Anesthesia Malpractice
Anesthesia has been used for many years in an attempt to take away the sensation of pain a person might feel during a physically uncomfortable experience. Doctors use this painkiller to allow their patients to undergo surgeries and other procedures, both common and uncommon, without feeling a great deal of pain. Anesthesia has been described as a way to "reverse the lack of awareness" because it blocks patient's nerves.
It's not uncommon these days to hear the term general anesthesia used regularly in doctors offices and hospitals everywhere. General anesthesia is commonly used to put patients into a semi-conscious state, to prevent memory formation and to relax the body during a procedure. However, more and more cases of anesthesia malpractice are arising due to the wrongful administering of the medication, a mistake that has led to cases of cerebral palsy, stroke and even death.
Anesthesia Malpractice Is a Common Occurrence
Research shows that anesthesia medical malpractice accounts for a large number of medical malpractice cases across the United States. This life-altering problem is documented as being the twelfth highest medical specialty in terms of the percentage of physicians who have been forced to pay claims for mistakes involving the drug.
Given the fact that it can be extremely difficult to prove negligence or wrongdoing against an anesthesiologist or his or her staff, many people are surprised to learn how common anesthesia malpractice really is. The reason anesthesia malpractice can be so difficult to prove is because the victim is typically either unconscious or heavily sedated at the time that the malpractice occurs. As a result, there are limited medical records available to be used as a source of reference in the case. However, as the research proves that hasn’t stopped citizens from taking legal action when either they or their loved ones have been wronged against their will.
How Does Anesthesia Malpractice Happen?
Many anesthesia malpractice cases have occurred due to the fact that hospitals and out-patient clinics aren’t careful enough and don’t keep anesthesia notes in a patient's chart. According to reports, every hospital and outpatient clinic should keep a chart on each patient that includes:
· A Pre-Anesthesia Exam
· Informed Consent Form
· Operative Record
· Transfer Notes
· Physician Notes
· Post-Anesthesia Record
This is essential in the case that anesthesia malpractice does occur because such a chart could reveal what mistake was made or if any alterations to the patient’s surgery were taken.
Most people tend to think that anesthesia malpractice only takes place in the operating room; however, this isn’t always the case. There have been reported cases of anesthesia malpractice on patients before, during and even after a procedure has been completed. It can also take place during childbirth and during even the simplest of dental procedures.
Are you or someone you love the victim of anesthesia medical malpractice? If so, contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney who will evaluate the case and ensure that you and your loved ones receive the legal guidance you deserve.
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