Columbus, GA Anesthesia Error Attorneys
Anesthesia Error Lawyers in Columbus, GA Who Win Big Medical Malpractice Cases
There are several hospitals that serve patients in Columbus, Georgia, including West Central Georgia Regional Hospital, Midtown Medical Center, and Piedmont Columbus Regional. Doctors and other health care workers are highly trained professionals, and there’s no excuse for anesthesia errors that cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities.
If you or a family member has been injured due to anesthesia malpractice, contact the experienced Columbus personal injury attorneys at Butler Prather LLP today. For over 35 years, we’ve getting justice for people in Columbus, GA. Our firm has won over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts, 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 Malpractice?
Anesthesia malpractice occurs when an anesthesiologist or other healthcare provider fails to follow the accepted standard of care during the administration of anesthesia, leading to patient harm. This can include errors such as incorrect dosage, failure to monitor the patient properly, or using defective equipment.. Holding healthcare providers accountable is crucial to ensuring patient safety and preventing future incidents.
When it comes to administering anesthesia the duty of care involves adhering to established medical standards to ensure patient safety. Anesthesiologists must conduct thorough preoperative assessments to identify potential risks, administer the appropriate type and dosage of anesthesia, and continuously monitor the patient’s vital signs during the procedure. Anesthesiologists and everyone on the surgical team must be prepared to respond promptly to any complications that arise. Failure to meet these responsibilities may constitutes a breach of the duty of care.
When healthcare providers are held accountable for their actions, it ensures that they remain vigilant in adhering to medical standards and protocols. This helps to prevent negligence and reduces the chances that anesthesia errors will result in death or catastrophic injuries.
Factors That Contribute to Anesthesia Errors in Columbus, GA
Anesthesiologists and other medical staff must undergo extensive education and hands-on training to effectively manage anesthesia administration and monitor patients. Inadequate training can lead to errors in dosage, improper use of equipment, and failure to respond promptly when complications arise. Hospitals have a responsibility to ensure that their staff receive continuously updated instruction on the latest practices and technologies in anesthesia care.
Effective communication among the surgical team, including anesthesiologists, surgeons, and nurses, is essential for patient safety. For example, if the anesthesiologist is not informed about a patient's allergies or medical history, they may administer an inappropriate anesthetic, resulting in adverse reactions. Clear, concise, and timely communication protocols must be in place to ensure that all team members are well-informed and coordinated. Regular briefings and debriefings, standardized handover processes, and the use of checklists can help minimize communication errors.
Proper protocols are essential for ensuring that every step of anesthesia administration is carried out safely and effectively. Regular audits and updates to these protocols are necessary to keep up with advancements in medical practices and technology.
Catastrophic Injuries Caused by Anesthesia Medical Malpractice in Columbus, GA
Brain damage may occur if the brain is deprived of oxygen during surgery. A condition known as hypoxia can result from improper intubation, incorrect anesthesia dosage, or failure to monitor vital signs adequately. Brain damage has profound consequences, including cognitive impairments, loss of motor function, and permanent disability.
Paralysis may be caused by spinal cord injuries that occur during epidural or spinal anesthesia. These injuries may be due to incorrect needle placement or excessive pressure on the spinal cord. Organ failure can result from improper anesthesia administration, leading to conditions such as cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or kidney malfunction. In extreme cases, anesthesia error may cause wrongful death.
Types of anesthesia errors that cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities include:
- Incorrect dosage
- Improper use of equipment
- Failure to respond to a medical emergency
- Failure to follow the surgeon’s instructions
- Failure to respond to complications
- Administering the wrong medication
- Failure to monitor vital signs
- Failure to respond to an allergic reaction
Pursuing Compensation for Anesthesia Medical Malpractice
Filing a malpractice claim is the first step in pursuing compensation for anesthesia errors. This process begins with a thorough evaluation of the case by an experienced Columbus anesthesia medical malpractice attorney. Butler Prather LLP will review medical records, consult with medical experts, and gather evidence to determine if the standard of care was breached.
Once it is established that negligence occurred, a formal complaint is filed with the court. This complaint outlines the specifics of the malpractice, including the nature of the error, the resulting injuries, and the damages sought.
Butler Prather LLP will conduct settlement negotiations with the defendant's insurance company or legal representatives. If a satisfactory agreement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial. Your attorney will, question witnesses, call upon medical experts, and provide evidence to support your Columbus anesthesia error case. The court will render a verdict, and if you prevail, the defendant will be required to pay legal damages to compensate you for the injuries you have suffered.
Compensation Available for Anesthesia Medical Malpractice in Columbus, GA
The impact of catastrophic injuries caused by anesthesia malpractice on victims and their families is profound and far-reaching. Courts will determine the value of non-economic damages based on the severity of the injury, the long-term impact on the victim's life, and the degree of negligence involved.
Victims may be facing lifelong disabilities. The loss of cognitive or motor functions can severely limit their ability to perform daily activities, work, or enjoy life. These drastic circumstances will often requires extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. This imposes a substantial financial burdens on the victims of anesthesia malpractice and their families.
Economic damages in anesthesia medical malpractice are designed to cover the direct costs associated with the malpractice-induced injuries. Common economic damages include medical expenses for surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation services. Victims may also seek compensation for lost wages if the injury results in a temporary or permanent inability to work. Future medical care costs are also considered, especially if the victim requires ongoing treatment or assisted living care, and modifications to the victim's home or vehicle to accommodate new disabilities.
Non-economic damages in anesthesia medical malpractice compensate for the pain and suffering experienced due to the injury, which may include chronic pain, physical discomfort, and emotional distress. Victims may also receive compensation for the loss of enjoyment of life, reflecting the diminished ability to participate in activities and experiences that once brought joy and fulfillment. The psychological impact of anesthesia malpractice such as anxiety, depression, and trauma are also considered.
Speak With Our Columbus, GA Anesthesia Malpractice Attorneys If You’ve Been Injured
At Butler Prather LLP, we’ve stood up to some of the most powerful interests in the nation to get justice for our clients. We understand that your case is important, and we treat all of our clients with respect and compassion.
Fill out the easy contact form, or give us a call to schedule your free consultation today – (706) 322-1990.