Anaesthetic Negligence

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Undergoing anaesthesia involves risks, even for routine outpatient procedures, and complications can occur.

The main work of a Consultant Anaesthetist is to put patients to sleep while they undergo operations or procedures.

An Anaesthetist must ensure that the patient’s vital signs are monitored and that the patient has enough oxygen while under anaesthetic.

The Consultant Anaesthetist is also responsible for administering regional aneasthesia (such as epidurals in labour) or spinal anaesthesia (eg. epidurals for caesarian sections and other operations).

Most common clinical areas / procedures leading to a claim of clinical negligence:

• Problems with obstetric anaesthesia.
• Problems related to intubation during anaesthesia.
• "Awareness"; being awake or being aware during an operation when the patient should be asleep.
• Brain damage during general anaesthesia.
• Problems involving chronic pain management or chronic pain syndromes.

Types of injuries associated with anaesthesia errors:

• Stroke
• Heart attack
• Birth defects
• Nerve damage
• Spinal cord injury
• Paralysis
• Brain Damage
• Death

Psychological injury may occur as a result of anaesthesia negligence. Such psychological problems include post traumatic stress disorder, chronic pain, depression, anxiety, phobias.

Anaesthetic Negligence Compensation

Not every death or injury which occurs in conjunction with anaesthetics is the result of medical negligence. Most medical providers are dedicated, caring and committed professionals.

However, if you have questions about the anaesthetic care you received and have suffered damage or injury as a result, please contact our service. We have access to experienced medical negligence lawyers who can advise you of your rights to compensation.