Curtis & Co. Curtis & Co.
505-871-3740

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. 

Legal Awards

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 
  • Impairment of bodily functions and systems
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Stroke 
  • Tracheal injuries 

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. 

How Our Anesthesia Error Attorneys Can Help You & 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. 

Get in touch with us today at (505) 871-3740 or contact us onlineto schedule a free consultation. Hablamos español. 

Curtis & Co. Curtis & Co.
You are passionate, persistent, and from everything that I saw today, a brilliant lawyer and orator.

What Sets Us Apart:

  • 25 Years of Experience
    Founding Attorney Lisa K. Curtis has pursued law since the young age of 6. This is all we've ever wanted to do, and we've done it well for decades.
  • Treating Clients Like Family
    We're a smaller firm so we can give our clients the focus and attention they deserve. You've been wronged, and we stop at nothing to make it right.
  • Compassionate, Capable Advocates
    We know how difficult it is not only to experience the injustice you did, but to be brave enough to move forward. We're here with you every single step of the way.
  • Committed to the Well-Being of New Mexico
    New Mexico is and always has been our home and chief priority. Our families go back centuries here, and we look to better this community with every move we make.

Any Questions?
Let’s Talk

  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact Us Now