ALBUQUERQUE ANESTHESIA ERRORS ATTORNEYS
Anesthesia Errors & Malpractice in New MexicoAlthough anesthesia has numerous benefits, it can also be incredibly dangerous if misused. Unfortunately, anesthesia errors are relatively common. According to at least one study, more than 2,200 people died in the U.S. due to anesthesia errors during a seven-year period.
Anesthesia errors can lead to all types of serious health complications, including brain damage, tracheal damage, spine injuries, paralysis, and more. In the most tragic of cases, these errors can be fatal.
If you or someone you love was harmed by an anesthesia error, or if you simply suspect that medical malpractice may have played a role in your injury or your loved one’s death, reach out to Curtis & Co. right away. Our Albuquerque anesthesia error attorneys have decades of combined experience in this area of law. We investigate all claims with the assistance of our in-house registered nurse and licensed physician, and we only accept cases we truly believe we can win.
Common Types of Anesthesia Errors
Although medical professionals recognize the inherent risks involved in administering anesthesia, its benefits—namely, its ability to reduce or eliminate pain during surgical and other medical procedures—often outweigh those risks. To help reduce the risk of injury, anesthesiologists, anesthetists, and other medical providers who administer anesthesia are highly trained and held to strict standards of care. Unfortunately, these measures do not always prevent anesthesia errors—and the consequences are often catastrophic.
Some common examples of anesthesia errors include:
- Incorrect dosage
- Incorrect medication
- Improper intubation
- Failure to properly monitor
- Failure to respond to poor patient reactions or complications
- Delayed administration of anesthesia
- Failure to administer anesthesia
- Improper administration of oxygen
- Prolonged sedation
- Poor follow-up care
Anesthesia errors occur for a wide variety of reasons, from inexperience and general carelessness to poor communication, defective equipment, and even alcohol or drug use.
At Curtis & Co., we conduct thorough investigations to determine exactly how the error occurred and, most importantly, who is responsible. Sometimes, we have grounds to bring cases against anesthesiologists, anesthetists, doctors, surgeons, nurses, and other medical personnel. In other instances, we may have a claim against a hospital or facility where the procedure was performed. In any case, you can rely on our team to keep you informed and answer your questions throughout the legal process.
Injuries Commonly Associated With Anesthesia Errors:
The most serious risk associated with anesthesia errors is death. However, patients may also suffer a variety of severe, non-fatal injuries after an anesthesia error.
Some examples include:
- Anoxia and hypoxia
- Asphyxia
- Birth injuries
- Brain injuries
- Cardiovascular injuries
- Coma
- Heart attack
- Spinal cord injuries
- Stroke
- Tracheal injuries
- Impairment of bodily functions and systems
These and other anesthesia-related injuries can have significant, life-altering consequences. Often, victims will require extensive additional treatment and care. They may be unable to return to work or participate in activities they once enjoyed. In some cases, they may even require consistent, around-the-clock monitoring and care.
Types of Damages in Anesthesia Error Cases
At Curtis & Co., we understand the immense impact anesthesia errors have, both on victims and their families. Our goal is to not only help you secure the justice you deserve but also the monetary compensation you need to manage unexpected financial challenges associated with your injury or the death of your loved one.
Some common damages in anesthesia error claims include:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care costs
- Lost income or wages
- Loss of earning ability and future income/wages
- Loss of employment-related benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of love, companionship, comfort, guidance, and care
- In-home care and assistance
- Home modifications and transportation costs
In cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct, victims may also be entitled to punitive damages. Also known as “exemplary” damages, punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant and send a message that such conduct will not be tolerated.
Note that New Mexico has enacted a “cap,” or limit, on medical malpractice damages. As of 2022, this cap only applies to non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, stemming from acts of medical malpractice and negligence. Beginning in 2023, the New Mexico medical malpractice damages cap will be adjusted annually to account for inflation.
Understanding Anesthesia Errors in Albuquerque: Local Insights and Resources
At Curtis & Co., we recognize the unique challenges faced by residents of Albuquerque and the broader New Mexico area when dealing with anesthesia errors. The impact of such errors can be profound, affecting the victims and their families. Our mission is to help you navigate these difficult times by securing the justice and compensation you need to manage the financial and emotional burdens that arise from these unfortunate incidents.
In Albuquerque, local government entities such as the City of Albuquerque and resources like the New Mexico Department of Health provide valuable information and support for those affected by medical malpractice. While we do not partner directly with these entities, we are well-versed in the local regulations and resources that can aid in your recovery process.
One of the significant pain points for Albuquerque residents dealing with anesthesia errors is the financial strain. Medical expenses can quickly accumulate, and the cost of future medical care, lost income, and necessary home modifications can be overwhelming. Additionally, the emotional toll, including pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of companionship, can be equally devastating.
Our Albuquerque anesthesia error attorneys at Curtis & Co. are familiar with these local challenges. We understand the importance of timely action due to the various deadlines and statutes of limitations that apply to medical malpractice claims in New Mexico. By contacting us promptly, we can begin investigating your claim and building a strong case to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
We are committed to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation tailored to each client’s unique needs. Our extensive experience in medical malpractice law allows us to effectively advocate for individuals and families throughout Albuquerque and New Mexico, helping them achieve justice and financial relief.
How Our Anesthesia Error Attorneys Can Help You and Your Family
Learning that your injury or the death of your loved one was the result of a preventable medical error can feel overwhelming. In the aftermath of the incident, you may feel uncertain of where to turn or what to do to begin seeking justice.
We encourage you to reach out to our Albuquerque anesthesia error attorneys at Curtis & Co. as soon as possible. Your claim may be subject to various deadlines and statutes of limitations; the sooner we can begin investigating your claim and building your case, the better.
Our team is here to help you with every aspect of your case. We dedicate the majority of our practice to medical malpractice law and have extensive experience helping individuals and families throughout New Mexico fight for the justice they deserved and the fair compensation they needed to heal and move forward with their lives. We offer compassionate, highly personalized legal representation tailored to each client’s unique situation and needs.
Injured? Our Lawyers Can Help You!
Learn how the Curtis & Company personal injury lawyers can help you after a serious injury. Just call (505) 243-2808 or use our contact form for reach us for a free consultation. Hablamos español.