Many modern medical procedures rely upon the proper administration of anesthesia. These include local treatments that numb a specific area and general anesthesia where a patient loses consciousness. The doctors that administer this treatment must be sure to use proper doses and monitor a patient’s vital signs. Unfortunately, overdoses can result in significant injuries or even death.
In some situations, failures on the part of doctors to properly administer anesthesia may amount to medical malpractice. If a doctor makes an error that falls below the acceptable standard of care, they are liable to provide compensation for the full extent of your losses. A Pittsburgh anesthesia errors lawyer is prepared to pursue a medical malpractice case on your behalf. A qualified medical malpractice attorney could use the facts to seek out the compensation you need to set things right.
What Does it Mean for an Anesthesiologist to Commit Malpractice?
The concept of medical malpractice comes with a legal definition. In the case of Ditch v. Waynesboro Hospital, 917 A.2d 317 (Pa. Super. 2007), a Commonwealth court describes what an injured patient needs to prove to demonstrate the idea that medical malpractice occurred. Here, a patient must show that a medical provider diverted from generally accepted practices in their field.
Malpractice occurs when a doctor makes a mistake that violates the obligation mentioned above.
Common causes of anesthesia error during surgeries include:
- Overdose or underdose of anesthesia
- Delayed delivery of anesthesia
- Failure to avoid an allergic reaction if it could have reasonably been prevented
- Drug interactions complications
- Failure to properly administer oxygen during surgery
- Failure to properly monitor the patient
- Use of defective medical equipment during sedation
A knowledgeable Pittsburgh attorney could provide more information about the general concept of malpractice and how an anesthesiologist may commit these serious errors.
Typical Injuries from Anesthesia Negligence
The misuse of anesthesia could cause many serious ailments, including:
- Asphyxia
- Anesthesia awareness
- Birth defects
- Brain aneurism
- Brain damage
- Cardiovascular Injury
- Coma
- Death
- Heart attack
- Loss of bodily function
- Memory loss
- Spinal cord injury which can lead to paralysis
- Stroke
A knowledgeable Pittsburgh attorney could explain the next steps following a diagnosis that stemmed from an anesthesia error.
Special Rules for Medical Negligence Cases in Pittsburgh
In many ways, healthcare malpractice cases that allege anesthesia errors are like all other personal injury cases. An injured person must still prove that another’s negligence causes their losses, and they are able to demand full compensation for their injuries. Still, a few special rules govern medical malpractice lawsuits.
The first is the requirement to work with a qualified medical expert. Only these expert witnesses are able to evaluate the defendant doctor’s actions and determine where the failure to conform with industry standards occurred. Not only are these people critical at trial, but they also serve as a gateway into the courts. Under Pa. R.C.P. § 1042.3, all complaints alleging medical malpractice must include a certificate of merit from the expert stating that there is a good faith reason to pursue the case. A well-versed attorney could ensure that those pursuing an anesthesia errors case follow the specific rules of the Commonwealth.
Statute of Limitations
Another special rule is the statute of limitations. This is a time limit within which a person seeking compensation must file their cases in court. Under Commonwealth law, this may be as short a time as two years after the receipt of treatment.
Reach out to a Pittsburgh Anesthesia Errors Attorney Now
Anesthesia errors can come with significant consequences. Not only may these incidents result in severe physical injuries, but they may also affect your emotional well-being and ability to support yourself and your family. A doctor who errs in the application of anesthesia may have committed medical malpractice. If so, they are liable to provide full compensation for your losses.
A Pittsburgh anesthesia errors lawyer could help you to pursue your case. They work to help you understand the relevant legal standards and hire experts that you need to prove your claim. They also handle all the details involved in pursuing compensation and protecting your legal rights every step of the way. Call now to learn more.
