Anesthesia is used in many medical procedures, from root canals to open-heart surgery. However, no matter how routine the procedure is, any patient who goes under anesthesia faces risks. When you need an experienced medical malpractice attorney in the busy metropolis of Chicago following an anesthesia error, Hale & Monico is the law firm to call.
The ease and frequency with which anesthesia is used can lead to careless mistakes that cause harm to you or your loved ones. If you are in this vulnerable and unfortunate place, turn to Hale & Monico for help. A Chicago medical malpractice lawyer could safeguard your legal rights and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Anesthesia Errors Explained
Anesthesia refers to any medication administered to numb the sensation of pain. These medicines can be injected, applied topically, or inhaled, among other means of administration.
Administering anesthesia not only makes invasive procedures more bearable for patients but also allows surgeons to operate more easily.
Even though anesthesia is commonly used, it can be dangerous if its use is not carefully monitored. Anesthesiologists complete years of schooling to learn how to safely administer anesthetics during your procedure, but mistakes can still happen. For example, your anesthesiologist might:
- Administer the wrong anesthetic to you
- Give you an anesthetic that reacts negatively with other medications you take
- Fail to thoroughly review your medical history for potential risks and contraindications
- Give you too much anesthesia
- Administer too little anesthesia for your procedure
- Fail to monitor your vital signs during your procedure to detect complications or potential issues
Careful planning and attention to one’s duties are crucial to avoiding anesthesia errors. An anesthesiologist who does not give you and your procedure their full and undivided attention can unintentionally cause a serious or even life-threatening injury.
When your anesthesiologist does not do their job carefully and you are hurt as a result, Hale & Monico is available to assist. A skilled Chicago medical malpractice lawyer from our firm can review your case. If appropriate, we’ll then pursue a claim for damages against the negligent provider and thereby help you secure your financial future.
Common Anesthesia Injuries
Harm can result from negligent practices whenever medications are introduced into the human body. Injuries that commonly accompany anesthesia errors include:
- Bleeding or bruising at the site of injection
- Topical rashes or skin irritation if anesthesia is applied incorrectly
- Pain or awakening during your procedure if too little anesthesia is used
- Nerve damage
- Organ damage and failure due to prolonged or repeated periods of low oxygen
These injuries can lead to physical, emotional, and financial harm. You could face additional medical bills from resulting procedures and follow-up care. If you miss work, you could experience further financial hardship. Finally, the physical pain and mental distress resulting from an anesthesia error can rob you of your peace of mind and enjoyment of life.
These injuries and the harm they cause to you may be compensated through a successful medical malpractice lawsuit. Hale & Monico has the resources and experience needed to help you undertake this critical step in your recovery.
How do I know if I have a case against my anesthesiologist?
In some cases, the physical effects of an anesthesia error are clear. For example, you might know that your anesthesiologist made a mistake because you remember waking up or experiencing pain during the procedure.
When the error is less obvious, a family member or a member of your medical team might tell you about an anesthesiologist error.
However, just because your anesthesiologist made an error in the operating room does not necessarily mean you have a winning case. Signs that you may have a viable case include:
- You are hurt during a routine outpatient procedure
- You notice complications or symptoms that were not explained to you ahead of time
- Pain, discomfort, or feelings of unease do not go away within a reasonable time
- Your medical team approaches you after the procedure and asks you to sign paperwork waiving your right to sue
It may take the opinion of an unbiased and objective medical professional to definitively say whether your anesthesiologist erred due to negligence. Reaching out to a Chicago medical malpractice lawyer as soon as you believe you have been injured can mean the difference between filing a timely claim and missing out on compensation.
Contact a Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyer at Hale & Monico Immediately
Do not wait to talk to an experienced lawyer if you suspect your anesthesiologist erred and caused you harm. Speak with one of our talented medical malpractice lawyers in Chicago about your case. Your attorney will look into your claim and may bring a lawsuit against your anesthesiologist if negligence were to blame for your injuries.
You only have a limited window of time to seek compensation, so reach out to Hale & Monico today and request your consultation.