Savannah Anesthesia Error Attorneys

Lawyers in Savannah Help Victims of Anesthesia Medical Malpractice

There are several hospitals that serve patients in Savannah, Georgia, including St Joseph's Candler Hospital, Georgia Regional Hospital, and Memorial Health University Medical Center. When anesthesia errors result in catastrophic injuries, the consequences can be devastating, ranging from brain damage and paralysis to organ failure and wrongful death.

Butler Prather LLP has been getting justice for people in Savannah 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 medical professional breaches the duty of care during the administration of anesthesia, leading to patient harm. The duty of care is a legal obligation requiring healthcare providers to adhere to the highest standards of competence and caution. This includes:

• Preoperative Assessment: Thoroughly evaluating a patient's medical history, allergies, and current medications to mitigate risks.
• Proper Dosage: Administering the correct amount of anesthesia based on individual patient needs and monitoring adjustments as necessary.
• Continuous Monitoring: Vigilantly observing the patient's vital signs and responses during the procedure to promptly address any complications.
• Postoperative Care: Ensuring the patient safely recovers from anesthesia with appropriate monitoring and interventions if issues arise.

Injuries Caused by Anesthesia Malpractice

The impact of catastrophic injuries from anesthesia malpractice extends far beyond the physical harm endured by the victim. For the victim, life is often irrevocably changed, with daily activities becoming a challenge and quality of life diminished significantly. Common catastrophic injuries include brain damage, which can impair cognitive functions and motor skills, and paralysis, which can limit a person's mobility and independence. Patients who suffer anesthesia malpractice may require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, and assistance with basic tasks.

Organ failure is another devastating outcome, potentially requiring lifelong medical treatment or a transplant. In the worst cases, anesthesia errors can lead to wrongful death, leaving families grappling with profound loss and emotional distress.

For the victim's family, the impact of anesthesia malpractice is often immense. Financially, the burden can be overwhelming, with mounting medical bills, loss of income, and the potential need for long-term care or assisted living arrangements. The ripple effect of these injuries disrupts family dynamics, often requiring members to become caregivers, which can strain relationships and emotional well-being.

What Causes Anesthesia Medical Malpractice?

Several factors can contribute to anesthesia errors, each posing significant risks to patient safety. A common factor is a lack of training or inadequate experience among anesthesia providers, which can lead to improper drug administration or monitoring lapses. Communication errors within the surgical team can also result in misunderstandings about patient needs or procedural steps, increasing the likelihood of mistakes.

Inadequate hospital protocols and procedures may fail to provide the necessary guidelines for safe anesthesia practice. Equipment failures, such as malfunctioning ventilators or infusion pumps, can lead to critical incidents if not promptly addressed. Understaffing in healthcare facilities can also result in serious anesthesia errors.

How Your Savannah Anesthesia Medical Malpractice Attorney Can Help

Identifying liable parties in anesthesia malpractice cases is crucial for pursuing legal action and obtaining compensation. The primary party often held accountable is the anesthesiologist, who directly administers and monitors the anesthesia. However, liability may extend beyond the anesthesiologist to include other healthcare professionals, such as nurses and surgeons, if their actions contributed to the error.

Hospitals and healthcare facilities may also be held liable if systemic issues like inadequate protocols or understaffing are factors. In some cases, manufacturers of defective medical equipment used during anesthesia administration can be implicated. Determining liability requires a thorough investigation to gather evidence and establish the chain of responsibility.

Holding healthcare providers accountable for anesthesia medical malpractice is vital for justice and prevention. When providers fail to meet the required duty of care, legal action can compel them to answer for their negligence. This accountability process involves several steps:

1. Documentation: Collecting and preserving all medical records and evidence related to the anesthesia and subsequent complications.
2. Expert Testimony: Engaging medical experts to review the case and provide testimony on how the standard of care was breached.
3. Filing a Claim: Initiating a legal claim against the negligent parties, which may include the anesthesiologist, hospital, or other involved entities.
4. Settlement or Trial: Pursuing a fair settlement to compensate for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, or proceeding to trial if necessary.

Compensation for Victims of Anesthesia Error Victims in Savannah

Economic damages in anesthesia malpractice cases are designed to cover the financial losses directly resulting from the injury. These damages typically include medical expenses, which encompass the cost of surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing treatments such as physical therapy. Lost wages are another critical component, covering the income the victim would have earned had they not been incapacitated.

For those whose injuries prevent them from returning to work, compensation for future lost earnings is essential to provide financial stability. Costs for future medical care, which may include long-term rehabilitation or specialized medical equipment, are accounted for. If the victim requires assisted living care or home modifications to accommodate their new needs, these expenses are also covered under economic damages.

Non-economic damages address the intangible losses suffered by victims of anesthesia malpractice. Assessing these damages is crucial for providing full compensation. Pain and suffering are a primary component, recognizing the physical pain and emotional anguish endured by the victim. Emotional distress covers the psychological impact, including anxiety, depression, and trauma resulting from the injury. Loss of enjoyment of life is another critical element, compensating for the diminished ability to engage in activities and hobbies that once brought joy and fulfillment.

Steps to Take After You Have Been Injured by Anesthesia Error

If you have been the victim of anesthesia medical malpractice in Savannah, taking the following steps will help to protect your health and strengthen your medical malpractice claim.

1. Seek Medical Attention: Ensure that any complications or injuries are promptly treated by a qualified healthcare provider.
2. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, communications with healthcare providers, and any symptoms or complications experienced.
3. Consult an Attorney: Contact an experienced medical malpractice lawyer in Savannah to evaluate your case and advise on the best course of action.
4. Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant medical records, bills, and other documentation supporting your claim.
5. File a Claim: Work with your attorney to file a formal claim against the negligent parties, making sure to meet all filing deadlines and other legal requirements.

Call Our Savannah Medical Malpractice Lawyers to Discuss Your Case

At Butler Prather LLP, we've won record-breaking lawsuits for our clients. Our experienced Savannah personal injury attorneys don't back down from anybody. We pursue every avenue to get justice for our clients.

Contact our anesthesia error lawyers in Savannah at (706) 322-1990 to schedule a free consultation today.