Atlanta Anesthesia Error Attorneys
Anesthesia Malpractice Lawyers in Atlanta Win Big Cases
There are several hospitals that serve patients in Atlanta, including Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, Emory University Hospital, and Northside Hospital Atlanta. When anesthesia errors result in catastrophic injuries, the consequences may include brain damage, paralysis, organ failure, or wrongful death.
Butler Prather LLP has been getting justice for people in Atlanta for over 35 years. In fact, our firm has won over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, including nine verdicts exceeding $100 million and over 60 verdicts and settlements surpassing $10 million.
Call (706) 322-1990 to schedule a free case evaluation today.
What Is Anesthesia Medical Malpractice?
Anesthesia medical malpractice occurs when an anesthesiologist or other health care provider fails to meet the accepted standard of care in administering anesthesia. For your Atlanta personal injury attorney to prove medical malpractice, they must be able to demonstrate that the healthcare provider's negligence directly caused your injuries or worsened your condition.
Types of anesthesia errors that lead to medical malpractice include:
- Dosage Mistakes: Administering too much or too little anesthesia can cause severe complications, from prolonged unconsciousness to inadequate pain control.
- Failure to Monitor: Continuous monitoring of the patient's vital signs is crucial. Neglecting this can result in unrecognized complications, such as oxygen deprivation.
- Intubation Errors: Improper placement of the breathing tube can cause damage to the airway or lead to inadequate ventilation.
- Delayed Anesthesia: Failing to administer anesthesia promptly can result in the patient waking up during surgery, causing significant trauma and pain.
- Allergic Reactions: Not considering a patient's allergies or medical history can lead to life-threatening reactions.
How Anesthesia Medical Malpractice Causes Catastrophic Injuries and Wrongful Death
Drastic medical consequences are often caused by anesthesia medical malpractice. A major issue is brain damage that occurs when there is a lack of oxygen during surgery. This is called hypoxia, and it can lead to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and personality changes. The extent of brain damage can vary, but severe cases may result in the need for lifelong assisted living care.
Paralysis is another type of severe injury that may be caused by anesthetic malpractice. It can result from nerve damage during the administration of anesthesia or due to errors in intubation. The results may be paralysis affecting specific areas of the body or a complete loss of movement and sensation below the site of injury.
Organ failure occurs when vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, or liver are compromised due to anesthesia errors. This can result from improper monitoring, incorrect dosages, or adverse reactions to anesthesia. Organ failure often requires emergency interventions and prolonged hospital stays; they can also lead to permanent disability.
When anesthesia error causes wrongful death, the victim's family is left to deal with immense grief, emotional trauma, and the financial burden of medical expenses and loss of income. The sudden loss can disrupt the family's financial stability and emotional well-being, requiring long-term support and counseling.
How Your Atlanta Anesthesia Medical Malpractice Lawyer Can Help
Butler Prather LLP can conduct a thorough investigation and gather key evidence, including medical records, expert opinions, and witness statements. When our investigation is complete, our attorneys can file a claim or lawsuit against anyone whose negligent actions contributed to your injuries. This may include a hospital that failed to provide the right training and safety procedures to prevent anesthesia medical malpractice in addition to the anesthesiologist and other medical professionals.
During negotiations with insurance companies, the lawyers at Butler Prather LLP can seek to secure a fair settlement that covers both economic and non-economic damages. If a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, we can take your case to trial.
Compensation for Anesthesia Medical Malpractice in Atlanta
The impact of anesthesia medical malpractice on victims and their families is often profound. Physical consequences may include permanent disabilities or chronic pain, which can drastically alter the victim's quality of life. These medical issues often require ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and personal care, imposing significant financial burdens.
Emotionally, victims may experience trauma, anxiety, and depression, affecting their mental health and overall well-being. Families also suffer as they navigate the complexities of caregiving and the emotional strain of seeing a loved one in distress.
The financial repercussions can be devastating, with mounting medical bills, loss of income, and other associated costs. Legal action can help alleviate some of these burdens by seeking compensation for damages.
Economic damages in anesthesia medical malpractice cases aim to cover the financial losses incurred due to medical negligence. These damages are quantifiable monetary losses that victims and their families face due to medical malpractice. Key components include:
- Medical Expenses: This covers current and future medical costs, including surgeries, hospital stays, medication, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Victims may be unable to work during their recovery period, leading to lost income. In cases of permanent disability, future earning capacity is also considered.
- Future Medical Care Costs: Long-term or lifelong care may be necessary, particularly in cases of severe injury such as brain damage or paralysis.
- Assisted Living Care: For those who can no longer live independently, the costs of assisted living or in-home care are included.
Non-economic damages are designed to compensate victims for the intangible losses they suffer due to anesthesia medical malpractice. Unlike economic damages, these losses are not easily quantifiable. Key aspects of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical pain and discomfort endured by the victim as a result of the medical malpractice.
- Emotional Distress: Victims may experience anxiety, depression, and emotional trauma, affecting their overall mental health.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Severe injuries can prevent victims from enjoying activities and hobbies they once loved, diminishing their quality of life.
- Loss of Consortium: This refers to the impact on the victim's relationship with their spouse or family, including loss of companionship and support.
Speak to Our Atlanta Anesthesia Medical Malpractice Attorneys Today
At Butler Prather LLP, we understand that your case is very important. Our firm has an unbeatable record of success, and we can pursue every available opportunity to get you the compensation you deserve.
One of our experienced anesthesia medical malpractice lawyers in Atlanta can discuss your case. Call our firm at (706) 322-1990 today.