Anesthesia Malpractice
Oklahoma Medical Malpractice
The administration of anesthesia during a surgical procedure requires skill and precision on the part of the anesthesiologist. The slightest error during the procedure can lead to serious consequences and in extreme cases, wrongful death.
The anesthesiologist has many responsibilities to carry out during a surgical procedure. He is in charge of monitoring and regulating heart and respiratory functioning during surgical procedures involving general anesthesia. The anesthesiologist must consider the patient's age, size, medical history, and overall general health when determining correct drug dosages and administering general anesthesia.
Types of Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia malpractice is commonly caused by:
- Improper drug dosing
- Poor monitoring
- Lack of training or familiarity with techniques used
- Machine misuse or malfunction
Complications Caused by Anesthesia Errors
Many anesthesia errors are committed by highly trained, experienced anesthesiologists. There is very little margin for error in this field of medicine. When mistakes are made, the injuries suffered by the patient are often severe.
Some of the most common injuries caused by anesthesia errors include:
- Paralysis
- Nerve damage
- Heart arrhythmia
- Cardiovascular collapse
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Brain damage
- Coma
- Death
Anesthesia Awareness
Anesthesia awareness occurs when a patient awakens during the surgical procedure but cannot communicate this awareness to the doctors in the room. Frequently, these patients will have detailed memories of the surgery. They are often able to hear conversations between doctors and experience severe pain. In less extreme cases of anesthesia awareness, patients may only have vague recollections of the events during the surgery and experience moderate pain.
Many patients suffer severe post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of anesthesia awareness. Often, this trauma is difficult to overcome. Many victims experience:
- Nightmares
- Insomnia
- Flashbacks
- Paranoia
Anesthesia Malpractice Attorneys
Many anesthesia errors can be avoided if the anesthesiologist pays attention to detail and exercises caution when administering medication to patients. When an error is caused by negligent medical care, the anesthesiologist may be held liable for medical malpractice.
It is important to hire an attorney experienced in anesthesia medical malpractice lawsuits. These claims are highly specialized and require a great deal of skill. Since you are generally unconscious when the mistake is made, your lawyer must be able to examine medical records and skillfully interrogate expert witnesses in order to determine if your injury was in fact caused by an anesthesia error.
The attorneys at Stipe Injury Law have the skills, resources, and experience needed to help you receive the settlement you deserve for your injuries.
If you have been a victim of an anesthesia error, please contact the medical malpractice attorneys at Stipe Injury Law today to schedule a consultation. We serve clients in the Oklahoma City, Oklahoma area.
Although medical professionals are required by law to exercise the utmost care, skill and diligence when treating their patients, it is estimated that over 90,000 people every year are either injured or killed due to physician or nurse error. 
When workers are injured, employers and their workers compensation insurance carrier are responsible for providing those employees with the medical care they need as quickly as possible. 
If you are disabled, and can no longer work, the federal government offers disability payments to individuals who qualify under the Social Security Disability Insurance plan. 
