Anesthesia Error Facts

Estimates of those who undergo anesthesia procedures in connection with medical care every year in the United States range at about 20 million people. The majority of these patients do not experience problems or complications. Some of these patients, however, are the victims of anesthesia errors which can result in serious incidents or even death. Approximately 2,000 or more people die every year when anesthesia is induced; some of these deaths are preventable. The International Anesthesia Research Society reported in 2012 that, in a survey done on anesthesiologists, it was found that 80 percent of them had been part of a serious incident or fatality of a patient during a surgical procedure. Close to 70 percent of successful claims against anesthesiologists by patients involved incidents where the administration of drugs was done improperly.

Types of anesthesiology errors include an overdose of drugs, an underdose, interactions with other drugs the patient is taking, allergic reactions to drugs, defective equipment used in the administration of drugs, improper monitoring of the patient, and more. An example of an anesthesiology error case is one in which a jury brought in a verdict of more than $1 million on behalf of plaintiffs in 2012. The case involved the mother of eight children who suffered brain damage and death due to a lack of oxygen during the procedure. The woman was undergoing surgery to remove her thyroid and parathyroid glands. In another case, a man who went into the hospital for hernia surgery was overmedicated with anesthesia drugs and later died due to complications of the overdose. He was supposed to have been released the same day after the anesthesia wore off.

Medical Malpractice Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia

Those who suffer or die needlessly due to anesthesia or other medical errors may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim or lawsuit against the responsible parties. These types of cases are all the more tragic for having occurred at the hands of medical practitioners sworn to save lives. Such victims deserve to seek justice through the legal system. These types of cases, however, can be complicated matters which require the expertise of an attorney who focuses on this legal field and knows how to get results.

The Tolson Firm, LLC is a medical malpractice law firm based in Atlanta with a strong track record of success. They represent the catastrophically injured and the families of individuals who have died as a result of negligence or misconduct. The firm's lead attorney has been recognized for her legal ability and case results by Super Lawyers and as one of the Top 100 Female Lawyers in the state. The firm has also achieved a Superb 10 out of 10 rating by Avvo. The firm offers a free case evaluation to those who believe they have been subject to an incidence of medical malpractice. Contact their offices to arrange for your consultation today.