challenging these cases are, which is why our attorneys handle every detail, from the initial investigation to settlement negotiations to litigation and trial. We believe in providing a hands-on approach and offering our clients consistent communication and direct attorney contact throughout the legal process.
Depending on the specifics of your situation, our team may be able to assist you in recovering compensation for the following damages:
- Medical expenses related to treating your anesthesia error injuries
- Ongoing and future medical care costs
- Lost income/wages and other employment benefits
- Lost or reduced earning capacity due to disability or impairment
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain and emotional distress/trauma
- Costs associated with necessary medications, medical equipment, and medical devices
- In-home assistance and care, home modifications, and other miscellaneous expenses
If you believe you or your loved one was the victim of medical malpractice or negligence in Pennsylvania, is it important that you reach out to an attorney right away. You only have two years from the date of the injury or the date on which the injury was discovered/could have been discovered to file a lawsuit, and you may not file a lawsuit if more than seven years have passed (except in some very rare circumstances).
After an injury, every second counts. Demand the justice you deserve with Metzger Wickersham today.
