Rikard & Protopapas represents individuals who are harmed by anesthesia error and their families. If you need a lawyer, we invite you to contact us to talk about your case.
Attorneys for Anesthesia Errors
Our law firm represents people in medical malpractice claims for financial compensation when injury occurs because of an anesthesia error. You may receive financial compensation, but claims involving anesthesia are highly scientific and technical. The Rikard & Protopapas medical malpractice lawyers understand how to build and pursue claims for anesthesia errors, and we can represent you throughout the process.
There is no cost for an initial consultation with a lawyer at Rikard & Protopapas. Call or message us to discuss your situation and begin.
Cases We Handle Involving Anesthesia Use
When a patient is injured in the administration of anesthesia, they may have a claim for financial compensation. If the injury is the direct result of the negligence of a care provider, those responsible may be liable to pay compensation to the victim. Negligence is care that falls below prevailing standards of healthcare. It may be the result of an affirmative act or a failure to act.
Our law firm has a 20-year history of success representing victims of medical negligence in South Carolina. We handle anesthesia error claims.
Types of cases we handle include:
Too much of a dose
Administration of too much anesthesia can deprive the brain of oxygen. Victims may suffer death, brain injury, stroke, or traumatic brain injury. The victim may aspirate and suffer complications, like pneumonia.
Too little of a dose
If the anesthesiologist administers too little of the drugs, a patient may have anesthesia awareness. It is an awareness of what is happening during the surgery but without the ability to signal to anyone. Patients often suffer from PTSD.
Bad drug interactions
Anesthetic drugs may influence each other, or the person may have a bad drug interaction with prescription medications.
Administering the wrong drug
Healthcare professionals must be sure to administer the correct drugs during surgery.
Allergic reactions
It is possible to suffer anaphylactic shock from anesthetic drugs. A reaction may be very serious and even fatal.
Failing to monitor oxygen levels
Oxygen levels and vital signs should be monitored during surgery.
Inadequate instructions
A surgery patient must be counseled to limit food and liquid consumption as necessary.
Defective medical equipment and supplies
The equipment and supplies used in surgery must be in adequate condition. They must be sanitized.
Other anesthesia injuries
If you are harmed in another way from the use of anesthesia, we invite you to contact us to talk about what happened and your right to compensation.
Compensation for Anesthesia Injuries
To receive compensation for an anesthesia injury, the victim must explain the prevailing standard of professional care. They must show how the healthcare providers failed to meet that standard and how injury resulted to the victim. Compensation should reflect the harm that has resulted to the victim.
Common anesthesia injuries include:
- Death
- Coma
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord and nervous system damage
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Respiratory distress
- Damage to the trachea
- Blindness
- Birth defects
- Cardiovascular failure, myocardial infarction (heart attack)
- Malignant hyperthermia
- Cognitive malfunction, confusion, delirium
- Anesthesia awareness, PTSD
Injuries from anesthesia may occur in any type of anesthesia use, including:
- General anesthesia, where a person is rendered unconscious
- Regional anesthesia, like an epidural, where specific nerves or body systems are targeted
- Local anesthesia, where specific tissue is numbed, like in dental work
Who May Be Liable for an Anesthesia Error?
There are many healthcare professionals involved in conducting an operation or procedure. All providers play a role in monitoring the health of the patient and the use of anesthetic drugs.
Some parties who may be responsible for an anesthesia error include:
- Anesthesiologist
- Nurse anesthesiologist
- Surgeon
- Assistants during surgery
- Nurses
- Dentists
- Professionals involved in pre and post-operative care
Our law firm evaluates the situation, the facts, and who may have legal liability for what occurred.
Damages for anesthesia error injuries
The purpose of a legal claim for anesthesia errors is for the victim to receive financial compensation. Damages may be both economic and non-economic. Economic losses are tangible financial losses resulting from the injury. Examples are emergency and follow-up medical care, medical supplies, and rehabilitation. A victim may claim compensation for loss of earnings and earning capacity, custodial care, substitute domestic services, and other losses.
Non-economic damages include physical pain and emotional anguish. A victim may claim compensation for inconvenience, physical disfigurement, loss of companionship, humiliation, and other intangible losses.
A wrongful death claim may be brought by family members when an anesthesia error results in the death of a loved one.
As your legal team, we seek the compensation that is payable under the law. We customize a legal plan based on your personal situation and the specifics of your case.
Our Experienced Team
The Rikard & Protopapas team has a long track record of success in medical malpractice claims in South Carolina. We believe that our work can be a critical part of your healing process as we work to secure a meaningful future with financial compensation.
Our law firm has:
- Collected tens of millions of dollars in compensation for medical negligence victims.
- Experience in medical negligence claims, including anesthesia error injuries.
- 1,600 satisfied clients with a 97% rate of success.
- A large team of attorneys and a full support staff to meet your legal needs.
- Legal admissions in South Carolina and United States courts.
- Honors and awards from Super Lawyers, Columbia Business Monthly, Columbia Living Magazine, and the AV® PreeminentTM rating.
- Professional memberships, including the American Association for Justice, the South Carolina Association for Justice, and the South Carolina Women Lawyers Association.
- A variety of fee agreements to meet your needs, including contingency fees.
- Free consultations, so there is no cost for the initial contact with our law firm.
Free Consultation With a Lawyer
For a free consultation with a lawyer, reach out to Rikard & Protopapas. See how we may assist you to claim compensation if you or a loved one has been harmed by the administration of anesthetic drugs. Time is limited, so please contact us as soon as possible.
Call or send us a message to talk to a lawyer about your anesthesia error case. We look forward to speaking with you.