Michigan Anesthesia Injury Law Firm 

Anesthesia is a vital tool in many surgical procedures. Whether it is local anesthesia that numbs a specific area of the body or general anesthesia that induces a controlled unconscious state, these powerful medications allow surgeons to perform sensitive and otherwise painful tasks while eliminating or minimizing the pain and discomfort a patient feels. 

Given anesthesia’s significant effects on the body, medical professionals need to administer and monitor these medications with exceptional care and caution. An insufficient amount of anesthesia can cause severe trauma, while an inappropriately large dose can cause catastrophic injuries. An unexpected reaction to anesthesia can also lead to disastrous consequences if operating room personnel fail to recognize and address the situation promptly.

When a patient suffers adverse effects because surgeons, anesthesiologists, and operating room staff breached their duty to use anesthesia safely and correctly, such errors can be the basis of a medical malpractice claim. 

The experienced and skilled anesthesia injury attorneys at Sommers Schwartz help individuals and families recover much-needed compensation for their losses due to medical malpractice involving anesthesia. We have a lengthy track record of success representing those whose lives were upended because of medical errors and have recovered over one billion dollars in damages for our clients. 

Types of Anesthesia Errors

There are numerous mistakes that surgeons and anesthesiologists can make before and during a procedure that can cause severe harm to a patient, including:

• Providing too much anesthesia.
• Delivering too little of one or more anesthetic drugs.
• Delayed administration of anesthesia.
• Incorrect placement of breathing tubes and IV lines.
• Administering an inappropriate type of anesthesia. 
• Failing to identify, monitor, or prevent adverse interactions with other drugs.
• Failing to provide sufficient instructions before surgery, such as limiting food or liquid consumption.
• Failing to administer oxygen during a procedure.
• Using defective medical devices and equipment used for anesthetic administration.

Failing to account for a patient’s medical history, including failing to inquire about:

• Previous reactions to anesthesia.
• Known allergies.
• Current vitamins and supplements.
• All recent prescription medications.
• Alcohol and tobacco consumption.
• Use of street drugs, including marijuana.

Injuries Caused by Anesthesia Mistakes

Errors involving anesthesia can lead to a wide range of tragic health problems. An insufficient dosage of anesthesia can allow a patient to remain conscious or regain consciousness during surgery, resulting not only in extreme pain but intense psychological trauma. Anesthesia mistakes can also cause: 

• Seizures and unconsciousness.
• Loss of heart function.
• Brain damage.
• Nerve injury.
• Heart arrhythmia.
• Malignant hyperthermia.
• Paralysis.
• Confusion, dizziness, tinnitus, and blurred vision.
• Death.

Sommers Schwartz: Fighting for Victims of Medical Mistakes

Proving that physician or anesthesiologist negligence led to a patient’s health problems requires understanding both the law and the complex medical issues involved in administering anesthesia.

For more than 45 years, the medical malpractice attorneys at Sommers Schwartz have helped patients get their lives back on track after suffering from the life-changing effects of medical mistakes. Not only are our lawyers zealous and talented advocates, but we have the resources and work with exceptional medical experts who put our clients in the best position to obtain the maximum amount of compensation available for their injuries. 

To learn more and schedule a free consultation with one of our Michigan anesthesia injury lawyers, call 800-783-0989 or use our online form.