Realizing it had been a while since our Charleston medical malpractice lawyers actually discussed medical malpractice, it was timely to come across an article covering a recent court decision in which a woman was awarded $10.5 million for the permanent injuries she suffered from improperly administered anesthesia during surgery.
The 44-year-old woman, and mother of two, brought the medical malpractice case against the Anesthesia Associates of New London, Connecticut for treatment she received back in 2006. According to the online news article and lawsuit, which was filed in 2008, “as a result of the ‘carelessness and negligence’ of Anesthesia Associates in its pre-operative assessments, use of anesthesia equipment and patient monitoring, [said woman] suffered ‘serious, severe, painful and permanent injuries’ that caused her to be permanently deprived of her fully ability to carry on and enjoy life’s activities.’”
Court documents also showed that the mother of two spent 26 days in a coma, 29 days in the hospitals intensive care unit (ICU), and 45 days doing verbal and orthopedic rehabilitation.
Furthermore, she suffered nerve damage, memory loss, was forced to use a feeding tube and catheter, had a tracheotomy, suffers physiological pain in her feet and elsewhere, as well as psychological and neurological side effects from the procedure gone awry.
The workers’ compensation attorneys at Howell and Christmas feel strongly that knowledge is power; understand that surgery always has some known risks. Talk to your doctor before any and all procedures about the possible side effects, so you will be familiar with what is, or is not, a common reaction after surgery and have a clear understanding about any potential post-operative infections.
By knowing the risks involved, you will know if you are having a normal or abnormal medical experience, and if things aren’t as they should be you can call our experienced attorneys to determine if you have a valid case. If they believe you are entitled to compensation, they are sure to devote their time, energy, and resources into building a strong case.
