Skilled Chicago Anesthesia Malpractice Lawyers Here To Protect Your Rights

When someone undergoes surgery, many people’s thoughts of risk focus on the surgeon. However, sometimes anesthesia is the greatest danger. The anesthesiologist is responsible for administering powerful medications via IV, by injection or other methods.

What Is Anesthesia And When Is It Used?

Anesthesia refers to medications administered by an anesthesiologist that block pain or sensation during medical procedures. These medications allow surgeons and physicians to perform procedures while the patient remains comfortable or unconscious, depending on the type of treatment being performed.

There are several forms of anesthesia commonly used and include:

• General anesthesia: Used for major surgeries where the patient is placed into a controlled unconscious state
• Regional anesthesia: Numbs a larger area of the body, such as during spinal or epidural procedures
• Local anesthesia: Numbs a small area for minor procedures
• Sedation anesthesia: Helps a patient relax or sleep lightly during certain outpatient procedures

Anesthesia may be administered during orthopedic surgeries, childbirth procedures, dental surgeries and many outpatient treatments. Because these medications affect breathing, heart function and consciousness, careful monitoring is required throughout the procedure.

Common Anesthesia Errors

Although anesthesia is widely used in modern medicine, errors can occur when anesthesiologists or other medical professionals fail to follow accepted safety protocols. Even a small mistake during administration or monitoring can lead to serious complications.

Some common anesthesia-related errors include:

• Administering too much anesthesia, which can suppress breathing or heart function
• Providing an insufficient dose that allows a patient to regain awareness during surgery
• Administering the wrong medication or drug combination
• Failing to monitor oxygen levels or vital signs during the procedure

These mistakes may lead to severe consequences, including hypoxic brain injury, nerve damage or life-threatening complications.

When An Anesthesia Error May Constitute Medical Negligence

Not every surgical complication is the result of malpractice. However, an anesthesia mistake may amount to medical negligence when a medical professional fails to meet accepted standards of care.

Examples of negligence may include failing to review a patient’s medical history, ignoring medication allergies, administering the wrong dosage or failing to properly monitor the patient during surgery. When these failures cause preventable harm, patients may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

When To Take Action

If your loved one is now in a coma after surgery, suffered brain damage, or perhaps passed away during an operation, it’s possible that anesthesia complications occurred.

A timely discussion with an accomplished medical malpractice attorney can provide answers to difficult questions. You and your family may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses as well as pain and suffering, distress, and loss of companionship.

Why Reach Out To Kent M. Lucaccioni, Ltd., For Help

Investigating anesthesia malpractice cases requires both legal knowledge and careful medical analysis. Kent M. Lucaccioni, Ltd., as extensive experience representing individuals and families in Chicago and throughout Illinois who have suffered harm due to medical negligence, including anesthesia errors.

Our firm works with qualified medical professionals to evaluate surgical records, identify possible errors and determine whether a preventable anesthesia mistake occurred. This process helps injured patients and their families pursue accountability and potential compensation following serious medical complications.

A Successful Track Record

Attorney Kent M. Lucaccioni and his team have recovered successful outcomes for clients who were injured because of medical errors. Our Illinois anesthesia malpractice attorneys have a great deal of experience producing results in meritorious cases. Let us help you.

Contact A Chicago Anesthesia Malpractice Lawyer Today. Free Consultations.

Set up a free initial consultation in Elgin or at our greater Chicago area office, call 877-930-2551. We respond promptly to email inquiries, as well.