New York City Anesthesia Error Lawyer

Anesthesia Mistakes in Brooklyn & Throughout NYC

Anesthesia is an essential component of numerous medical procedures. It is important that anesthetists, anesthesiologists, and others involved in the administration of anesthesia follow proper procedures to avoid making potentially deadly errors.

Unfortunately, despite extensive medical training and safety standards, medical professionals can and do make mistakes. When these mistakes arise from negligence or misconduct, these providers can be held accountable.

If you were injured or if someone you love died due to an anesthesia-related error, contact Rubenstein & Rynecki. Based in Brooklyn, our New York City anesthesia error attorneys have been representing victims of medical malpractice and negligence since 1972. Since its founding in 1996, our firm has earned a reputation for providing attentive, client-focused service and aggressive legal advocacy that earns results. We have successfully recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients, and we are ready to fight for the maximum recovery you are owed.

Contact Rubenstein & Rynecki online or call (718) 522-1020 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation regarding your anesthesia malpractice case.

On This Page:

• What Can Go Wrong During Anesthesia?
• What Is an Anesthesia Error?
• When Is an Anesthesiologist or Anesthetist Liable?
• Request a Free Consultation with Our Firm

What Can Go Wrong During Anesthesia?

While the majority of medical procedures, including surgeries, are very safe, there are always some risks. One of these is the possibility of a mistake in the administration of anesthesia.

Most of the risks associated with anesthesia are minor. Some common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Headache

These side effects are temporary and generally do not indicate that a mistake has been made. However, more serious complications—whether due to medical negligence or other factors—can have greater risks.

The most serious of these risks include:

• Anaphylaxis (allergic reaction)
• Anesthesia awareness (consciousness but inability to move)
• Aspiration pneumonitis
• Brain damage
• Cardiovascular collapse
• Embolism
• Hypothermia
• Hypoxia (reduced oxygen)
• Laryngeal damage
• Nerve injury
• Respiratory depression

In very severe cases, these and other anesthesia-related injuries may result in death.

The risks associated with anesthesia vary depending on several factors, including the unique patient and the type of anesthesia used. While local anesthesia, which is administered to a single site, generally has fewer side effects associated with it, both regional and general anesthesia may come with more significant risks.

What Is an Anesthesia Error?

An anesthesia error occurs when a medical professional—be it an anesthesiologist, anesthetist, or some other provider—fails to uphold a reasonable standard of care when preparing a patient for anesthesia, administering anesthesia, or providing aftercare. Like other forms of medical malpractice, anesthesia errors are defined by a healthcare provider failing to provide a patient with the same level of care that another equally qualified provider would have in the same or similar circumstances.

Some examples of anesthesia errors include:

• Failing to obtain a patient’s informed consent
• Administering too much or too little anesthesia (incorrect dose)
• Administering the wrong type of anesthesia (local, regional, or general)
• Delaying administration of anesthesia
• Failing to consider a patient’s medical history, including allergies to anesthesia
• Improperly positioning a patient during surgery/a medical procedure
• Failing to properly monitor a patient who is under anesthesia
• Failing to recognize/address adverse drug reactions
• Failing to recognize/address signs of an allergic reaction to anesthesia
• Providing improper or incomplete instructions to a patient before or after a procedure
• Providing poor or insufficient follow-up care/aftercare
• Using defective or faulty equipment when administering anesthesia

It is important to note that a poor reaction to anesthesia or an unideal outcome following anesthesia or a procedure in which anesthesia was used does not necessarily indicate that malpractice has occurred. Rather, you must prove that a healthcare provider, including both medical professionals and facilities, failed to act reasonably and/or provided substandard medical treatment and care.

When Is an Anesthesiologist or Anesthetist Liable?

To hold an anesthesiologist, anesthetist, hospital, or other healthcare provider liable for an anesthesia mistake, you must prove several key elements.

These include:

• Doctor-Patient Relationship: First you must establish that the defendant owed you a duty of care by proving that a doctor-patient relationship existed between yourself and the defendant.
• Negligence: Next you must prove that the defendant was negligent and/or failed to provide the same level of care another qualified medical professional would have provided.
• Injury: You must also prove that you were injured and/or suffered damages, such as medical expenses, disability, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Causation: Lastly, you must prove that the defendant’s negligence/breach of the standard of care was the cause of your injuries and/or damages.

Proving each of these elements often involves the testimony of medical experts and specialists, as well as extensive evidence proving that you were not only injured, but that your injuries were the direct result of a medical provider’s negligence or misconduct.

At Rubenstein & Rynecki, our New York City anesthesia error attorneys have decades of experience helping victims of medical malpractice hold negligent healthcare providers accountable. We have access to extensive resources and know how to obtain and compile powerful evidence in support of your claim. Our team is prepared to handle all of the legal details so that you can focus on getting the additional medical care you need to get back on your feet.

Request a Free Consultation with Our Firm

We understand that it can be incredibly overwhelming to learn that a trusted medical professional failed to provide the level of treatment and care you expected and deserved. You may be dealing with life-altering injuries or the tragic loss of a loved one. These challenges are difficult enough, but you are also likely facing numerous financial hardships, from mounting medical bills to months of missed wages to unexpected and expensive funeral costs.

At Rubenstein & Rynecki, we are here to help.

Our team of award-winning trial lawyers has what it takes to go up against major healthcare institutions and their insurance companies. We have taken on powerful medical defense teams on behalf of our clients—and won. As your legal counsel, we will be there for you every step of the way, providing consistent communication and answers to any questions you may have.

Give us a call at (718) 522-1020 or submit a free online case evaluation form to set up an appointment with our firm today. Hablamos español.