To numb particular body areas and minimize pain during the operation and other medical surgeries, anesthesia involves the use of medications, commonly referred to as anesthetics.
An anesthesiologist, who specializes in administering these drugs, may be required for some operations, even if a doctor, dentist, or nurse may provide an anesthetic to you. If you are injured in the wrong administration of anesthesia, contact a Georgia Medical malpractice attorney to know your rights.
Anesthesia errors in medical malpractice claims: Anesthesia safety and liability
Anesthesia is usually safe. However, there are several hazards, particularly in general anesthesia.
The following are some possible anesthesia-related adverse reactions and injuries:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Temporary mental confusion
- Nerve injury
- Pneumonia
- Blood clots
- Respiratory issues
- Heart attack
- Brain damage due to lack of oxygen
- Anesthesia awareness
- Allergic reaction from anesthesia
- Death
Types of anesthesia
- Local anesthesia
It is often used to numb a small part of the body when the patient is aware during a minor surgery, such as stitches for a wound or the extraction of a tooth.
- Regional anesthesia
More significant bodily areas, such as the arm or leg, become numb by regional anesthesia. Either a sedative is administered, or the patient is aware. Childbirth and minor procedures are two popular uses for regional anesthesia.
- General anesthesia
A patient under general anesthesia becomes entirely unconscious and immobile, numbing every part of their body. Major procedures include brain, heart, and spinal surgeries, and organ transplants are frequently performed under general anesthesia.
How Can an Anaesthesia Error Be Used to Show Negligence in a Medical Malpractice Case?
A doctor, anesthesiologist, or other healthcare professional is usually listed as defendant in medical negligence cases involving anesthesia accidents. In order to prove negligence on the part of a medical professional, it must be proven to demonstrate to the court that the accused did not exercise the type of caution and knowledge that one would expect from an ordinary practitioner of that control.
Hiring a qualified medical witness with qualifications and expertise similar to the defendant’s is a usual method.
Is it Legal to File a Hospital Error Suit?
If an independent contractor is a physician or anesthesiologist who caused the harm, the hospital is not legally liable for anesthesia mistakes.
Yet, if the healthcare provider works for the hospital, the hospital is responsible for any careless hiring or monitoring of the medical professional, the hospital is liable for any defective equipment it provides, or it ignores to maintain and repair anesthesia-related equipment.