Chicago Anesthesia Lawyer
Anesthesia is an important part of many medical procedures and surgeries, as it helps reduce the pain experienced by the patient, and can reduce the risks of complications that could arise if the patient were conscious during the procedure. During anesthesia, a patient is put to sleep, so that he or she is unable to respond to pain that may occur during an operation. Anesthesia is often coupled with muscle relaxers so that the patient does not move during the operation. Anesthesia is normally a very safe procedure; however, sometimes complications do arise as a result of using anesthesia.
An anesthesiologist is a highly trained doctor who specializes in the administration of anesthesia. An anesthesiologist works closely with a certified registered nurse anesthetist to monitor the vitals and breathing patterns of a patient during an operation for signs of distress. The anesthesiologist is also tasked with monitoring the levels of anesthesia in the patient’s system during the course of the medical procedure. The anesthesiologist is responsible for disclosing the potential risks of not following pre-operation instructions, and investigating the patient’s medical history and identifying any potential risk factors that could cause complications during the anesthesia. If the anesthesiologist fails to do these things, or fails to reasonably monitor the patient during the operation, he or she may be liable for negligence.
Awareness While Under Anesthesia
One of the most terrible complications that can occur during anesthesia is a phenomenon called anesthesia awareness. There are levels to this awareness. In some instances of anesthesia awareness, a patient is awake during an operation and is completely aware of everything that is going on around him or her, but is unable to physically move and is unable to sense any pain. In very rare instances of anesthesia awareness, a patient can feel pain, but is unable to move or speak out in pain. This level of awareness is referred to as unintended intraoperative awareness. These patients lie awake, feeling everything that is happening to them during surgery, effectively traumatizing them. This type of awareness can leave patients with severe psychological problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Anesthesia awareness is most often a result of medical negligence.
Don’t Wait To Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you or someone you love has been a victim of medical negligence, do not hesitate to contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney. In light of a severe injury, or even a death due to medical negligence, it may seem like too much to handle dealing with a lawyer on top of everything else. However, a lawyer’s job is to help you.
A seasoned medical malpractice attorney will collect information and medical records on your behalf, and analyze the evidence in your case for you. He or she will investigate the facts of your case while you deal with the aftermath of the medical negligence that has caused you harm.
Contact a Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you have suffered from complications due to the negligence of medical care providers while under anesthesia, you may be eligible for a medical malpractice claim. Please do not hesitate to contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney to help you get the compensation that you deserve. Contact Willens & Baez online or by telephone at 312-957-4166 for a free consultation.
