Long Beach Anesthesia Complications Lawyer

Millions of Americans, including many people right around this area, every day undergo various medical procedures that require anesthesia. Unfortunately, mistakes can occur when administering anesthesia, and these mistakes can lead to significant patient harm. At Harting Simkins & Ryan, LLP, we understand complex medical malpractice cases. We are here to help if you need a Long Beach anesthesia complication lawyer by your side to help you recover the compensation and closure you need.

Types of Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia errors can occur at any stage of the administration process, from preparation before the surgery to postoperative care. These mistakes can be devastating, leading to severe and sometimes permanent injuries. Understanding the types of anesthesia errors is crucial in recognizing when something has gone wrong.

1. Dosage Errors. One of the most common anesthesia mistakes involves incorrect dosages. Administering too much anesthesia can lead to overdose, resulting in brain damage, coma, or even death. Conversely, administering too little can result in the patient waking up during surgery, a condition known as anesthesia awareness, which can cause extreme physical and emotional trauma.
2. Failure to Monitor. Once anesthesia is administered, it is crucial for the medical team to continuously monitor the patient’s vital signs. Failure to adequately and proactively monitor these vitals can lead to complications such as hypoxia (lack of oxygen in the blood), which can cause permanent brain damage or other serious conditions.
3. Intubation Errors. During procedures that require general anesthesia, a breathing tube is often placed in the patient’s airway to assist with breathing. If the tube is improperly inserted, it can cause severe injuries, including damage to the vocal cords, trachea, or lungs. In some cases, this can also lead to inadequate oxygen supply, further increasing the risk of brain damage.
4. Allergic Reactions. Patients may have allergies to certain anesthetic drugs. If these allergies are not identified before the procedure, or if the medical team fails to respond quickly to an allergic reaction, the results can be life-threatening.
5. Communication Failures. Anesthesia errors can also occur due to poor communication among the surgical team. Misunderstandings or lapses in communication about the patient’s medical history, current medications, or the specific type of anesthesia being used can lead to serious complications.

Causes of Anesthesia Errors

Understanding the causes of anesthesia errors is critical in identifying liability and pursuing a Long Beach medical malpractice claim. These errors are often preventable and result from negligence on the part of the healthcare provider.

• Inadequate Training. Anesthesia is a complex field that requires extensive training and expertise. When healthcare professionals lack the necessary qualifications or experience, they are more likely to make critical mistakes. This can include errors in calculating drug dosages, choosing the wrong type of anesthesia, or failing to recognize complications as they arise.
• Fatigue and Overwork. Medical professionals, including anesthesiologists, often work long hours under stressful conditions. Fatigue can impair judgment and lead to mistakes in administering anesthesia, monitoring patients, or responding to emergencies.
• Poor Preoperative Assessment. Before any procedure requiring anesthesia, a thorough preoperative assessment is necessary to identify potential risks, such as allergies, underlying health conditions, or reactions to previous anesthesia. Skipping or inadequately performing this assessment can lead to avoidable complications.
• Defective Equipment. Anesthesia requires precise and reliable equipment, such as monitors, pumps, and ventilators. If this equipment is defective or not properly maintained, it can lead to errors in administering anesthesia or monitoring the patient’s condition.
• Lack of Communication. Effective communication among the surgical team is vital for patient safety. Miscommunications regarding the patient’s medical history, the type of procedure being performed, or the specific anesthesia plan can lead to serious mistakes.

Effects of Anesthesia Errors

The effects of anesthesia errors can be severe and life-altering, affecting both the patient and their loved ones. The physical, emotional, and financial consequences can be overwhelming, making it crucial to seek legal guidance to hold the responsible parties accountable.

• Brain Damage. One of the most devastating outcomes of anesthesia errors is brain damage, which can occur due to oxygen deprivation (hypoxia) during surgery. The effects can range from cognitive impairment and memory loss to permanent disability, requiring lifelong care and support.
• Cardiac Arrest. In some cases, anesthesia errors can lead to cardiac arrest, where the heart suddenly stops beating. While prompt medical intervention can sometimes save the patient’s life, the event can still cause significant damage to the heart and other organs, leading to long-term health issues.
• Anesthesia Awareness. Anesthesia awareness occurs when a patient becomes conscious during surgery but is unable to move or communicate. This terrifying experience can result in severe psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
• Organ Damage. Errors in administering anesthesia or inserting breathing tubes can cause damage to vital organs, such as the lungs, liver, or kidneys. 
• Death. In rare situations, anesthesia mistakes can result in a fatality, leaving families to cope with the loss of a loved one. Our Long Beach wrongful death attorney will hold negligent parties accountable.

Seeking Legal Help for Anesthesia Complications in Long Beach

If you or a loved one has suffered from an anesthesia complication, it is important to understand your legal rights. The experienced Long Beach personal injury lawyers at Harting Simkins & Ryan, LLP, are here to help you navigate this challenging time. We understand the complexities of medical malpractice cases and are committed to holding negligent healthcare providers accountable for their actions.