Medical Malpractice – Anesthesia Errors

“I have been there so many times before and NOW I will be there for YOU and your family.”
- Tim Misny - The man that “Makes Them Pay!®”

“Please understand that the slogan, I’ll Make Them Pay!® is not a guarantee of payment. Both liability and real damages must be proven with preponderance of the evidence.” – Tim Misny

Medical Malpractice – Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia Error Malpractice

 

Anesthesia Errors

Anesthesia mistakes present one of the most overlooked risks of surgery. One in every 200,000 patients die from an anesthesia error. When you consider that statistic in light of the fact that anesthesia is administered 40 million times a year, you can truly understand the magnitude of that statistic.

The thought of having any medical procedure can be daunting and intimidating. Typically, patients worry about the procedure/surgery, but they often overlook, or fail to consider at all, the possibility of an anesthesia error.

Types Of Surgical Anesthesia

 

General anesthesia

This type of anesthesia involves the use of medications to induce a state of unconsciousness and loss of sensation throughout the entire body. It is typically administered through inhalation or intravenous injection. General anesthesia allows for a pain-free and unconscious state during surgery, and it may require the use of a ventilator to assist with breathing.

Regional anesthesia

Regional anesthesia is the numbing a specific region of the body, such as an arm, leg, or a larger area like the lower body. This is done by injecting a local anesthetic near the nerves that supply sensation to that area. It can be administered as nerve blocks, epidurals, or spinal anesthesia. With regional anesthesia, patients may remain awake or sedated, depending on the specific procedure and patient preference.

Local anesthesia

Local anesthesia is used to numb a small area of the body for minor procedures. It is administered by a medical professional through injections of a numbing medication directly into the site where the procedure will take place. This type of anesthesia allows for pain relief in the targeted area while the patient remains conscious.

Injuries associated with anesthesia mistakes include:

 

Blurred vision

Blurred vision may happen in the initial postoperative visit, and can persist for a few days in some cases. The prevalence of new-onset blurred vision after surgery due to anesthesia problems was found to be around 6.9%. The visual impairment can be accompanied by symptoms such as redness of the eye and a sensation of a foreign body.

Paralysis

Paralysis can manifest as a result of nerve damage or improper administration of anesthesia, leading to the loss of muscle control and sensation in specific areas of the body. Paralysis following an anesthesia issue may affect one or more areas of the body. Medical attention is necessary to prevent further deterioration and to initiate appropriate treatment.

Coma

A coma caused by an anesthesia oversight during surgery can result from complications such as insufficient oxygen supply to the brain, medication reactions, or anesthesia overdose. These errors can lead to a state of prolonged unconsciousness where the brain activity is significantly diminished. Anesthesia-induced comas are reversible, and the prognosis for recovery depends on various factors, including the underlying cause and the extent of brain damage.

Seizures

Seizures can be caused by an anesthesia problem during surgery as a result of improper medication administration or dosage miscalculations. Seizures caused by anesthesia may occur due to changes in brain activity, neurotransmitter imbalances, or hypersensitivity reactions to anesthetics. These seizures can manifest as temporary confusion, staring spells, muscle stiffness, uncontrollable jerking movements, or loss of consciousness.

Heart arrhythmia

A heart arrhythmia can be caused by an anesthesia issue during surgery due to various factors. Problems with medication interactions, improper dosing, or anesthesia related effects on the heart’s electrical system are the most common. Anesthesia inaccuracies can disrupt the normal rhythm of the heart, leading to a fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat. Treatment for anesthesia induced heart arrhythmias may include medications, cardioversion, catheter procedures, or in severe cases, heart surgery.

Loss of heart function

During surgery, the patient could lose heart function due to an anesthesia flaw. Factors, such as medication interactions, incorrect dosage, or complications related to anesthesia administration present the most problems. Anesthesia missteps can disrupt the normal functioning of the heart, leading to a decreased ability to pump blood effectively, potentially resulting in heart failure. This loss of heart function can manifest as symptoms such as shortness of breath, fluid buildup in the lungs, and inadequate blood circulation.

Death

Death due to an anesthesia error during surgery can occur from complications related to anesthesia administration and the deprivation of oxygen to the brain cells. Anesthesia miscalculations can lead to inadequate oxygen supply, which can result in severe brain damage or failure of vital organs, leading to death. It is important to note that deaths during and immediately after surgery are often attributed to reactions to anesthesia rather than issues with the surgical procedure itself.

Tracheal damage

Tracheal damage from an anesthesia misstep during surgery can be a result of improper insertion or displacement of a tracheostomy tube. The misplacement of the tube can block the airflow or cause damage to the trachea. Tracheal damage can result in breathing difficulties, subcutaneous emphysema (air trapped in tissues of the neck), or damage to surrounding structures like the thyroid gland or nerves in the neck.

Lack of oxygen

Anesthesia negligence can lead to a lack of oxygen resulting from complications of various mechanisms. Failures such as disconnection of the anesthesia circuit, inadequate attention to oxygen/nitrous oxide supply, or medication errors can contribute to a reduced oxygen delivery. Additionally, ineffective airway control, early intubation, or delayed identification of hypovolemia can further compromise oxygenation during anesthesia. These errors highlight the importance of vigilance and proper monitoring to ensure adequate oxygenation during anesthesia administration.

Brain damage

Brain damage can occur with anesthesia during surgery when there are complications that result in insufficient oxygen supply to the brain. Problems related to the placement of the breathing tube can contribute to a lack of oxygen delivery, potentially leading to brain damage. While such occurrences are extremely rare, it highlights the importance of proper monitoring by the anesthesiologist or certified nurse anesthetist. Also, intervention during anesthesia helps to ensure adequate oxygenation and minimize the risk of brain injury.

Anesthesia awareness (when the patient still feels the pain of procedure but is unable to move or communicate)

Anesthesia blunders are a form of medical malpractice. Therefore, if you or someone you love was the victim of an anesthesia mistake, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. I’m a highly experienced medical malpractice attorney, and I’ve helped victims of anesthesia malpractice for more than 40 years!

Often,  my clients come to me looking for something even more valuable than compensation – and that is answers. Was there too little anesthesia administered? Was the medical professional unaware of anesthesia awareness during the procedure? My clients want to know why they suffered the injury, and if their injury could have been prevented.

If you think you have a medical malpractice claim, you need to call me today. I will find the answers you are looking for, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

Anesthesia mistakes have a number of different causes, including:

 

Anesthesia dosage errors

An anesthesia dosage error is the incorrect administration of medication during anesthesia, leading to either an inadequate or excessive dose of the drug given to the patient. This may be caused by a syringe swap, misunderstanding of the prescribed dose, pump misuse, dilution errors, or drug substitutions. Anesthesia dosage errors can have significant consequences, including inadequate anesthesia levels, compromised patient safety, or potential drug toxicity. We trust our medical professionals to be aware of all steps and calculations necessary for a successful procedure.

Incorrect intubation

An incorrect intubation during anesthesia can lead to potential complications. Improper placement of the endotracheal tube can result in difficulty with ventilation and inadequate delivery of oxygen to the lungs. This can cause respiratory distress, laryngospasm, and bronchospasm (tightening of the airways), which may compromise the patient’s oxygenation and ventilation. It is crucial to ensure correct and precise intubation to maintain effective respiratory support during anesthesia.

Lack of patient monitoring

A lack of patient monitoring during anesthesia can contribute to potential complications. Insufficient or inadequate monitoring may result in the failure to detect changes in vital signs, medication effects, or patient responses. This leads to delayed intervention or inappropriate management. Also, it increases the risk of adverse drug events, patient harm, and compromised anesthesia safety. Proper and vigilant patient monitoring is essential to ensure optimal anesthesia care and patient well-being.

Failure to recognize complications

Failing to recognize complications with anesthesia during surgery is medical malpractice and can lead to serious injury. Examples include; failure to promptly identify and address complications such as adverse reactions, cardiovascular instability, respiratory distress, or allergic responses. Anesthesia malpractice can lead to inadequate or delayed interventions, potentially exacerbating the situation and increasing the risk of adverse outcomes. Proper vigilance, monitoring, and timely recognition of anesthesia-related complications are crucial to ensure patient well-being and mitigate potential errors.

Delay anesthesia delivery

A delay in anesthesia delivery can lead to problems and complications during the administration of anesthesia. When there is a delay in the onset of anesthesia, the patient may experience inadequate pain control and heightened discomfort, potentially compromising their safety and well-being. Additionally, delays in anesthesia delivery can disrupt the timing of surgical procedures, leading to increased operating room time, resource utilization, and associated costs. Timely and accurate administration of anesthesia is essential for optimal patient outcomes and efficient surgical workflow.

Leaving patient unattended

Leaving a patient unattended during anesthesia can increase the risk of complications and patient harm. Without continuous monitoring and supervision, potential issues such as changes in vital signs, adverse reactions to anesthesia, or airway obstruction may go unnoticed. Delayed intervention and compromised patient safety is the result. Therefore, it is crucial for the anesthesia care team to ensure continuous presence and monitoring of the patient throughout the procedure. It is critical to promptly address any emerging issues and maintain the patient’s well-being.

Staff communication errors

Communication problems among staff members can have a significant impact on patient safety during anesthesia. Ineffective communication or lack of clarity in conveying critical information can cause big problems. Lack of proper knowledge about patient medical history, allergies, or changes in anesthesia plan, can lead to misunderstandings and errors in anesthesia administration. Miscommunication can also hinder the collaboration between different members of the anesthesia team, compromising the timely and accurate delivery of anesthesia care. Therefore, fostering clear and open communication channels, promoting teamwork, and emphasizing the importance of effective information exchange are essential to minimize the risk of errors. As a malpractice lawyer, I find poor communication during medical procedures to be absolutely inexcusable!

Staff negligence

Staff negligence can significantly contribute to common anesthesia errors during surgery. When anesthesiologists or other healthcare professionals responsible for administering anesthesia are negligent in their duties, they make mistakes. Incorrect dosing, improper administration of anesthesia, or failure to monitor the patient’s vital signs adequately are common issues. These errors can result in serious complications, including over-sedation, undersedation, waking up during surgery, and potential harm to the patient’s safety and well-being. It is crucial for healthcare staff to exercise proper care, attention, and adherence to established protocols to minimize the risk of anesthesia errors, and medical malpractice cases.

Prolonged sedation

Prolonged sedation can lead to complications with the anesthesia. When sedation lasts longer than intended, there is an increased risk of over-sedation. This can result in respiratory depression, decreased oxygenation, and potential airway obstruction. Prolonged sedation can also contribute to post-intensive care unit syndrome, a condition associated with long-term physical and psychological problems.

Defective equipment

Using defective equipment during anesthesia is medical negligence. Malfunctioning anesthesia equipment, such as faulty monitors or ventilators, can compromise patient safety and result in inadequate monitoring, inadequate oxygenation, or improper delivery of anesthetic agents. Equipment defects, such as leaks or blockages in anesthesia delivery systems, can disrupt the precise administration of anesthesia. Ensuring the proper functioning and regular maintenance of anesthesia equipment is crucial to prevent complications and ensure patient well-being during anesthesia administration.

Did you or someone you love suffer an injury as a result of an anesthesia error? If so, you have to call me as soon as possible for a FREE case review.

I will help you understand your rights, get the answers you need, and the compensation you deserve. As your Ohio Medical Malpractice Lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®

ASK TIM A QUESTION
NO COST TO YOU!

Krystle Banks
Krystle Banks
14:32 20 Sep 23
Christine Filippelli
Christine Filippelli
01:55 18 May 23
DeAndre Merritt
DeAndre Merritt
06:58 23 Mar 23
Jake Ferri
Jake Ferri
23:46 01 Aug 22
I have no case and no one that I need Tim Misney to make pay, just wanted to say the best part of my day is getting to... drive by his billboards. His People's Eyebrow is immaculate and the new billboard with him on the motorcycle is downright bitchin'. Thank you Tim Misney for significantly improving the quality of my life.read more
Jennifer Malainy
Jennifer Malainy
22:44 19 Jul 22
My favorite lawyer. Truly one of the kindest, smartest, and most genuine humans I have ever met. There is only one TIM... MISNY and he will make them pay!! God Bless.read more
C M V
C M V
01:16 16 Feb 22
I spoke to Amy and Christine about a possible personal injury case involving my father and they were both helpful,... professional, knowledgeable and responsive. Although they could not help us with our case, I would highly recommend them!read more
Stephen Burks
Stephen Burks
20:12 21 Jan 22
It really comes down to what people say and do when they don't think anyone that matters is listening or they'll get... anything in return.There's the Tim Misny you see on the billboards and on TV, but there's another Tim Misny that I know up close and personal.The Tim Misny I know is genuinely passionate about helping the hard working little folks who get pushed around the big folks. He actually, really honestly cares about people who run into bad luck at no fault of their own. Tim has quietly, out of the sight of cameras and with no fanfare shared generously with the marginalized in our society; single moms, Veterans and others without expecting anything in return.He calls them like he sees them and you wouldn't want to take your troubles to anyone else.read more
mark colucci
mark colucci
14:33 06 Dec 21
Mr. Misny is an angel here on earth and the BEST attorney in Ohio. He has helped my daughter who is in law school when... she needed the guidance most. He is a class act, a great family man, and extremely caring. If you need a lawyer in this field I would HIGHLY recommend. There is no other lawyer, in my opinion, better than Tim Misny.Thank you Tim for being a light in this community!read more
Damon Mitchell Sr .1st. (The Old-Man !!! Pop's !!!)
Damon Mitchell Sr .1st. (The Old-Man !!! Pop's !!!)
02:43 27 Nov 21
Advice on Law question? Also Advise to do more research for Different types of Situations that’s Criminal and Civil... Pursuits!City, State and Above State Level Situation .Pro Se !read more
Gianna Colucci
Gianna Colucci
12:56 04 Nov 21
Mr. Misny is the best! I am a 27-year-old single mother, and I am finishing law school in May at Cleveland-Marshall... College of Law. When I found myself jobless during the height of the pandemic, I knew I needed help. Going into the legal profession, I wanted to be JUST LIKE Mr. Misny because I knew he was the most successful attorney in the industry. I called him up one day just for the hell of it to see if there was anyway he could help me. I never thought such a big name/reputation like him would respond to me. However, when he learned of my financial situation he PERSONALLY called my cell phone within 5 minutes of my email. Not only has he helped me secure employment, but he continues to teach me every single day what it takes to be the BEST lawyer in the legal profession. I am forever thankful for Mr. Misny. He changed my life. He continues to inspire me every single day, and I am so proud that he took me under his wing and is my mentor. He is the most intelligent, kindest, caring attorney I have ever met, and he is giving me the tools I need to be the most successful lawyer I can be o give my four-year-old son, Gregory, the life he deserves. THANK YOU MR. TIM MISNY. I owe my entire future legal career to you because if you didn't take the time out of your busy day to call me that day and help me when no one else would, I would not have been able to stay in law school. You change lives every single day. Keep being you Tim. There is no one like Tim Misny.read more
Brandon Hagerdon
Brandon Hagerdon
20:53 18 May 21
I met Tim 6 years ago when he was working with my mother. Since then we were able to stay in touch and build a... relationship. I reached out to Tim recently about an opportunity and he was able to connect the dots and help me with this. During this process he gave me his direct number to contact him if need be. If you are in need of any sort of help, I would recommend Tim every time.read more
Jimmie Graham
Jimmie Graham
19:26 30 Mar 21
Tim is hands down the best lawyer in town. He was able to guide me through the legal process and keep me informed at... all stages. Which allowed me to not stress and focus on life. He was able to get me the best deal possible in my court case. One thing that blew me away is that he gave me his direct cell number and answered anytime I had a question which is rare with most lawyers. 100% Misny is the guy! There's a reason he's on literally every billboard in Cleveland.read more
Paul McFadden
Paul McFadden
13:29 20 Jan 21
My relationship with Tim goes back over 30 years and is one of great trust and mutual respect. Tim represented me at a... critical point in my life and I will always be indebted to him for the difference he made. He is always just a phone call away.read more
Rick Miller
Rick Miller
18:55 21 Dec 20
If I could reach into the sky just to pull more than 5 stars down for a rating I would! I have used other lawyers in... the past and it was such a pain to reach them when I needed them. Tim is in all honesty there for you. He gave me his personal phone number, and at anytime or any day he answered. If I had to leave a message I could count to 10 and he would already be calling me back. He also was willing to talk on the weekends! He didn’t just forward me to an impersonal automated system or a person with no experience. I will NEVER use another person for legal advice. He’s gracious enough to give me guidance whenever I have a question. No matter how complex. This may sound like an advertisement but I assure you this man was more in touch when I had an issue than my own family. A reasonable and caring family man who will MAKE THEM PAY!Thank you Timread more
PJ Camargo/Authentik Movement Training
PJ Camargo/Authentik Movement Training
01:51 22 Oct 20
I've had the pleasure of getting to know Tim personally over the past 2 years. Beyond him being an incredible lawyer &... 'Jack of all trades ' he is an amazing friend. One thing I love most is that he is family oriented & always making quality time for his loved ones. He inspires me to be a great role model &father figure one day. Tim loves nature & shares the true beauty of nature with how he raises his kids. From biking through trails & having his kids learn how to nurture the family garden - he teaches valuable lessons on how to appreciate the world we live in. I know that Tim is just a phone call away & always urgent to responding no matter the situation. He has given me some of the greatest advice & continously throwing positive energy my way! I'm honored to know him & be a friend of his. He is the true practioneer of changing lives & paying it forward. He has taught me so much in just a short amount of time. Tim Misny, a man that wakes up every single day to make a difference!read more
Scott Plate
Scott Plate
16:49 10 Oct 20
Tim has created a highly visible and effective law practice, and despite his decades of experience, he has never once... forgotten why he got into this business in the first place: to help people. He puts his whole heart into his work, and he works hard for everyone he represents. He has a gift for tuning out the noise and tuning into the core of what his clients need, and making it clear he has heard them. As a result, we feel empowered. He is smart, resourceful, creative, positive, and solution-oriented. His abundant energy makes people feel better, stronger, and valued. He loves and promotes his community; he gives back generously, and he always leaves everything better than he found it. Tim is a true man of action, and a man of his word. Could not recommend him more highly.read more
Mike M
Mike M
04:44 09 Oct 20
As a young man, I worked at a local garden center. I came from a family that had too many problems to list. I felt I... was never destined to be anything good. I had always wanted to be a police officer since I was a little boy. But, one side of my family told me that I would never be good enough to do it. Anytime I brought it up, they knocked me down until I started to believe that I could never accomplish my dream. One day, about 20 years ago, while working at that garden center, a very tall man came in and asked me to help him select plants. As we walked around the garden center, he struck up a conversation with me. He was very friendly and kind. I was a skinny teenager in dirty blue jeans and a t shirt. This man was dressed very nicely and I was surprised at how nice he was to me. During our conversation, he asked me what I wanted to do with my life after school. I told him that I wanted to be a police officer but many people told me that I’d never make it. I told him how my very own father said I wasn’t smart enough, brave enough, and I was wasting my time. I remember looking at the ground while I explained this to him. The man stopped and got serious. His voice dropped an octave and he looked me dead in the eyes. He pointed his finger at me and told me that I could make anything of my life that I wanted. He told me that it was up to ME to make my life goals come true. He told me to ignore anybody who tells me otherwise. He assured me that if I studied hard in school and never gave up on my dreams that they would become a reality. He told me to say it. I said “I can do it”. In that moment, I thought that if a complete stranger saw something in me, than maybe it could be true.After I helped him through the checkout and he left, many different employees at the garden center asked me if I knew who that man was. I did not. They told me, “That’s Tim Misny!” Once I figured out “who” Tim Misny was, my confidence grew. It was a pivotal moment. One in which steered the rest of my life. His words stuck with me. I worked hard and obtained my Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. I was hired by a local Law Enforcement Agency at the age of 21. I was sent to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy, which was an extremely tough place to be, to say the least. At the Academy, they try to break those who don’t have a determined spirit. On days I wanted to quit, I remembered Tim’s words. Maybe it was fate, maybe it was random chance.... I’ll never know But, Tim Misny helped me have the confidence and determination that was necessary to be where I’m at today. I’ve been a law enforcement officer for over 16 years. I’ve told this story to many of my coworkers.Tim, you’ll never understand how your words that spring day helped shape my future. Your words enabled me to provide a great life for myself and my family. I’m forever grateful.Mikeread more
Eric Evans
Eric Evans
21:02 04 Oct 20
Tim has represented me twice, once 30 years ago and again just recently. I was too young to fully appreciate his... expertise when he represented me the first time (as i was a minor who was the victim of an accident - he won for us, incidentally), but I'm old enough and wise enough now to really appreciate how truly great he is. First off, how many attorney's actually give you their cell phone number and actually answer? I would contend very, very few. Secondly, he has a street fighter mentality combined with a sharp legal intellect which makes you immediately think "I'm so glad this guy is on my side." I was really in a bind recently and Tim came through in spades - he is THE person I would call if I were in trouble or needed help - at a minimum he would know who I should talk to and direct me there (he knows his own limits, which is the key to a wise person) - at a maximum he would take on my fight himself and I'd have full confidence in his ability to deliver the best possible outcome for me - he fights for you like you're family - can't say it better than that.read more
Benjamin Firstenberg
Benjamin Firstenberg
19:32 28 Sep 20
I worked as an intern for Tim the summer of 2017 and it was an unbelievable experience both for my career and personal... development. He treats his employees with a level of respect, appreciation and honesty that I've truly not seen anywhere else that I've worked. We've stayed in touch these past few years and I'm still learning from Tim, whether it be the way he sees the world, his career advice or his commitment to his family. He's an honest man who treats people honorably.read more
David Shelton
David Shelton
01:13 30 Jun 20
I don't know much about Tim the lawyer, but I do know about Tim the man. Tim the man befriended me as a youth and gave... me the motivation to excel in school. Tim the man wrote the letter that got me into college and got me a helpful scholarship. Tim the man gave me an internship while in college. Tim the man has been a friend to me for over ten years. He makes himself available day or night whether I need advice or just want to talk about the day. There a lot of stigmas about attorneys (and they are earned) but Tim Misny bucks the stereotype. And if Tim the lawyer is half a good as Tim the man, he will live up to his word, and make them pay.read more
Mike Mercer
Mike Mercer
00:16 17 Jan 20
WOW! It is the only way to describe the tremendous experience I was afforded, when I contacted and then retained Tim... Misny, to handle a case for me. I had been injured in an automobile accident and needed help and direction, Tim and his staff provided both.The personal attention and clarity of the matter and specifics, gave me a state of comfort and satisfaction that I could have found nowhere else! I will be forever grateful to have Tim Misny as my attorney and my friend!I am a businessman in the Greater Cleveland area and have directed various members of my staffs as well as personal friends to Tim for solutions to their personal injury case needs. All my referrals have been more than pleased with the service and personal treatment they have received from Tim and his staff.I strongly recommend Tim Misny and his associates should you ever need the finest legal services available in Ohio! Trust is his number one priority, trust in knowing that you will be his client second, his friend first!read more
More reviews
js_loader

ASK TIM A QUESTION
NO COST TO YOU!

The Law Offices of Tim Misny

Cleveland Office
3100 E. 45th St.
Suite 444
Cleveland OH 44127
Mailing Address:
Interstate Square I
4230 Chillicothe Rd. Ste 200
Willoughby, Ohio 44094

Disclaimer: All lawsuits are different and the Law Offices of Tim Misny make no representation or promise that it can obtain the same results in other legal matters. Nothing in this webpage constitutes a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of any future legal matter.