Anesthesia Mistakes in Colorado Hospitals: What Every Patient Should Know
Anesthesia is one of the most critical elements of any surgical procedure. There’s no room for error. So when mistakes are made, the consequences can be devastating.
Sadly, anesthesia error malpractice in Colorado hospitals is far too common. From an anesthesia overdose to failure to monitor sedation, these medical errors can lead to lasting injury or death.
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we’ve spent decades getting justice for victims of catastrophic medical negligence, including cases involving anesthesiologist negligence.
Understanding the Risks of Anesthesia
Anesthesia is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. It must be carefully tailored to each patient’s age, weight, health history, and type of surgery. There are several forms, including:
- General anesthesia renders the patient unconscious.
- Regional anesthesia numbs a large portion of the body (e.g., spinal blocks).
- Local anesthesia targets a small area for minor procedures.
Each type carries risks, especially when proper precautions are not taken. The margin for error is slim, which is why anesthesiologists undergo extensive training. Even so, Colorado medical errors involving anesthesia continue to occur in hospitals, surgical centers, and outpatient clinics.
Common Types of Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia-related injuries often stem from avoidable mistakes.
Anesthesia Overdose
Over-administering anesthesia can depress breathing and heart function, leading to brain damage, cardiac arrest, or death. Dosing must be precisely calculated based on the patient’s medical profile and adjusted throughout the procedure.
Failure to Monitor Sedation
Monitoring a patient during and after anesthesia is crucial. Failure to monitor sedation may lead to complications such as oxygen deprivation, low blood pressure, or delayed awakening.
Delayed Anesthesia Delivery
Timing is everything. If anesthesia is not administered at the proper time, the patient may experience pain or awareness during surgery.
Improper Intubation
Anesthesia often requires intubation to protect the airway. Improper technique can cause throat injuries, brain hypoxia, or even fatal aspiration.
Allergic Reaction or Drug Interaction
Failing to check a patient’s history for allergies or drug conflicts can result in anaphylaxis or other dangerous complications.
The Impact of Anesthesia Errors
Anesthesia errors can lead to a wide range of physical and emotional consequences, including:
- Brain damage due to lack of oxygen
- Paralysis or motor function loss
- Organ failure
- Trauma from intraoperative awareness
- Long-term breathing difficulties
- Death
Proving Anesthesia Error Malpractice in Colorado
Medical malpractice cases in Colorado are governed by strict rules. If you want to pursue a claim for anesthesia error malpractice in Colorado, you must establish:
- A duty of care existed between the anesthesiologist and the patient
- The anesthesiologist or medical provider breached that duty
- The breach caused injury or harm
- Damages (such as medical expenses, lost income, or suffering) resulted from the harm
These elements require a detailed investigation. At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., our attorneys work closely with medical experts to assess standards of care and determine how protocols were violated.
Why Anesthesiologist Negligence Happens
Anesthesiologist negligence results from:
- Staffing shortages
- Inadequate pre-surgical assessment
- Poor communication between surgical team members
- Lack of training on specific equipment or medications
- Mislabeling of medication
Your Legal Rights as a Patient
Colorado law allows victims of medical error to pursue compensation through a malpractice claim or lawsuit. Recoverable damages may include:
- Past and future medical bills
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support (in wrongful death cases)
Time Limits for Filing a Claim
Colorado has a statute of limitations for medical malpractice:
- Two years from the date the patient knew or should have known about the injury
- Three years maximum from the date of the negligent act, regardless of discovery
Missing the deadline can end your right to file a claim. That’s why it’s vital to consult a lawyer as soon as possible after an anesthesia error.
What to Do If You Suspect Anesthesia Malpractice
If you or a loved one suffered harm during or after a procedure involving anesthesia, you’ll want to take the following steps:
- Request a complete copy of your medical records.
- Seek a second medical opinion if needed.
- Contact a qualified Denver anesthesia error attorney to evaluate your case.
Acting quickly helps preserve critical evidence and strengthens your position in a legal claim.
Why Choose Leventhal Puga Braley P.C.?
Medical malpractice is complex, and we don’t believe in shortcuts. At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., our firm is nationally recognized for its work in medical negligence litigation, having successfully handled anesthesia-related cases involving brain damage, wrongful death, and failure to monitor in operating rooms across Colorado and beyond.
- Recognized as one of the top medical malpractice firms in the U.S.
- Jim Leventhal is a member of the prestigious Inner Circle of Advocates
- Jim Puga secured the largest medical malpractice jury verdict in Colorado history
- Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. attorneys are AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
- Complimentary, no-charge consultations
- You don’t owe us anything unless we win
Speak with an Experienced Colorado Anesthesia Malpractice Attorney Today
If you believe you or a loved one is a victim of an anesthesia error, contact the legal team at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. When it comes to catastrophic injury and medical malpractice cases, we serve clients throughout Colorado and across the U.S.
Your rights matter—so call our Denver medical malpractice lawyers at (303) 759-9945 or toll-free at (877) 433-3906 to schedule your no-charge initial consultation.