When you undergo surgery or a medical procedure requiring anesthesia, you place your life in the hands of the anesthesiologist. While most of these medical professionals are highly trained and vigilant in their duties, anesthesia errors still occur at an alarming rate. According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, 1 in 200,000 to 300,000 surgical procedures involve anesthesia mistakes that harm patients. These errors can result in serious injuries, permanent disability, and even wrongful death. If you have suffered due to an anesthesiologist’s negligence in the Charleston area, an experienced Charleston anesthesia error lawyer at the Briggs Law Group can help you understand your legal rights and options.
What Is Anesthesia Malpractice?
Anesthesia malpractice occurs when an anesthesiologist fails to meet the accepted standard of care, resulting in patient harm. Some frequent anesthesia errors include:
- Providing an incorrect dosage: Giving either an excessive or insufficient amount of anesthesia can lead to severe complications, including prolonged unconsciousness or unexpected awareness during a procedure.
- Lack of proper patient monitoring: Continuous observation of vital functions is essential to detect any warning signs of distress or adverse reactions.
- Failure to address complications quickly: Delays or errors in managing unexpected reactions can result in lasting harm or even life-threatening conditions.
- Using faulty devices or outdated medications: Malfunctioning equipment or expired drugs can compromise patient safety and lead to critical errors.
- Improper airway management: Errors in inserting or positioning a breathing tube can block airflow, leading to oxygen deprivation and potential organ damage.
- Overlooking medical history risks: Failing to review a patient’s health background, allergies, or prior reactions to anesthesia can increase the likelihood of dangerous outcomes.
These and other negligent mistakes by an anesthesiologist can cause the patient to wake up during surgery (anesthesia awareness), suffer an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis, aspirate vomit into the lungs (causing pneumonia or death), or experience dangerously low blood pressure or a heart arrhythmia. Anesthesia errors can also lead to post-operative complications like malignant hyperthermia, organ damage, blood clots, spinal cord injury, nerve damage, and more.
At the Briggs Law Group, our anesthesia error lawyer has extensive experience investigating and litigating Charleston anesthesiologist malpractice claims. We consult with medical experts to pinpoint exactly how and why the mistake occurred, calculate the full extent of harm to the patient, and develop a strong case for maximum compensation. While we prepare every case for a jury trial, our attorney is also a skilled negotiator who can often resolve claims through a favorable settlement.
Compensation in Anesthesia Error Cases
If you have grounds for an anesthesia malpractice lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation for damages such as:
- Past and future medical expenses related to treating your anesthesia injuries
- Lost income from missed work during your recovery
- Reduced future earning capacity if you suffer long-term impairment
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium for your spouse
In cases involving fatal anesthesia errors, certain surviving family members may be entitled to wrongful death compensation for losses like medical bills, funeral and burial costs, lost financial support, and more. A Charleston anesthesia errors attorney at the Briggs Law Group can calculate the full value of your damages and fight aggressively to maximize your recovery.
Establishing Medical Malpractice by an Anesthesiologist
To win your case, your anesthesia error lawyer must prove the following key elements:
- A doctor-patient relationship existed between you and the anesthesiologist.
- The anesthesiologist breached the standard of care that a reasonably competent anesthesiologist would have followed in the same situation.
- This breach was the direct and proximate cause of your injuries.
- You suffered actual damages as a result.
Often, anesthesiologists and hospitals will argue that the error was not negligent or did not cause your injuries. They may even try to blame the patient. This is why it is vital to have an experienced Charleston anesthesia errors lawyer level the playing field against these large medical providers and their insurance companies.
Anesthesiologist malpractice cases, especially those involving anesthesia errors, are subject to very strict filing deadlines in South Carolina. According to S.C. Code § 15-3-545, a medical malpractice lawsuit must be filed within three years from the date of the treatment, omission, or procedure that led to the claim or within three years from the date the injury was discovered or should have reasonably been discovered. However, the total time allowed cannot exceed six years from the date of the incident.
Given these short timeframes, it is important to speak with a skilled Charleston anesthesia error attorney as soon as possible if you suspect malpractice. At Briggs Law Group, we offer free initial consultations to review your case and advise you of your legal options.
Pursuing Justice for Anesthesia Error Victims
The physical, emotional, and financial repercussions of anesthesia malpractice can be devastating for patients and families. When you put your trust in an anesthesiologist and wake up seriously injured or discover your loved one died from a preventable mistake, you deserve answers and accountability.
At the Briggs Law Group, we understand the immense challenges you face in the aftermath of anesthesia errors. Our compassionate legal team is here to handle all the details of your case so you can focus on healing and recovery. We have the resources and expertise to thoroughly investigate your claim, calculate your damages, and tenaciously advocate for the maximum compensation you need to move forward with your life.
Get in Touch with Us Today
If you have been harmed by an anesthesia error in the Charleston area, do not wait to seek legal representation. Contact the Briggs Law Group today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Charleston anesthesia errors lawyer.
While no amount of money can undo the suffering caused by anesthesia malpractice, a successful legal claim can provide a sense of justice, hold the negligent medical professionals accountable for their actions, and give you the financial resources to cope with medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. Let us put our skills and experience to work for you.