Negligent Administration of Anesthetics

Negligent Administration of Anesthetics

The creation, development, and administration of anesthetics are true examples of miraculous discoveries made in modern medicine. However, anesthesia can have very negative physical effects if it is administered improperly to a patient, can sometimes produce harmful psychological effects, and can even result in fatality. Negative effects of anesthesia negligence include but are not limited to:

Death
Brain Damage
Stroke
Coma
Paralysis
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Birth Defects

“Estimated 0.724 anesthesia complications occurred per 1,000 surgical discharges in the US 2000 (National Healthcare Quality Report, AHRQ, DHHS, 2003)” (Statistics about Anesthesia Complications)

A common way that negligent administration of anesthetics may occur is if the patient is given an overdose of the anesthetic. Calculating the precise amount of anesthetic needed is a very complicated process with a lot of different variables. Because of this degree of intricacy, even the most experienced anesthesiologists can have difficulties administering the proper dose of anesthetic.

Another way that negligent administration may occur is if allergic reactions occur or if the anesthetic reacts in a negative way with other drugs that are administered to the patient. Without precise administration, chemicals within the body can have powerful negative reactions and the consequences can be dire.

Additional common forms of anesthesia negligence are failure to monitor the recipient of the anesthetic properly after the anesthetic has been administered and the improper oxygen administration after the patient is given the anesthetic. After the patient is placed under anesthetic, he or she becomes completely dependent on the health care staff. Thus, even if the anesthetic is initially administered in a proper manner, this initial effort has a possibility of not being matched throughout the procedure that the anesthetic was used for.

If you, a family member, or a loved one have reason to believe that you have been adversely affected by the improper administration of anesthetics it is advised that you contact a medical malpractice attorney immediately. The statute of limitations for medical malpractice in Kansas is generally two years. In Missouri, the statutes are more complex and case specific, and consulting an attorney is highly recommended.

Roswold Law Group has more than 15 years of experience dealing with medical malpractice, personal injury, and negligence. To speak with an attorney at Roswold Law Group, call (816) 471-5111 for a FREE consultation with no obligation.

You can also download our free book, “The Truth About Medical Malpractice,” right here on this website.