Anesthesia Errors in Atlanta Outpatient Surgeries
Anesthesia should be used to make patients more comfortable during surgery. When doctors administer anesthesia incorrectly, however, it can cause serious harm.
If you are suffering from injuries due to a doctor’s mistakes, you have the right to file for compensation. It is best to speak to a local attorney about anesthesia errors in Atlanta outpatient surgeries. Call us today to speak with an anesthesia error lawyer about your case.
Different Types of Anesthetics
The type of anesthesia used during a procedure depends on how invasive it is. Invasive surgeries require general anesthesia, which renders the patient completely unconscious.
For some minor procedures, however, doctors typically use a local anesthetic. This is applied directly to the part of the body the surgery is located. A local surgical error lawyer could help the injured party learn about the type of anesthesia they were given during their outpatient surgery.
Regulations for Administering Anesthesia
There are several organizations that regulate anesthesia. Surgical facilities may impose regulations on itself in the form of policies and procedures. The State of Georgia also regulates what types of procedures can be done and what kinds of anesthetics can be used.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists has another set of guidelines. Additionally, there are federal guidelines regarding anesthesia. A patient’s health insurance company may also have guidelines for billing procedures that require anesthesia. A skilled anesthesia error attorney in the area could determine what rules and regulations may have been broken in the injured party’s specific situation.
Common Causes and Consequences of An Anesthesia Error
Improper use of anesthesia can cause a host of problems. If the patient is given too much anesthesia, it could cause him or her to completely stop breathing.
Additionally, if too little anesthesia is given, an individual may not be completely unconscious. In these situations, the injured party could be fully aware of what is happening but not able to communicate that to the surgeon.
Failing to properly evaluate a patient prior to the anesthesia being given or administering the wrong type of anesthetic could also cause a patient to have adverse reactions to the drug. Additionally, doctors could fail to properly intubate or monitor the patient during the procedure. These types of anesthesia errors can lead to many catastrophic injuries, including:
- Loss of an airway;
- Cardiac issues;
- Brain injuries from lack of oxygen;
- Partial or full paralysis; or
- Death
A nearby attorney with experience in anesthesia error cases could help victims seek compensation for their injuries.
Who is Liable for an Anesthesia Error in Atlanta?
If a medical provider did not practice within the standard of care and causes a patient to suffer injuries, there could be a valid claim for medical malpractice related to anesthesia error.
The anesthesiologist assigned to the patient is generally responsible for anesthesia errors. However, a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) working under the anesthesiologist could also be liable. Other possible at-fault parties can include surgeons, nurses, or scrub techs because they all have a duty to care for the patient.
Proving Negligence in a Medical Malpractice Case
There are three major components involved in a negligence claim. A victim must prove the following:
- The anesthesiologist had a duty of care to the patient;
- The anesthesiologist deviated from the standard of care; and
- That deviation caused an injury to the patient.
If the doctor’s deviation from the standard of care did not directly cause the victim’s injury, there is no valid medical malpractice case. A seasoned lawyer in the community could help the injured claimant build a successful medical negligence claim.
Recovering Compensation for Economic and Non-Economic Damages
Injured parties have the right to collect compensation from the doctor who harmed them during their outpatient surgery. Economic damages are monetary losses the victim has faced or will face as a result of the injury. These types of damages can include lost wages, lost earning potential, and medical bills.
Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses such as pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life. A diligent lawyer could help victims recover the maximum amount of damages.
Contact an Anesthesia Error Attorney Today
Falling victim to anesthesia error can be an incredibly traumatizing experience. If you were injured while under anesthesia, you have the right to fight for the compensation you need. However, you should not try to take on a complex legal case alone.
The dedicated attorneys at Warshauer Woodward Atkins have the resources to guide you through your claim. Reach out today to learn about anesthesia errors in Atlanta outpatient surgeries and your eligibility to recover compensation for damages.
