Anesthesia is an integral part of surgeries to make sure patients don’t suffer during procedures. But did you know that anesthesia itself can be the cause of potentially serious injuries and accidents? If you have recently undergone anesthesia in Florida and were injured as a result, you might have a valid personal injury claim worth pursuing.
Types of Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia helps patients remain pain-free during operations, but it isn’t always a smooth process. There are instances where anesthesia can lead to personal injury accidents, and you need to know what recourse is available. Here are some common types of anesthesia personal injury accidents:
Medication errors: Mistakes in administering anesthesia medications can result in adverse reactions or complications.
Equipment malfunctions: Faulty anesthesia equipment can lead to improper administration or monitoring of anesthesia.
Anesthesia awareness: In rare cases, patients may be aware of their surroundings or experience pain during surgery due to inadequate anesthesia.
Common Injuries Resulting from Anesthesia Accidents
Anesthesia injuries can range from mild to severe, with the possibility of long-lasting, life-threatening effects on a patient’s health. Some common injuries resulting from anesthesia accidents include:
Nerve damage: Anesthesia errors can damage sensitive nerves. Nerve damage may result in permanent numbness and loss of sensation in affected regions of the body.
Organ damage: Improper anesthesia administration can damage fragile organs such as the heart, lungs, or kidneys.
Respiratory problems: Anesthesia accidents can cause respiratory problems, including difficulty breathing or lung infections.
Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions to anesthesia medications may result in rashes, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Legal Considerations in Anesthesia Personal Injury Cases
When dealing with anesthesia personal injury cases, there is a lot to keep in mind. As with all types of personal injuries involving trips to the doctor or medical intervention, a clear, concise, and documented medical history goes a long way.
To pursue a claim, you first have to establish that the medical provider or person in charge of administering your anesthesia was negligent and broke the duty of care they had to you as a healthcare provider. This is easier said than done, which is why contacting a personal injury attorney as soon as possible gives you the best shot at successfully receiving compensation for your injuries.
Working with a personal injury attorney, your next task will be to gather evidence for your case. Time is of the essence, as it is much easier to seek second opinions and create detailed documentation of your injuries soon after an injury occurs.
These types of cases often rely on expert witnesses who provide professional opinions and testimony to support your story. Anesthesia specialists can offer a fresh set of eyes and bolster your claims before a judge and jury. However, most insurance companies want to settle out of court before the trial begins. In these scenarios, personal injury attorneys still play an essential role in helping you maximize the compensation you are owed.
Types of Compensation Available for Victims of Anesthesia Injuries
If you have been a victim of an anesthesia personal injury accident, you may be entitled to various kinds of compensation. Some of the compensation options available for victims include:
Medical expenses: Victims may be eligible for compensation to fully cover any existing medical expenses related to the anesthesia injury. In addition, costs associated with the initial treatment that could not be completed successfully may be tied into medical expense compensation.
Pain and suffering: As anesthesia accidents can have disastrous outcomes, compensation may be awarded for the accompanying pain and suffering you endure.
Lost income: Victims may be able to recover lost income if they miss work due to their anesthesia injury.
Rehabilitation costs: Compensation may be available to cover the costs of rehabilitation and therapy needed for recovery from an anesthesia injury.
Disability: If the anesthesia injury resulted in a long-term disability, victims may be entitled to compensation for the impact on their daily life and ability to work.
No matter what compensation you qualify for, we will work tirelessly to maximize the amount you receive. We want you to start this new chapter of your life on the best footing possible. If you were injured due to anesthesia mistakes or complications in Florida, call the personal injury accident attorneys at Probinsky & Cole today.
