Are Anesthesia Errors Considered Medical Malpractice?

Errors in anesthesia care are increasing, according to a study published by The National Library of Medicine. While anesthesia mistakes are often underreported, recent data shows an alarming rise in incidents that can lead to severe patient harm and medical malpractice.

Miscommunication, medication errors, and failure to adhere to guidelines are among the leading factors behind these mistakes. Addressing this trend requires better communication, updated technology, and an environment that encourages reporting mistakes without fear.

Several studies have examined the frequency and effects of anesthesia-related mistakes. Research shows that two out of every 100 hospital patients experience a preventable adverse drug event during their stay, with each incident adding nearly $4,700 to hospital costs.

These findings suggest that, while anesthesia errors may be relatively rare, they sometimes result in serious patient harm. A combined analysis reveals that 1 in every 211 anesthesia cases includes an error.

What are the main causes of anesthesia errors?

The most common causes of anesthesia errors include:

Lack of knowledge and preparation

Anesthesia errors often stem from inexperience or lack of preparation. New or unfamiliar providers may face challenges in equipment operation or fail to follow safety protocols. Mistakes such as drug substitutions and incorrect dosages are more common when medical staff lack experience or proper supervision.

Communication breakdowns

In operating rooms, miscommunication is a major risk factor. Research shows that 70% of adverse events stem from poor communication, and 75% of these cases involve patient fatalities. When healthcare professionals feel hesitant to speak up due to fear of judgment or reprimand, the risk of mistakes increases dramatically.

Negligence and human errors

Human error is a significant cause of anesthesia errors. For example, syringe swaps or unnoticed gas flow changes often occur due to minor lapses in attention. According to research, 82% of anesthesia-related incidents are unintentional. However, these lapses can have serious consequences, even when they seem minor.

Medication administration mistakes

Mistakes can occur at every stage of anesthesia medication delivery, from preparation to administration. Drug errors remain a leading cause of patient harm and contribute to preventable injuries that cost hospitals billions. In one teaching hospital, 30% of patient injuries resulted from preventable drug-related mistakes.

What are the consequences of anesthesia errors?

Errors in anesthesia can lead to outcomes ranging from minor injuries to life-threatening conditions. Some patients endure extended hospital stays or require life-support treatments. Additionally, medication-related errors account for nearly 20% of injuries in hospitalized patients.

These mistakes also affect healthcare providers. Many doctors and nurses struggle with the emotional aftermath of making errors, which can impact their well-being and performance. Additionally, public trust in healthcare professionals may also decline after high-profile mistakes.

How can healthcare professionals prevent anesthesia errors?

These proactive steps can make anesthesia care safer for patients and more manageable for providers:

• Improve communication and teamwork: Leaders can encourage medical team members to express concerns without fear of judgment, which can reduce the risk of miscommunication.
• Adopt electronic and digital systems: Barcode scanning, electronic labels, and medication tracking systems can help prevent drug misidentification. With these tools, healthcare teams can improve accuracy and enhance patient safety.
• Encourage reporting and prevention: A non-punitive reporting system allows healthcare providers to share mistakes openly, which helps medical teams spot patterns and develop solutions. Additionally, standardizing drug labeling and implementing double-check systems can reduce the chances of repeat mistakes.

Our Florida medical malpractice lawyers can help you demand justice

If you or a loved one has been harmed due to medical malpractice in North Florida, you deserve justice, accountability, and compensation for your losses.

For nearly 50 years, the medical malpractice attorneys at Pajcic & Pajcic in Jacksonville, FL, have fought for victims of medical negligence. We know how to stand up to healthcare providers who fail to meet the standards of care every patient deserves.

Our legal team has a proven track record of getting maximum compensation for our clients. Some of our top medical malpractice case results include:

• $23 million awarded in 2022 across six medical malpractice claims.
• A $6 million recovery for an undiagnosed blood clot.
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We work closely with top medical experts to build strong, thorough cases that support our clients' claims. We also operate on a contingency fee basis, so you don't have to pay upfront or out of pocket for our legal services.

Contact us online or call our Jacksonville law office today for a free consultation, and let us fight to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.