NY Police Officer Files Anesthesia Malpractice Lawsuit
LoHud reports that Pleasantville police officer Aaron Hess has filed an anesthesia malpractice lawsuit against Westchester-based Dr. Phat Tran. Though the details of the case haven’t been disclosed, Hess alleges that Tran failed to properly block his femoral nerve during surgery, causing him to suffer permanent damage to his leg. The complaint, which was filed in New York Supreme Court (White Plains) this past May, contends that as a result of Tran’s negligence, Hess has sustained sensory abnormalities and atrophied muscle.
This isn’t Tran’s first legal complaint, as he has also been sued for an anesthesia dosing error that purportedly caused a 19-year-old patient to suffer cardiac arrest during a routine endoscopy. The malpractice suit claims that Raina Ferraro suffered lasting brain damage as a consequence and has lived in vegetative state since the operation in January.
Injuries related to anesthesia accidents
The LoHud article highlights the disastrous consequences of anesthesia accidents. Seldom do patients grasp the momentous responsibilities of the anesthesiologist both during and after surgery in the post-operative recovery room. Even after an uneventful surgery, some patients will develop serious problems that are often deferred to the anesthesiologist for evaluation and management. Any breaches in communication or essential duties can culminate in dire injuries for the patient. Estimates indicate that 1 in every 300,000 patients die as a result of anesthesia complications, some of which may have been preventable.
The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations says that up to 42,000 Americans suffer anesthesia awareness each year – a horrifying experience where the patient is unable to move or speak while sedated, but is completely aware of the surgery. In some cases, the patient can feel pain as well. Some of the most frequently cited injuries caused by anesthesia errors include:
- Cardiovascular injury, such as a stroke or heart attack
- Birth defects
- Loss of bodily function
- Tracheal damage stemming from intubation errors
- Traumatic brain injury
- Extensive nerve damage
- Spinal cord injury that can result in paralysis
- Coma
- Death
Liability for anesthesia errors
Serious and potentially fatal anesthesia mistakes can be blamed on a number of factors but are often the result of professional medical negligence. When such medical mistakes could have been avoided given today’s extensive knowledge and technology, the anesthesiologist may be held liable for the patient’s ensuing complications and injuries under New York medical malpractice laws. Compensation recovered in an anesthesia malpractice lawsuit can help victims recuperate financially, while holding the negligent party accountable for their actions and mistakes.
Legal help after anesthesia accidents
If you or someone you love has suffered injuries resulting from anesthesia accidents in New York, you may be entitled to monetary damages for your past and future medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering and other intangible losses. To discuss your legal rights and options with a medical malpractice attorney, contact the Sanders Firm for a complimentary case evaluation. Our veteran team of attorneys can answer all your questions and help you outline your best course of action for securing compensation. Call toll-free 1.800.FAIR.PLAY. Resources
- LoHud, Officer Aaron Hess sues anesthesiologist, claims nerve damage after being hit by Danroy Henry’s car, http://www.lohud.com/article/20130814/NEWS02/308140038/Aaron-Hess-sues-anesthesiologist-claims-nerve-damage-after-being-hit-by-Danroy-Henry-s-car
