Anesthesia Malpractice

Victims of anesthesia malpractice should know that they may be entitled to money damages for the medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering. The attorneys of Schwartzapfel Partners P.C. are ready to provide you with a free case evaluation when you contact us at 1.800.966.4999 or via our online contact form. We will protect your rights and fight for you.

Anesthesia allows people to undergo lifesaving medical procedures that would not be possible if they had to feel the pain of surgery. Prior to a medical procedure, an anesthesiologist consults with the patient and explains the risks of anesthesia. However, patients and their families should be aware of what their anesthesiologist doesn’t tell them – that anesthesia error is a frequent form of medical malpractice that can result in devastating consequences.

If you or someone you love has been harmed by an anesthesia mistake, contact the New York law firm of Schwartzapfel Partners P.C. With more than 150 years of combined experience, we protect the rights of those who can't protect themselves. Call us at 1.800.966.4999 or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation. We will fight for you!

Why Anesthesia Malpractice Occurs

The right amount and type of anesthesia must be administered to achieve the desired effect. Each patient's vital signs, and any adverse reactions to the medication, must be carefully monitored to prevent unwanted and sometimes deadly side effects. Unfortunately, mistakes happen that can cause irreversible harm. Errors can occur when a patient is under general anesthesia for major surgery or a local anesthetic for procedures such as dental work or childbirth.

It is a common misconception that anesthesia malpractice defendants must be anesthesiologists. This is simply not true. Anesthesia is sometimes administered to patients without a specially trained anesthesiologist being present. This is particularly common in some dental practices and cosmetic surgery offices. Many individuals are involved in the administration of anesthesia, including dentists, surgeons, nurses, as well as nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologists.

There are a number of reasons why these individuals might be the cause, and thus, liable for anesthesia malpractice. For example:

• Dentists, surgeons, nurses and other doctors may lack experience in administering the correct  amount or type of anesthesia.
• Health care providers may fail to carefully to read a patient’s medical chart. A patient's age, weight, injuries and allergies affect how much anesthesia is administered and the type that should be used.  Patients who get the wrong type or amount of anesthesia may be permanently injured by a stroke, heart attack or brain damage.
• Given the hurried atmosphere in many operating rooms, doctors, nurses and other hospital staff may fail to fully communicate about the use or amount of anesthesia.

Possible Effects of Anesthesia Malpractice

The effects of improperly administered anesthesia vary, but are usually devastating. Some of the possible consequences include:

• Paralysis;
• Heart attack;
• Stroke;
• Brain damage;
• Death.

Patients who suffer from the effects of anesthesia malpractice and their families face financial and emotional costs of long term care and diminished earning capacity for the rest of their lives -- if they even survive the medical mistakes related to their anesthesia. If your injury was caused by medical malpractice, the doctor, hospital or staff must be held accountable – and you may be eligible for money damages to help pay for your long-term medical needs.

What to Do if You’ve Been a Victim of Anesthesia Error

While the damage of an anesthesia error is usually clear, it is one of the most difficult types of medical malpractice to prove since the patient was probably sedated and unaware that the error was occurring. Complex medical records must be examined to reveal the mistake. You need an experienced attorney who will fight to protect your rights.

The attorneys of Schwartzapfel Partners P.C. have handled many anesthesia malpractice cases and are qualified to represent you if you or a loved one has been hurt by an anesthesia error. Please contact us at 1.800.966.4999 or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation. Let us zealously protect your legal rights and fight for the damages to which you are entitled.