Brain damage can result from anesthesia errors during an operative procedure. The loss of function due to anesthesia-induced brain damage significantly impacts a person’s life. The experienced Philadelphia anesthesia injury lawyers at Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C. have achieved billions of dollars in compensation for our clients, and we can help you, too. Call today about your anesthesia complications legal claim to learn how our experienced trial attorneys can pursue the money you deserve.
How a Philadelphia Anesthesia Injury Lawyer Can Help
Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C. represent clients in catastrophic cases, and our track record speaks volumes about our commitment to superior service. When it comes to anesthesia-induced brain damage, our trial attorneys have the expertise required to navigate the complexities of these cases.
Our lawyers can investigate the source of the harm and determine specifically which parties are liable. With our vast resources, we can gather evidence, including expert testimony, to build and support a strong case for you. We can file a lawsuit and aggressively work to achieve the recovery your severe injuries deserve. Our attorneys will take the burden of worrying about a lawsuit and financial recovery off your shoulders and handle your entire case. We provide you with peace of mind that everything that can be done will be done to get the best outcome for your case.
How Anesthesia Works
Knowing how anesthesia works can help you understand how it’s linked to brain damage. Anesthesia prevents the pain signals sent by nerves from reaching the brain. Local anesthesia numbs a specific body part, while regional anesthesia blocks sensation in a larger area, such as an entire arm. General anesthesia, on the other hand, leads to unconsciousness and loss of sensation throughout the entire body.
Anesthesia and Brain Damage: The Connection
Anesthesia has long been a necessary component of surgical procedures. However, its effects on the brain can be unpredictable. Recent research shows the possibility of anesthetic neurotoxicity, particularly in children and the elderly. While anesthesia is generally safe, there are potential risks.
Complications can arise in various situations. For instance, anesthesia dosage errors can result in inadequate or excessive sedation, resulting in brain damage. Additionally, anesthesiologist negligence in PA can lead to disastrous consequences, particularly if medical professionals fail to monitor the patient’s vital signs adequately.
Types of Anesthesia Errors Injuries
Various types of anesthesia errors result in brain damage. For the most part, they result from physician error, including:
- Anesthesiologist Negligence – If the doctor administering the anesthesia administers too much or too little anesthesia or fails to recognize signs of toxicity, the patient may develop brain injury. This is a lack of care by the anesthesiologist.
- Depleted Oxygen Levels – Anesthesia commonly affects the patient’s blood flow, and since red cells carry oxygen, the amount of this necessary element can fall below safe concentration levels. Without adequate oxygen, the brain can be affected negatively. It does not take long for a low level of oxygen to cause brain injury. Failing to monitor the patient’s oxygen level can cause cognitive and functional damage.
- Incorrect Intubation – An anesthesiologist may insert a breathing tube during anesthesia to ensure the patient gets the proper amount of oxygen. If the intubation tube is faulty or poorly placed, the patient will stop breathing, and oxygen levels will fall.
- Prior Problems with Anesthesia – An anesthesiologist occasionally fails to check the patient’s medical records for past issues with a drug, such as an allergic reaction. When this happens, the chances of giving the patient the wrong drug and causing an allergic reaction are high. The anesthesiologist can be liable for subsequent brain damage.
- Vomiting When Under Anesthesia – A patient may vomit once they are unconscious and inhale the vomitus. This can result from the patient eating or drinking too soon before the procedure. If the anesthesiologist fails to check the patient’s medical records and does not know if the patient fasted, the likelihood of vomiting is high. Inhaling the vomitus can block oxygen flow and cause brain damage. The anesthesiologist must be vigilant and responsive to warning signs once vomiting begins in order to prevent harm.
Compensation Recoverable in Anesthesia Error Legal Claims
With anesthesia-related complications, legal action may be the only way to obtain justice. The financial recovery achieved in an anesthesia error legal claim can include money for the following:
- Medical Expenses – This includes the costs of treating and managing the brain damage, including surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. It also can cover at-home nursing care and assistive devices.
- Lost Income – If the brain damage leads to long-term disability, the patient may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and lost future earning potential after neurological damage post-surgery. It also covers all income one would receive until the age of retirement.
- Pain and Suffering – Anesthesia errors can result in significant physical and emotional pain and suffering, as well as loss of quality of life, anxiety, or depression.
- Long-Term Care – Depending on the severity of the brain damage, continuing care may be necessary. These expenses can be high and are usually recoverable in legal claims.
- Hospital Liability for Anesthetic Injury – When the anesthesiologist is employed by the medical facility or the pharmacist provides the wrong drug, the hospital can be liable for causing brain damage along with the medical professionals. This can increase the possible award the injured patient may receive.
- Loss of Consortium – The injured party’s spouse can file a separate, derivative claim for the loss of or changes to their relationship with the injured person. These losses can include loss of affection, intimacy, companionship, or other losses of this kind caused by the patient’s brain damage.
Call the Law Firm of Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C. for Help in Anesthesia-Induced Brain Damage
If you or a loved one has brain damage from an anesthesia error, do not hesitate to reach out to Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C. for the experienced legal representation you deserve. A seasoned Philadelphia anesthesia injury lawyer can assess your situation and help you pursue the maximum financial recovery available to you during a free, no-obligation consultation. During this meeting, our legal team will answer your questions and advise you about your legal options. Contact us today and let us seek justice for you.
BUSINESS INFORMATION
Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg, & Jeck, P.C.
1634 Spruce St, Philadelphia, PA, 19103
Phone: (215) 585-2814
Email: info@erlegal.com
