Anesthesiologists are supposed to administer anesthesia that allows patients to undergo complex procedures without pain or fear. However, it can cause pain and fear — and worse — when it is not administered or monitored properly.
If you suffered injuries due to anesthesia errors in Las Cruces, NM, you may have the right to pursue a medical malpractice claim against all providers involved in your treatment. The Las Cruces medical malpractice lawyers at Coates & Johnson are here to help you seek justice in the form of full compensation for your injuries.
Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation for qualified legal advice to start the claims process.
Why Should I Choose Coates & Johnson for My Las Cruces Anesthesia Negligence Case?
Anesthesia malpractice cases are among the most complex medical negligence cases out there. You need a firm that knows where errors occur and what goes wrong when providers fail to administer anesthesia properly. Coates & Johnson is that team.
Las Cruces patients routinely choose our firm because:
- We focus on medical malpractice litigation, and that’s it.
- We’ve handled thousands of claims over decades of practice and have seen all types of claims.
- We have a physician-lawyer on our team, which gives us a key understanding of surgical and anesthesia decision-making.
- Our partners are involved in the management of every medical malpractice case we take.
Call us today for a free case review to learn more about what sets us apart. Our top-rated anesthesia negligence lawyers in Las Cruces are standing by to assist.
Is an Attorney Necessary for a Las Cruces Anesthesia Malpractice Case?
Anesthesia error claims frequently depend on reviewing minute-by-minute records of a patient’s vital signs and evaluating how the anesthesia provider responded to changes during surgery. A layman usually won’t have the resources or know-how to investigate these claims or go up against well-funded insurers and defense attorneys.
A medical malpractice lawyer can even the odds and investigate whether the anesthesia provider followed accepted standards of care before and during the procedure. A trusted Las Cruces anesthesia negligence attorney may help build your claim by:
- Determining whether abnormal vital signs during surgery were overlooked or inadequately treated
- Analyzing anesthesia charts, operative reports, and monitoring data from the procedure
- Working with independent anesthesiologists to evaluate whether proper protocols were followed
- Reviewing the pre-anesthesia evaluation to determine whether the patient was properly assessed before surgery
- Examining how the anesthesia error contributed to the patient’s injuries or complications
- Calculating the full scope of financial and personal losses you’re entitled to under New Mexico law
In truth, an attorney is not only necessary for these claims; they are essential.
What Is Anesthesia Malpractice?
In New Mexico, anesthesia may be administered by two different types of providers: anesthesiologists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs). Both of these professionals are generally required to follow the same standard of care when treating patients.
Anesthesia malpractice generally falls into two categories: errors occurring before surgery and errors occurring during surgery.
Negligence Before Surgery
Before anesthesia is administered, the anesthesia provider must perform a comprehensive pre-anesthesia evaluation. This evaluation is required by professional standards established by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).
The purpose of this evaluation is to determine whether the patient can safely undergo anesthesia and surgery by reviewing:
- The patient’s medical history
- Current medications
- Prior surgical history
- Physical examination findings
- Laboratory tests, imaging studies, and EKG results
If these evaluations reveal that a patient is not stable enough to safely undergo surgery, medical providers may need to postpone or cancel the procedure.
Failures at this stage can mean that patients may undergo surgery while suffering from adverse health conditions or medications that increase the risk of severe bleeding.
Negligence During Surgery
Once anesthesia is administered, the anesthesia provider assumes responsibility for monitoring and maintaining the patient’s vital functions. During surgery, anesthesia providers must continuously monitor the patient’s:
- Blood pressure
- Heart rate
- Oxygen saturation
- Respiratory status
- Blood loss
- Urine output and fluid balance
The anesthesia provider must respond immediately to abnormal results. This may involve administering IV fluids, adjusting medications, increasing oxygen, or performing other interventions. Failing to do so can lead to life-threatening complications.
Consequences and Conditions Associated With Anesthesia Errors
When anesthesia providers fail to properly evaluate or monitor patients, the resulting injuries can be catastrophic.
Common complications associated with anesthesia malpractice include:
- Brain damage caused by oxygen deprivation
- Stroke or cardiovascular complications during surgery
- Severe hemorrhage due to undetected medications or bleeding disorders
- Organ failure resulting from prolonged low blood pressure
- Nerve injuries caused by improper positioning or monitoring
- Death resulting from anesthesia-related complications
In many cases, these injuries are preventable and occur due to delayed interventions and failure to respond to warning signs.
What is My Las Cruces Anesthesia Malpractice Case Worth?
You may be entitled to financial compensation for the harm you have suffered. Indeed, you deserve this compensation if an anesthesia error caused you harm.
An anesthesia malpractice claim may include damages for:
- Medical expenses related to the injury, including corrective procedures and hospitalization
- Future medical care and long-term treatment needs
- Lost wages from time missed at work during recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if the injury limits your ability to work in the future
- Physical pain and suffering caused by the injury
- Emotional distress and mental anguish resulting from the experience
- Permanent disability
An experienced Las Cruces anesthesia negligence attorney can help you assess your condition and identify all the damages you’ve incurred due to negligent anesthesia care.
Call a Las Cruces Anesthesia Negligence Lawyer Today For the Representation You Deserve
Patients trust anesthesia providers to safely guide them through surgery and return them safely to consciousness. If you or a loved one suffered serious harm because of an anesthesia error, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
The attorneys at Coates & Johnson are ready to help you get the money you need for quality medical treatment and other necessities for rebuilding your life. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Las Cruces anesthesia negligence lawyer. We’re here for you.