Some of the most difficult procedures hospital patients undergo involve anesthesia. Anesthesia is used to help a patient sleep during a lengthy procedure, such as back surgery, surgery to remove a tumor, or surgery to repair a broken bone. When anesthesia is not administered properly, it can lead to the patient waking up too early, often while still on the operating table, or the patient has trouble waking up when the procedure is complete. The Honolulu anesthesia errors attorneys at Kurzban, Kurzban, Tetzeli & Pratt are here to fight for your rights.
Common Anesthesia Errors
In almost all cases, an anesthesia error happens because the person administering the anesthesia was not properly trained, was careless, or was dealing with fatigue. Below, we discuss some of the most common anesthesia errors we see in cases from our clients.
Giving a Patient an Improper Dosage of Anesthesia
Most anesthesia errors occur when the anesthesiologist administers too much or too little anesthesia. If a patient is given too much anesthesia, they might have trouble waking up after the procedure. If too little anesthesia is issued, the patient might wake up while still on the operating table.
Not Monitoring the Patient
The respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure must all be closely monitored when a patient undergoes anesthesia. Any rapid changes should be reported and dealt with immediately.
Incorrect Administration of Anesthesia
Not only can an anesthesiologist administer the wrong amount of anesthesia, but they can also administer the wrong concoction of drugs. The concoction of drugs used in anesthesia will depend on the following:
- The procedure
- The age of the patient
- The weight of the patient
- The gender of the patient
- The medical history of the patient
Not Providing Proper Instructions
The patient receiving anesthesia must be provided with proper instructions from the anesthesiologist. These instructions should include information about mitigating the risks associated with anesthesia and the care the patient will receive and can provide themselves. The patient can suffer serious complications from anesthesia if these instructions are not provided or are not correct.
How to File a Claim After an Anesthesia Error
If you have been injured in an anesthesia accident, you are not permitted to file a lawsuit right away under the law in Hawaii. Instead, you must file a claim with the Medical Inquiry and Conciliation Panel (MICP). This panel consists of three people who will review the claim and then issue a ruling. While the claim is being reviewed, you can work towards a settlement with the medical provider who left you injured. If you fail to reach a settlement, you are then permitted to file a lawsuit.
Contact a Honolulu Anesthesia Errors Attorney Today
Were you injured by an anesthesiologist during a surgical procedure? Did you wake up early while still on the operating table? Did you have trouble coming out of anesthesia after surgery? If so, the experienced Honolulu anesthesia errors attorneys at Kurzban, Kurzban, Tetzeli & Pratt can help you recover compensation. Call our office at 866-377-3637 to schedule a consultation today.