Anesthesia, when administered correctly, shouldn’t cause a heart attack

Despite medical advances today, the administration of anesthesia (or “going under”) is still inherently dangerous and can cause a host of problems. Some patients are more likely to experience complications than others because of their age, medical conditions, or the type of surgery they’re having. Risks can range from breathing problems during and after surgery, to postoperative confusion, heart attacks, and brain damage. Regardless of the type of anesthesia – general, regional, or local – the improper administration of anesthesia can be the difference between minor complications and life-threatening ones.

What went wrong

Many types of doctors use local or regional anesthetics, or drugs that numb only one part of the body. But only highly trained doctors and nurses can administer general anesthesia, which makes a patient unconscious. General anesthesia, however, can cause serious complications, such as a heart attack, if used incorrectly. Most anesthetic injuries are the result of improper drug administration, or when doctors choose the wrong anesthesia or dosage. In addition to the errors in administration of drugs, doctors may fail to give proper pre-surgery instructions, use equipment incorrectly or use faulty equipment, or fail to monitor the patient properly during or after the procedure.

If you or someone you know underwent a procedure and the anesthesia caused a heart attack, you need help proving negligence. A medical malpractice lawyer will explain your legal options and fight for your rights.

Was there negligence by the anesthesiologist?

When an anesthesiologist or another doctor responsible for administering the anesthesia fails to provide the right standard of care, they can be liable for medical negligence. Anesthesiologists are physicians who have completed additional training in the administration of anesthetics and perioperative care. However, because administering anesthetics is a high-risk procedure, common anesthesia injuries often occur.

Even though anesthesiologists can make mistakes, hospitals, such as Kaiser Permanente, can also be held responsible. Hospitals can be vicariously liable if a doctor commits negligence while in their employ. If the anesthesiologist is an independent contractor, the hospital can be responsible for the hiring or negligent supervision. Or if faulty equipment was used, the hospital can be negligent for failure to properly maintain the equipment.

The effects of an anesthesia error vary based on a number of factors. Recovery room and post-anesthesia errors can also occur. You need an attorney who understands what to look for in your medical records and also represents individuals who have been injured after surgery. Located in San Diego, California, Attorney Scott S. Harris advocates for the rights of injured people throughout Southern California and is an expert in medical law.