Fairfax Anesthesia Errors Lawyer
Many people do not consider potential complications that could occur while they are unconscious from medication during surgical procedures. Sadly, anesthesia errors can occur and cause severe and lasting injuries or death.
Anesthesia mistakes and problems could lead to significant medical expenses and cause you to miss time from work. You have the legal right to file a suit to pursue damages when an anesthesiologist’s actions cause you harm. A Fairfax anesthesia errors lawyer could help you take legal action to claim compensation for your losses. Call one of our experienced medical malpractice attorneys today to schedule an appointment if you need help with a case.
Different Types of Anesthesia
There are three primary forms of anesthesia, and those include:
General
General anesthesia is medication an anesthesiologist provides to patients to render them unconscious during surgery. The primary purpose of the treatment is to ensure patients are pain-free during the procedure.
Local
Local anesthesia, also called regional, is an injection a healthcare professional uses to numb a small area undergoing a minor procedure. A standard use for the medication is during tooth extractions.
Conscious Sedation
Conscious sedation is a medication healthcare professionals give patients to decrease awareness while keeping them aware enough to breathe independently. Individuals most commonly receive the medicine for minor procedures to diagnose illnesses.
Injuries From Anesthesia Mistakes
Medical professionals use anesthesia to relieve sensation and pain and, in some cases, keep a patient unconscious during the procedure. Some injuries that could result from mistakes include:
- Improper monitoring leads to avoidable complications
- Delayed administration causes the patient to suffer unnecessary pain
- Aspiration occurs when patients inhale the medication into their lungs
- Birth injuries or defects
- Heart attack or strokes
- Psychological damage and trauma from awareness during surgery
- Permanent disabilities, coma, or death caused by insufficient oxygen
- Dosage errors causing severe injuries or death
A Fairfax anesthesia errors attorney could investigate why the injuries occurred and the at-fault party.
Certification of an Expert Witness
State laws require that the plaintiff in medical malpractice cases have an expert in the same field certify they believe the defendant failed to meet the standard of medical care. According to Code of Virginia § 8.01-20.1, the affidavit must state that they have a reasonable understanding of the facts and that the patient received inadequate health care.
They must also certify that the defendant’s actions were the proximate cause of the damages. The witness attesting to the opinion does not have to testify at the trial, and the defendant has no legal right to access their identity. An anesthesia errors lawyer in Fairfax understands the process and could handle the legal work, including obtaining the certification on the plaintiff’s behalf.
Meet With an Experienced Anesthesia Errors Attorney in Fairfax
The discovery of anesthesia was one of the most substantial medical breakthroughs, allowing people to undergo extensive and painless surgery while unconscious. While the medication offers countless advantages, there is a potential for injuries if the administrators are negligent. Injuries at the hands of medical professionals can leave you with severe physical, emotional, and financial damages.
There is no need to worry as civil laws allow patients to recover damages through a civil lawsuit when there is evidence of wrongdoing. While you may be eligible, the cases are complicated and usually involve various hurdles to overcome. An experienced Fairfax anesthesia error lawyer understands the complexities and could help you navigate the process to gain the compensation you deserve. Call Price Benowitz today to schedule a case evaluation.
