Mobile Anesthesia Error Lawyer

Since 1958, Our Firm Has Fought against Negligence

Most people consider the use of anesthesia to be a routine part of many medical procedures. Yet, despite the common use of general, regional, and local anesthesia, anesthesia errors can and do routinely occur and result in devastating consequences.

If you or someone you love has been the victim of an anesthesia error, talk to one of our Alabama anesthesia malpractice lawyers to learn more about your rights and options. Cunningham Bounds, LLC was founded in 1958 and has since established itself as one of the leading personal injury firms in Alabama. Committed to excellence, our attorneys have secured billions on behalf of our clients in verdicts and settlements. 

We are known as trial lawyers who get results.

Call (251) 299-0101. Our Alabama anesthesia error attorneys offer free case evaluations.

Common Effects of Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia errors are not a simple mistake. Our attorneys will carefully investigate the circumstances surrounding your injuries and fight to hold the appropriate parties responsible.

Anesthesia errors often result in the following:

• Paralysis
• Loss of heart function
• Seizures
• Death

When anesthesia errors are due to medical negligence, victims should be compensated for their losses. In these sorts of cases, you will be up against well-funded insurance companies, backed by teams of aggressive attorneys. Cunningham Bounds can effectively fight for the compensation you deserve, no matter how complex the situation.

Examples of Anesthesia Malpractice

Anesthesia malpractice refers to instances where errors or negligence occur during the administration of anesthesia, resulting in harm to the patient. Here are some examples of anesthesia malpractice:

• Administering incorrect dosage: An anesthesiologist may administer too much or too little anesthesia, leading to complications such as anesthesia awareness (where the patient is conscious during surgery) or overdose, which can result in respiratory depression, cardiac arrest, or brain damage.
• Failure to monitor vital signs: During surgery, it's crucial for the anesthesiologist to monitor the patient's vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and respiratory rate. Failure to monitor these vital signs can result in delayed detection of complications such as hypoxia (low oxygen levels) or hypotension (low blood pressure), leading to serious injury or death.
• Failure to recognize and respond to complications: Anesthesia complications can arise suddenly during surgery, such as allergic reactions, airway obstructions, or adverse drug reactions. An anesthesiologist's failure to recognize these complications promptly and take appropriate action can lead to serious harm or even fatalities.
• Delayed emergence from anesthesia: After surgery, patients should gradually emerge from anesthesia in a controlled manner. However, in some cases, patients may experience delayed emergence, where they remain unconscious for an extended period or exhibit signs of anesthesia toxicity. Delayed emergence can result from medication errors, underlying health conditions, or inadequate monitoring.
• Inadequate preoperative assessment: Anesthesia malpractice can occur if the anesthesiologist fails to conduct a thorough preoperative assessment of the patient's medical history, allergies, and risk factors. Without this information, the anesthesiologist may inadvertently administer medications or anesthesia agents that are contraindicated for the patient, leading to adverse reactions or complications.
• Equipment failures or malfunctions: Anesthesia equipment, such as ventilators, oxygen monitors, and infusion pumps, must be properly maintained and calibrated to ensure patient safety. Malfunctions or failures of anesthesia equipment during surgery can lead to inadequate anesthesia delivery, oxygen deprivation, or other serious complications.
• Communication errors: Effective communication among members of the surgical team is essential for patient safety during anesthesia administration. Anesthesia malpractice can occur due to communication errors, such as failure to relay important medical information, misinterpretation of instructions, or inadequate handoffs between anesthesia providers during shift changes.
• Negligent post-anesthesia care: After surgery, patients require careful monitoring and appropriate post-anesthesia care to prevent complications and ensure a smooth recovery. Anesthesia malpractice can occur if post-anesthesia care is negligent or inadequate, leading to issues such as respiratory depression, airway obstruction, or aspiration pneumonia.

These examples highlight the importance of vigilant care and attention to detail during anesthesia administration to minimize the risk of harm to patients. Patients who have suffered injuries or complications due to anesthesia malpractice may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim and should seek legal guidance to understand their rights and options for pursuing compensation.

Who Is Liable for an Anesthesia Error?

Determining liability for an anesthesia error can be complex and depends on the specific circumstances of the case. Generally, liability for anesthesia errors may fall on various parties involved in the anesthesia administration process. These parties may include:

• Anesthesiologist: The primary responsibility for administering anesthesia lies with the anesthesiologist, who is a specially trained medical doctor specializing in anesthesia care. Anesthesiologists are responsible for assessing the patient's medical history, determining the appropriate anesthesia dosage, monitoring the patient during surgery, and managing anesthesia-related complications. If an anesthesia error occurs due to negligence or incompetence on the part of the anesthesiologist, they may be held liable for any resulting harm to the patient.
• Hospital or surgical facility: Hospitals and surgical facilities have a duty to ensure patient safety and provide adequate resources and oversight for anesthesia administration. If an anesthesia error occurs due to systemic issues such as inadequate staffing, lack of training, or equipment failures within the hospital or surgical facility, the facility may be held liable for negligence.
• Pharmacist: Anesthesia medications are typically administered intravenously or through inhalation, and errors in medication preparation, dispensing, or administration can lead to anesthesia complications. If an anesthesia error results from a mistake made by a pharmacist, such as incorrect medication dosage or improper drug preparation, the pharmacist or pharmacy may be held liable for negligence.
• Medical device manufacturer: Anesthesia equipment, such as ventilators, oxygen monitors, and infusion pumps, are essential for safe anesthesia administration. If an anesthesia error occurs due to a defect or malfunction in the anesthesia equipment, the manufacturer of the medical device may be held liable for product liability.

Determining liability for an anesthesia error requires a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the actions of the healthcare providers involved, the standard of care applicable to anesthesia administration, and any contributing factors such as equipment failures or communication breakdowns. 

Patients who have suffered harm due to an anesthesia mistake should consult with an anesthesia error attorney in Mobile, AL to assess their legal options and pursue compensation for damages incurred.

Start Your Case with a Free Consultation

If you have been injured or lost a loved one due to an anesthesia error, don’t hesitate to contact our firm. We are proud to uphold the rights of our clients and fight for compensation that enables them to move forward from their present circumstances.

Contact Cunningham Bounds and schedule your free consultation today.