Anesthetics are medications that can stop people from feeling pain during surgical operations. They are very powerful drugs—and they must be administered properly by trained, licensed professionals. Unfortunately, anesthesia errors can and do happen. It is imperative that victims are able to get justice and compensation. Here, our Augusta medical malpractice lawyers provide an overview of the dangers of anesthesia errors and the medical malpractice laws in Georgia.
Understanding Anesthesia Errors
Broadly described, the term “anesthesia error” is used to cover any problems that are related to the use of anesthetics during a medical procedure. Anesthesia errors can have severe consequences for the patient. In the worst cases, there can be long-term adverse health complications and potentially even fatalities. Some of the most common anesthesia errors include:
- Dosage Errors: Administering too much or too little anesthesia can lead to serious complications. Overdosing can cause prolonged unconsciousness, respiratory distress, or even brain damage. Underdosing may result in the patient waking up during surgery.
- Delayed Anesthesia Delivery: Timing is extremely important for the proper use of anesthesia. Failing to deliver anesthesia at the proper time can lead to a patient experiencing severe pain during a procedure.
- Failure to Monitor Vital Signs: To ensure patient health. anesthesiologists must continuously monitor a person’s heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, breathing, and other vital signs. A failure to detect bad reactions in time can result in severe complications.
- Poor Drug Reactions: Finally, anesthesiologists must carefully review a patient’s medical history to avoid administering drugs that may trigger allergic reactions or other types of dangerous interactions. A full medical history of the patient is a must.
How Common are Anesthesia Errors?
While most operations that involve anesthesia do not end up with problems, errors remain a very serious risk. A study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), found that anesthesia errors occur in as many as 1 in 300 operations. Although that may seem like a relatively small percentage, it still means that many thousands of people are harmed by anesthesia errors each year.
An Anesthesiologist May Be Legally Liable for Medical Malpractice in Georgia
Anesthesiologists are licensed medical professionals. They have an obligation to provide patients with the proper professional care. If a person in Georgia suffers an adverse outcome because of negligence on the part of a licensed anesthesia provider, they may be entitled to compensation through a medical malpractice claim. Here is an overview of the law in Georgia:
- Standard of Liability for Anesthesia Errors in Georgia: To hold an anesthesiologist, a hospital, or any other medical provider liable for malpractice, you must prove a number of different key issues. First, a doctor-patient relationship must be formed. The anesthesiologist or medical provider must have had a duty of care to the patient. Next, an anesthesiologist must have deviated from the standard of care that a reasonably skilled medical professional would have provided in similar circumstances. Finally, you must prove that the anesthesia error directly caused harm or worsened your condition.
- Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice in Georgia: Anesthesia medical malpractice claims are highly time-sensitive. In Georgia, medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years from the date of the injury or when it was discovered. Beyond that, there is a five-year statute of response for latent injuries. If the harm was not immediately apparent, the claim must be filed within five years from the date of the error.
- Medical Expert Requirements for Filing a Claim: Georgia law requires plaintiffs to submit an affidavit of merit from a qualified medical expert when filing a malpractice lawsuit. Notably, the affidavit must be signed by a licensed medical professional in the same specialty as the defendant. Among other things, it should explain how the standard of care was breached.
How Our Anesthesia Error Attorneys Can Help With Your Medical Malpractice Claim
Anesthesia errors can cause devastating, even life-altering trauma. It is imperative that any person who suffers harm due to a mistake by an anesthesiologist or any other medical professional is able to access justice and the maximum compensation. At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, our Atlanta medical malpractice lawyers put the rights and interests of patients first. With millions recovered for clients, our verdicts and settlements show what we can do for anesthesia error victims.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today With Our Georgia Anesthesia Error Lawyer
At Chance, Forlines, Carter & King, PC, our Georgia medical malpractice lawyers have the professional expertise you can trust. If you have any questions or concerns about anesthesia error claims, we are more than ready to help. Give us a call now or contact us online to arrange a free, no obligation initial case review. With law offices in Atlanta and Augusta, we handle anesthesia error medical malpractice cases throughout all of Georgia. Our personal injury lawyers can help you today.