Anesthesia is perhaps the most critical point in a surgical procedure. Anesthesiologists have a great deal of skill and training. They must bring all of it to bear in each patient encounter. If the medication level is off by even a little, the consequences could be disastrous. Overmedicated patients could suffer serious injury, and undermedicated patients could almost literally wake up in the midst of a nightmare. Some area law firms shy away from cases like these, but our experienced anesthesia injury attorneys in Michigan routinely handle these complex matters.
At Buchanan Firm, our Michigan medical malpractice lawyers know the law, and we know how to make it work for you. Specifically, our on-staff medical partners help us determine the standard of care and identify anesthesiologist mistakes. Based on that evaluation, we recommend a course of action. Then, we stick to that plan until we obtain the best possible results under the circumstances. During this process, our anesthesia injury lawyers proactively keep you informed about important case developments, so you are never in the dark.
Many times, the aforementioned doctor experience affects patient encounters in a negative way. Rushed anesthesiologists often approach surgical procedures with an “I’ve got this” mentality. Instead of meticulously reviewing patient files, diligently conferencing with surgeons, and going over all these details with patients, anesthesiologists simply do the same thing they did last time.
Confidence is a good thing, but overconfidence is a bad thing. Such an approach often leads to serious errors like:
In this context, what may seem like simple mistakes may actually constitute a lack of care. First, there is so much at stake. Slight errors have serious consequences. Second, doctors have a high duty of care in these situations. That high duty of care makes it easier to establish negligence, as outlined below.
Anesthesiologists are notorious for putting situations on auto pilot. They diligently set everything up, then they disappear. But their work is not over until the patient is discharged from the hospital. Nevertheless, many anesthesiologists overlook things like:
Damages in these medical malpractice claims usually include compensation for economic losses, like revision surgery medical bills, and noneconomic losses, such as pain and suffering and emotional distress. Additional punitive damages are usually available as well, especially in extreme cases. A damages cap may apply in these situations.
Anesthesia errors like the ones outlined above usually involve a lack of ordinary care. Since doctors are highly-trained and compensated professionals, they have a legal responsibility to provide care that’s almost error-free.
Many times, medical malpractice claims settle on favorable terms before the case even goes to court. At Buchanan Firm, our Michigan personal injury attorneys know how to collect evidence which supports your claim. Our professional teal also knows how to refute possible insurance company defenses, such as assumption of the risk.
This legal loophole is common in these cases, since most victims sign anesthesiology waivers. But these waivers are often not legally binding. And, in any case, they are not “get out of jail free” cards for the insurance company.
Anesthesia errors usually involve negligence claims. For a free consultation with an experienced anesthesia injury lawyer in Michigan, contact Buchanan Firm. Home and hospital visits are available.