Anesthesia is very important in modern medicine. It allows people to have surgery without feeling pain or fear. However, mistakes made by anesthesiologists can be perilous and even deadly. Errors with anesthesia can cause serious physical injuries, emotional distress, and significant financial problems.
If you or someone you love was hurt because of an anesthesia mistake, Arizona law might give you options for taking legal action. A lawyer can explain your rights and advise you about how to seek justice.
Types of Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia errors can occur at any point before, during, or after a procedure. Some of the most frequent include:
- Dosage Mistakes — Too much anesthesia can cause brain injury, organ failure, or death, while too little may leave a patient conscious and in pain during surgery.
- Failure to Monitor — Anesthesiologists must closely monitor vital signs. Missing a drop in blood pressure or oxygen levels can lead to serious harm.
- Allergic Reactions — Certain patients have allergies to anesthesia drugs. Failing to check a patient’s medical history or perform allergy testing can trigger life-threatening reactions.
- Intubation Injuries — Poor technique during intubation can cause damage to the throat, vocal cords, or airway, leading to ongoing breathing issues.
- Delayed Oxygen Supply — Even brief oxygen deprivation can cause irreversible brain damage.
Mistakes like these can occur when medical staff are tired, lack effective communication, or lose focus. Anesthesia errors can lead to severe injuries, emotional distress, and financial hardship.
The Impact of Anesthesia Mistakes
The effects of anesthesia mistakes often reach far beyond physical pain. Victims may face:
- Extended hospital stays
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Lost income if they can’t return to work
- Long-term care needs
- Emotional distress and mental health treatment
- Loss of quality of life
Families can also suffer serious financial and emotional strain, especially if a loved one passes away because of an anesthesia-related error, leaving them to cope with grief and unexpected costs.
Arizona’s Medical Malpractice Act (A.R.S. §§ 12-561 to 12-573) provides several legal paths for seeking help after such a tragedy.
Liability and Legal Action After Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia error claims often fall under medical malpractice law, but negligence is not the only possible basis for liability. Legal responsibility may be based on:
- Negligence — A claim may arise if an anesthesiologist fails to provide care that meets accepted medical standards. For example, administering the wrong dose due to a misread chart could be considered negligence.
- Strict Liability — In some cases, strict liability might apply. For instance, if a defect in an anesthesia machine causes harm, the manufacturer could be held strictly liable, even without proof of negligence.
- Breach of Contract or Warranty — Sometimes, breach of contract or warranty claims may apply if services or products used during anesthesia fail to meet promised standards.
Understanding who might be legally responsible requires a thorough review of medical records and other evidence.
Arizona’s statutes of limitation set strict time limits for filing lawsuits related to anesthesia mistakes. In most cases, you have two years from when you knew or should have known about the injury to file a claim. However, exceptions exist, especially for minors, who often have more time.
If you believe an anesthesia mistake caused your injury, do not wait to seek help. A lawyer can review your case and help protect your right to pursue compensation.
Speak with Gill Law Firm About Anesthesia Errors
If you or someone close to you has been hurt because of an anesthesia mistake, you deserve honest answers and real support. A skilled Arizona medical malpractice lawyer can walk you through your options, gather the evidence you will need, and fight to hold the right people accountable.
Reach out to Gill Law Firm to talk about your situation and find out how you can protect your rights and seek justice after such a serious medical error.