Michigan Nerve Injury by Anesthesia Lawyer

The term “anesthesia” comes from Greek and means “without sensation.” Indeed, the powerful medications used in most surgical procedures allow surgeons to do invasive work without the patient experiencing what would otherwise be overwhelming pain. 

But the numbness provided by local anesthesia and the controlled state of unconsciousness that general anesthesia induces is designed to be temporary. Tragically, however, avoidable mistakes by anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other operating room personnel can lead to serious and permanent injuries, including nerve damage. 

The medical malpractice lawyers at Sommers Schwartz represent individuals who suffered nerve injuries because of anesthesia errors. These injuries can leave victims with permanent disabilities or paralysis, dramatically diminish their quality of life, and turn the most basic daily tasks into Herculean struggles. Our attorneys understand the devastation these injuries cause to victims and their families and use their experience, talents, commitment, and resources to obtain the maximum compensation available for our clients.

Types of Anesthesia-Related Nerve Injuries

Nerve injuries account for approximately 22 percent of all medical malpractice claims related to anesthesia errors. Peripheral nerve injury occurs during 0.4 percent of all procedures that involve general anesthesia and 0.1 percent of those where regional anesthetics like epidurals are used. Many anesthesia-related nerve damage cases arise because patients are improperly positioned when they receive the anesthesia during the procedure. 

Anesthesia mistakes often cause severe damage to some of the most critical nerves in the body, including;

• Ulnar nerve: Approximately 28 percent of anesthesia-related nerve injuries affect the ulnar nerve, which runs down the neck, through the arm, all the way to the hand. Most ulnar nerve injuries are due to general anesthesia errors.
• Brachial plexus: The brachial plexus is a group of nerves from the spinal cord in the neck down through the arm. The brachial plexus controls the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand muscles and provides feeling in the arm. Roughly 20 percent of anesthesia-related nerve injuries affect the brachial plexus.
• Lumbosacral nerve root: The lumbosacral nerve root is in the lower back and a target of epidural injections. The vast majority of these injuries result from regional anesthesia.
• Spinal cord: Nearly 13 percent of all anesthesia-related nerve injuries impact the spinal cord. Most of these injuries involve the use of regional anesthesia.

Sommers Schwartz: A Nationwide Reputation for Excellence in Medical Malpractice Cases

Regardless of the nature of the nerve injury, proving it resulted from an anesthesia mistake can be difficult. It requires attorneys who understand both the law and the medical science that focus on such cases. Sommers Schwartz has earned a national reputation for excellence in medical malpractice cases, including those involving anesthesia-related nerve injuries. Our lawyers have the experience and advocacy skills needed to prevail and leverage the power of a network of highly credentialed medical experts who can provide critical testimony in support of our clients’ claims.

If you believe that you suffered nerve damage due to the use of anesthesia, please call us at 866-443-4145 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with one of our Michigan anesthesia injury lawyers.