Anesthesia Complications: Do You Have a Medical Malpractice Case?
If you or a loved one has experienced anesthesia complications during a medical procedure in Southern California, you may have experienced significant side effects as a result. Does an anesthesia error entitle you to compensation? Depending on the circumstances, you may have a medical malpractice case. Medical malpractice is a serious issue that can have lasting consequences, but with the team of Pasadena medical malpractice lawyers at DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, LLP, you can fight for full and fair compensation. Discuss your Southern California claim with our medical malpractice law firm now—just call us at 855-WINNING (946-6464).
In Southern California, the laws around medical malpractice protect patients who receive inadequate and negligent patient care from physicians. Specifically, in cases of anesthesia care complications, if an anesthesiologist makes a mistake—like giving too much or too little medication, or using a drug that a patient is allergic to—it could be considered negligence. Medication errors are a common source of deaths in medical settings.
Common Anesthesia Complications That Could Lead to Malpractice Cases
When we talk about anesthesia complications that could point toward a medical malpractice case, we’re looking at a range of problems that can vary greatly in severity. Some individuals may experience relatively mild issues, such as nausea or dizziness after an operation, which, while uncomfortable, are often expected side effects. However, the situation becomes significantly more serious when complications like nerve damage, severe allergic reactions, or even life-threatening conditions like anesthesia awareness occur. Anesthesia awareness is particularly distressing, as it involves the patient regaining consciousness during surgery without the ability to alert the medical team, often resulting in trauma.
A number of errors can lead to these side effects. Commonly reported anesthesia errors include delayed administration of medication, administration of too much or too little medication, failure to monitor properly, failure to administer oxygen as needed, improper insertion of intubation tube, and failure to identify and treat complications.
How to Determine If You Have a Valid Medical Malpractice Claim
Determining if you have a valid medical malpractice claim due to anesthesia complications hinges on proving a healthcare provider’s failure to meet the expected standard of care. This involves showing that what happened to you isn’t just an unfortunate but unavoidable side effect, but rather, the result of a clear mistake by the medical team.
To build a strong case, evidence is key. You’ll need to gather detailed records of the medical treatment you received, expert opinions to confirm where the standard of care was not met, and any other documentation that illustrates how the provider’s actions directly caused your harm.
It is highly recommended that you consult with a Southern California medical malpractice lawyer early on in this process to determine the validity and strength of your claim. Medical malpractice is one of the most complex areas of personal injury law, requiring an extensive knowledge of both medical treatment and the law. An experienced medical malpractice law firm can help you plan your next steps.
The Role of Expert Testimony in Medical Malpractice Cases
Expert witnesses have an in-depth understanding of medical standards, which allows them to look at your care, determine precisely where things went wrong, and go one step further to determine who is to blame. Beyond that, they can also assess whether what happened to you was simply an unfortunate mistake that any competent care provider could have made or if it escalated to the level of medical malpractice. That is largely how medical malpractice is determined—your medical malpractice attorney looks at the standard of care and what a competent care provider would do in the position that your healthcare provider was in.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Medical Malpractice
Begin by keeping a detailed record of all your symptoms and any changes in your health following the procedure. This personal account can be vital in demonstrating the impact on your life. Next, request copies of all your medical records related to the procedure. These documents are crucial for understanding what was planned for your care versus what actually happened.
It’s also wise to seek a second opinion from another healthcare professional. This step can offer insight into whether the complications you’re experiencing were expected or a result of negligence.
Finally, consulting a medical malpractice lawyer early in the process can give you clarity and help you plan for what comes next.
Discuss Your Next Steps With the Team at DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, LLP
The team at DeWitt Algorri & Algorri, LLP is here to advocate for you as you hold your negligent medical provider accountable. Set up a time to meet with a medical malpractice attorney now by calling us at 855-WINNING (946-6464) or contacting us online.
Mark Algorri has successfully represented individuals and their families in matters involving serious and catastrophic injuries, insurance claims denials, and wrongful deaths, achieving a success rate of 99 percent for our clients.
