Las Vegas Anesthesia Errors Lawyer
Protecting the Rights of Anesthesia Error Victims in Nevada
When people consider the risks involved with surgery, they usually think of accidents and mistakes that can happen "under the knife." The truth, however, is that anesthesia is an extremely sensitive procedure that requires skill and vigilance from anesthesiologists and nurses. When errors occur, patients can be put at life-threatening risk or permanently affected.
If you or a loved one has been harmed due to an anesthesia error, then Burris & Thomas, LLC is ready to hear from you. Their award-winning Las Vegas medical malpractice attorneys are well-versed in navigating these cases. They know how to work alongside medical professionals to gather evidence, craft a thorough claim that speaks to the victim's long-term needs, and ensure that every avenue toward rightful compensation is aggressively explored.
Call Burris & Thomas, LLC today at (702) 529-3101 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our anesthesia errors attorney in Las Vegas!
How Anesthesia Errors Occur
Ideally, much care goes into preparing patients for surgery—including determining how they might react to anesthesia. Even when necessary preparations are made, a patient's condition must be closely monitored throughout surgery to ensure that avoidable complications are handled.
It is common for anesthesia to occur when:
- Too much anesthesia is administered
- Too little anesthesia is administered
- Patient vitals are not carefully monitored
- There's a failure to investigate the patient's medical history before surgery
- There's a failure to inform the patient of possible risks they must manage (like not eating or taking a certain medication before surgery)
The effects of an anesthesia error can greatly vary. Everything from tinnitus, heart arrhythmia, brain damage, paralysis, stroke, coma, and death are possible. However, no matter what the effects of your anesthesia error are, they deserve to be accounted for. The Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at Burris & Thomas, LLC are ready to assess your case and immediately begin taking steps towards having this inexcusable action rectified.
Common Signs of Anesthesia Errors
Recognizing the signs of an anesthesia error is critical for patients and their families. While some complications may be apparent immediately after surgery, others can manifest. Common signs to watch for include:
- Prolonged drowsiness or confusion: Difficulty waking up or maintaining alertness can indicate an issue.
- Difficulty breathing: Shortness of breath or abnormal respiratory patterns may suggest a problem with anesthesia administration.
- Unusual heart rhythms: Palpitations or irregular heartbeats can be signs of complications.
- Severe headaches: Persistent or intense headaches after surgery could signal an error.
- Unexpected pain or sensations: Unexplained discomfort in areas unrelated to the surgical site may warrant investigation.
If any of these symptoms occur, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. Documenting these signs can be crucial in establishing a connection between the symptoms and potential anesthesia negligence, supporting your case if you decide to pursue legal action.
Steps to Take After an Anesthesia Error
If you suspect that you or a loved one has been a victim of an anesthesia error, taking immediate and informed action is vital. Here are essential steps to consider:
- Seek medical attention: Address symptoms or complications immediately to ensure proper care.
- Document everything: Maintain thorough records of all medical appointments, treatments received, and communications with healthcare providers.
- Gather evidence: Collect relevant medical records, witness accounts, and other documentation supporting your case.
- Contact a medical malpractice attorney: Find an attorney experienced in anesthesia errors to discuss your situation and legal options.
- Understand your rights: Your attorney can help clarify your rights and the legal process, ensuring you are informed immediately.
These steps can pave the way for accountability and compensation for your suffering.
Understanding the Long-Term Consequences of Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia errors can lead to severe and sometimes irreversible consequences for patients. Depending on the nature of the mistake, victims may experience a range of issues that affect their quality of life, including:
Our FAQ
Have questions? We are here to help. Still have questions or can't find the answer you need? Give us a call at 702-529-3101 today!
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How much is my case worth?
There are many factors that go into evaluating the settlement value of a personal injury case. It is not a simple matter of applying a formula. Typically, everyone thinks that their case is “simple” and “clear-cut”. Everyone tends to think that the amount of money they are seeking is “fair and reasonable”. That is human nature. However, the reality is that, in the end, a personal injury case is worth what a jury says it is worth. The job of the victim’s personal injury lawyer is to come up with a settlement that reflects the risk of going to trial (odds of winning vs. odds of losing), together with the range of what value a jury might actually return on the case.
In deciding settlement values, we need to consider the following:
- Is fault clear, or contested?
- Are the injuries severe or mild?
- Is there an issue with insurance coverage?
- Is the client a good communicator?
- Is the defendant/wrongdoer likable or unlikable?
Normally, I am able to give a very general estimate range of settlement value and odds soon after taking on a case, with the understanding that these are just estimates and not guarantees. The longer the case goes on, the more definite I can be about the settlement value range.
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Do I have a personal injury case?
It is often times said by attorneys that in order for there to be a viable personal injury case, there must be “three legs on the stool.” These legs are: liability (or fault); damages (or injury); and collectability (insurance). If any one of the “legs” is missing, then there is not a viable case.
- Liability - A clear example of liability would be someone running through a red light. That person would be at fault. On the other hand, let us say that somebody is hit by a meteorite falling from the sky, and seriously hurt. In that case, although there is injury, there is no earthly entity at fault.
- Damages - An example of damages would be someone getting hit in the nose by an airbag, which breaks their nose. That person has an injury caused by the collision. On the other hand, what if that same person is almost hit by a car running a red light, but by the grace of God is able to avoid the collision? That person might say “I was almost killed, but I didn’t get a scratch.” In that case, the person was not injured and there is no case.
- Collectability - To give an example of collectability, imagine that a drunk driver runs through a red light, and the driver is Donald Trump. In that case, if Donald Trump hit and injured someone when he ran the red light, the victim will be able to collect upon any judgment that they receive. Imagine, on the other hand, that the drunk driver is someone who just got out of prison, and has no insurance and no property. Although that person will probably go to jail, there is no practical way to collect money from him, as he is a “scofflaw” living outside responsibilities of society.
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What Is the Nevada Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases?
When it comes to filing a personal injury lawsuit, it's important to pay attention to the statute of limitations for the state you're filing in. A statute of limitations is the time limit that a state puts on how long after your accident you are allowed to file a personal injury lawsuit. Statutes vary from state to state.
Nev. Rev. Stat. § 11.190(4)(e) (2016) states that individuals wishing to file a personal injury lawsuit must do so within 2 years of the date of their accident. However, there are certain exceptions that can be made depending on your circumstances. For example, if you have been injured as a result of medical malpractice, you generally only have 1 year to file your lawsuit after the date of your injury (Nevada Revised Statutes section 41A.097).
Statute of limitations can be complex, and if you fail to file your lawsuit within the allotted amount of time your case will most likely be dismissed. Don't put your compensation on the line! Contact our experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation and determine what your next steps should be.
