Intubation refers to the placement of a flexible tube in the trachea of an individual to maintain an open airway. Intubation is often required in surgeries and medical emergencies so that the patient can receive oxygen. If you or a loved one has been injured due to an intubation mistake, our skilled Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys can help you seek compensation for your harm. At Arfaa Law Group, you can trust us to handle your intubation error lawsuit. With years of experience, we are well versed in every aspect of Maryland medical malpractice law and can use our knowledge in your case.
While intubation is commonly required, the sad reality is that intubation errors happen quite frequently. Intubation errors can take place in a variety of ways, including the incorrect placement of the tube into the esophagus, an incorrect assessment of the patient’s airway’s needs, the perforation of tissue with the tubing, the tube becoming disconnected or dislodged in a damaging way, or the tube being over-inflated.
Improper intubation can lead to a number of medical conditions, ranging from minor to severe, such as vocal cord paralysis, an injured or collapsed lung, nerve damage, anoxic or hypoxic brain damage, and injuries to the lips, mouth, or teeth, as well as stroke and even death.
When negligence contributes to or causes the intubation error that led to your harm, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim against the at-fault party. Medical malpractice takes place when a health care provider fails to follow the accepted standard of care in the medical field. Specifically, malpractice occurs when a health care provider causes harm by deviating from the standard of care that another health care provider in the same specialty would have used in the same circumstances.
In a hospital setting, the blame for an intubation error will typically be on the anesthesiologist. However, it is important to note that physicians, surgeons, nurses, and EMTs in emergency settings may also have intubation responsibilities. These cases are highly fact-intensive. As a result, who is liable will ultimately depend on the specific facts of the case. In some instances, there may be more than one party who is liable.
Through a medical malpractice claim, an injured patient may pursue compensation for damages such as lost income, medical bills, rehabilitation costs, future medical expenses, and other out-of-pocket expenses that may have stemmed from the injury. In addition, an injured patient may be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, and more. If you’ve lost a loved one due to an intubation error, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim in certain circumstances and seek wrongful death damages, such as loss of future wages, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and more.
At Arfaa Law Group, our dedicated Baltimore medical malpractice attorneys are dedicated to helping injured victims pursue the justice and compensation they deserve for their harm. We strongly believe that preventable intubation errors are far too common and that those who negligently caused your injury should be held accountable. To learn more about your legal rights and options, call 410-889-1850 or contact us online.
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