Anesthesia Error Statistics
No one really wants to think about the fact that
anesthesia errors occur. If we think about it, then we must think about the consequences of those errors. Who is at fault when these errors and complications occur?
Did the patient fully inform the doctor of their medical history prior to surgery? Did that information get shared with the anesthesiologist?
Number of Anesthesia Complications
The number of anesthesia complications from wrongful diagnosis was 0.724 per 1,000 surgical discharges in the United States in 2000. The statistics also show:
- 0.718 per 1,000 of complications in patients 0-17
- 0.58 per 1,000 of complications in patients 18-44
- 0.0606 per 1,000 of complications in patients 45-64
- 0.833 per 1,000 of complications in patients over 65
Reasons for Anesthesia Complications
- Too much anesthesia
- Too little anesthesia
- Drug interactions
- Allergic reaction
- Delayed delivery
- Defective medical device
- Failure to properly monitor the patient
Complications range from sore throat, anxiety and allergic reaction to personal injury and death. The severity of the complication may or may not have a direct bearing on the reason for the complication. You should contact a
Personal Injury Attorney that handles
Medical Malpractice cases.
Where Errors Occur
Some people believe anesthetic malpractice can only occur in a hospital during surgery. In fact that is only once place, other areas where anesthesia errors may occur include:
- Surgery – In-patient/Out-Patient
- Hospital
- Urgent Care Center
- Pre-op
- Post-op
- Doctor’s office (local anesthetic)
- Dentist office
Anesthesiology and Medical Malpractice Payments
Anesthesia malpractice is the twelfth highest medical specialty to pay medical malpractice claims.
Below are a few statistics on malpractice payments:
- $752,770,562 in payments were made for anesthesia related primary malpractice acts or omissions in the US 1990-96
- 467 medical malpractice payments were made due to anesthesia related malpractice in the US 2002
- $93,750 was the median medical malpractice payments made due to anesthesia related malpractice in the US 1990-2002
In order not to become one of these statistics, inform yourself (anchor text for link to Anesthesia Errors FAQs). Check on the past success of your medical team prior to your surgery. Make sure that your doctor, the surgeon, and the anesthesiologist are all aware of your medical history.
However, should you, or a member of your family, suffer the effects of anesthesia complications or surgery errors; contact an experienced medical malpractice attorney to protect your rights in this situation.
Fill out this short survey and get connected to experienced
Accident Attorneys in your area who can help explain your malpractice legal rights and options.