Pittsburgh Anesthesia Errors Attorneys Fighting for Accountability
We understand. We care. We will fight for your rights
Anesthesiologists are responsible for ensuring that dosages are correct given patients’ weight, age, and medical history. Their primary objective is to ensure that the patient is neither awake nor too heavily medicated. The doctor must properly intubate and monitor the patient throughout surgery to prevent injury. They must also communicate with other nurses and doctors to avoid complications.
When an anesthesiologist makes an error, the consequences can be catastrophic. If you or a loved one is the victim of a Pennsylvania anesthesia error, contact Hal Waldman & Associates to protect your rights and fight for justice. Our Pittsburgh medical malpractice law firm will thoroughly investigate your case and work with experts to determine if negligence was a cause of injury or death.
Our anesthesia error lawyers are experienced with claims involving:
- Failure to review medical history
- Interactions with other drugs
- Allergic reactions
- Coma
- Asphyxia
- Birth defects
- Leaving patients awake and able to hear or experience pain
- Heart attack or stroke
- Wrongful death
- Spinal cord injury or paralysis
How to spot warning signs of anesthesia errors
Sometimes, a victim will display warning signs and symptoms that an aesthesia error was made, but not always. If you notice any of these warning signs in a patient who has recently received anesthesia, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Communication with healthcare professionals is essential to address potential anesthesia-related complications promptly and ensure their well-being.
- Breathing difficulties. Patients may experience shallow breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath due to improper intubation or ventilation settings by the anesthesiologist.
- Cyanosis. Bluish or grayish discoloration of the lips, fingertips, or skin can indicate inadequate oxygenation, which could result from an anesthesiologist's failure to monitor oxygen levels accurately during surgery.
- Abnormal heart rate. Irregular heartbeats, rapid pulse, or unusually slow heart rate may suggest cardiac stress due to anesthesia errors, such as administering incorrect medications or dosages.
- Low blood pressure. A sudden drop in blood pressure might manifest as dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Nausea and vomiting. Frequent or severe post-anesthesia nausea and vomiting might point toward anesthesia-related issues.
- Confusion or disorientation. Persistent mental confusion, memory lapses, or difficulty concentrating could be linked to anesthesia errors, such as incorrect dosing or interactions with other medications.
- Excessive pain or numbness. Extreme pain or numbness in areas unrelated to the surgical site may indicate nerve damage or improper anesthesia administration, possibly caused by the anesthesiologist's technique.
- Delayed awakening. If a patient takes unusually long to regain consciousness after anesthesia, it could signal complications that require prompt medical assessment, including the anesthesiologist's failure to monitor the patient adequately.
- Infection signs. Fever, swelling, or redness around the surgical site could be signs of infection resulting from anesthesia-related errors, such as improper sterile techniques during intubation.
- Allergic reactions. Anaphylactic reactions, including rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing, may occur due to the medical team failing to review the patient's medical history and allergies adequately.
- Difficulty swallowing or hoarseness. Complications related to intubation during anesthesia can lead to discomfort while swallowing or hoarseness in the voice.
Pursuing a legal claim for anesthetic negligence
Even if injury or death occurred during surgery, not all anesthesia complications result from medical negligence. Establishing that a doctor deviated from standard practices can be complicated and requires the assistance of an experienced medical malpractice attorney.
The Pittsburgh anesthesia error attorneys and medical malpractice lawyers at Hal Waldman & Associates help you get justice and fair compensation by investigating what happened, consulting with medical experts, negotiating with parties involved, filing lawsuits if necessary, gathering evidence, proving negligence, advocating for the patient's rights, maximizing compensation, guiding through legal procedures, and providing emotional support.
We work on a contingency basis. This means you do not pay a fee if we do not succeed. Contact us for a free case evaluation if you were injured or a loved one died due to an anesthesia error. Our law firm proudly serves Pittsburgh and communities throughout Western Pennsylvania.
