San Antonio Anesthesia Error Lawyers

Fighting For Those Who Have Suffered an Injury Caused by an Anesthesia Error in Texas

When anesthesia is administered, a patient is in a vulnerable position. They trust the anesthesiologist to administer the appropriate amount of medication and to monitor them closely throughout the procedure. When there is a failure to do so, the patient can suffer serious injury or even death.

At Maloney Law Group, P.L.L.C., we represent victims of anesthesia errors in San Antonio and beyond. Our legal team can investigate your case, collect evidence, negotiate with insurers, and maximize your entitled damages. Let us help you seek the compensation and justice you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a mistake made by an anesthesiologist, contact our San Antonio anesthesia error attorneys at (210) 361-2997 for a free consultation.

What is Anesthesia?

Anesthesia is a medical practice that involves the administration of substances to induce a reversible loss of sensation, typically to perform surgical or medical procedures with reduced or eliminated pain. It can also be used to manage pain during and after surgery.

There are three main types of anesthesia:

1. General Anesthesia: It induces a state of unconsciousness and a lack of sensation throughout the entire body. General anesthesia is usually administered through inhalation or intravenous injection. The patient is completely unconscious and unaware during the procedure.
2. Regional Anesthesia: It blocks sensation in a specific region of the body, allowing for pain control in a localized area. This can be achieved through injection or infusion near a cluster of nerves or the spinal cord. Types of regional anesthesia include epidural anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, and peripheral nerve blocks.
3. Local Anesthesia: It numbs a small, specific area of the body for minor procedures or surgeries. Local anesthesia is typically applied as a topical cream or injected directly into the area. The patient remains fully conscious, but the specific region becomes insensitive to pain.

The choice of anesthesia depends on various factors such as the type and duration of the procedure, the patient’s overall health, and the surgeon’s preference. Anesthesiologists are medical professionals specialized in administering anesthesia and monitoring patients during surgical procedures.

What Are the Most Common Anesthesia Errors?

Anesthesia errors can occur before, during, and after surgery. While some errors are unavoidable, others occur as a result of negligence. When an anesthesiologist is careless or fails to meet the required standard of care, they can be held liable for any resulting damages.

Some of the most common anesthesia errors include:

• Administering too much or too little anesthesia
• Administering the wrong type of anesthesia
• Administering anesthesia to a patient with a known allergy
• Failure to recognize and/or treat complications
• Failure to properly monitor a patient while under anesthesia
• Failure to properly intubate a patient
• Failure to properly train or supervise anesthesiologists, nurses, or other staff

When an anesthesia error occurs, the patient can suffer serious injuries, such as brain damage, lung damage, and more. They may require additional medical treatment and/or extended hospitalization. In some cases, the patient may suffer permanent disability or even death as a result of the error.

Understanding Your Rights & Legal Options in San Antonio

Patients in San Antonio are entitled to a certain standard of care when undergoing medical procedures, including those involving anesthesia. If this standard is breached, and an error occurs, it may constitute medical negligence. Knowing your rights is crucial to understanding whether you might have a valid claim. Texas laws establish that healthcare providers, including anesthesiologists, must adhere to established medical practices to ensure patient safety. Failure to do so can result in legal accountability if negligence is proven. Consulting with knowledgeable legal counsel is essential in navigating these complex legal waters.

In pursuing a claim, you have options, including seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, and other damages. A well-prepared claim can significantly impact its outcome. Our team at Maloney Law Group, P.L.L.C. works diligently to investigate claims, gather evidence, and present a compelling case to support your rights. Understanding the specific process and timelines within Texas, especially the statutes of limitations, is crucial for proper legal proceedings. Our San Antonio-based attorneys provide personalized attention to ensure you are well-informed throughout the legal process, making your journey towards justice as smooth as possible.

How Do I Know If I Have a Case?

Not every negative outcome from anesthesia is a result of an error. If the anesthesiologist provided the appropriate standard of care, they cannot be held liable for the patient’s injuries. However, if the anesthesiologist was negligent, injured patients can seek compensation for their damages.

It can be difficult to determine whether an anesthesia error occurred. To prove negligence, you will need to show that the anesthesiologist failed to provide the appropriate standard of care. This can be challenging, as the appropriate standard of care depends on the circumstances of the situation.

When you work with Maloney Law Group, P.L.L.C., our San Antonio anesthesia error lawyers will thoroughly investigate your case. We will gather all available evidence, including medical records, to determine whether negligence occurred. If negligence is a factor, we can help you file a medical malpractice claim to seek compensation for your damages.

Frequently Asked Questions About Anesthesia Errors

What Are the Symptoms of Anesthesia Errors?

Symptoms of anesthesia errors can vary widely depending on the type of error and the severity. Common symptoms may include prolonged unconsciousness, confusion, or lack of response following surgery. Patients might also experience respiratory problems, irregular heartbeat, or unexplained pain. Moreover, some might suffer from a sore throat if intubation problems occur. It's vital to communicate any symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately. Understanding these symptoms can help in early detection and treatment, potentially mitigating severe consequences. If you or a loved one exhibits unusual symptoms post-anesthesia, contacting a medical professional promptly is critical to addressing potential complications swiftly and effectively.

How Can I Prevent Anesthesia Errors?

Preventing anesthesia errors starts with choosing qualified medical professionals and facilities with a safety and success track record. Patients are encouraged to fully disclose their medical histories, including allergies, to the anesthesiology team. Communication between the surgical team and the patient about the procedure, the type of anesthesia, and the associated risks is also fundamental. Understanding your medical team's steps to monitor you during and after the procedure enhances your safety. It is reasonable to ask your anesthesiologist about their safety protocols and how they tailor their anesthesia plan to suit your specific needs. Prevention is closely tied to being informed and proactive about your healthcare decisions.

Who is Liable for Anesthesia Errors in Texas?

In Texas, liability for anesthesia errors can rest on various parties, including the anesthesiologist, hospital, or medical staff involved in the procedure. Suppose it is proven that the healthcare provider deviated from the accepted standards of care. In that case, they can be held responsible for the resulting damages. The hospital or medical facility might also be liable if inadequate staffing, defective equipment, or insufficient training contributed to the error. Every situation is unique, and determining liability involves a detailed analysis of all involved parties' circumstances and roles. Having a legal team experienced in Texas medical laws can be crucial in identifying liable parties and obtaining fair compensation for any hardships from the error.

Contact Our Anesthesia Error Attorney in San Antonio Today

Anesthesia errors can result in catastrophic injuries and, in some cases, death. If you or a loved one has been harmed, you should not have to suffer the consequences on your own. Our San Antonio anesthesia error attorneys can help you fight for the fair recovery you are owed.

Call (210) 361-2997 or submit an online contact form to get started on your claim with our San Antonio anesthesia error lawyer. We offer free initial consultations and contingency fees, meaning you do not owe any upfront or out-of-pocket costs.