Surgical procedures often require the careful administration of anesthesia to ensure a safe, pain-free experience. However, when anesthesia is improperly managed, the results can be devastating. In Washington Heights, IL, patients have experienced life-altering complications due to anesthesia malpractice, including brain damage, cardiac arrest, nerve injury, and anesthesia awareness. If you’ve suffered because of a preventable error, our legal team is here to help.
At Chicago Injury Lawyer, we specialize in holding negligent medical professionals accountable. Our attorneys represent victims of anesthesia malpractice in Washington Heights and throughout Cook County. We partner with leading medical experts and develop strong, evidence-based claims designed to win maximum compensation.
Call us now at 312-261-5656 for a free, no-obligation consultation, available 24/7. With our no-fee-unless-we-win policy, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the rest.
What Qualifies as Anesthesia Malpractice?
Anesthesia malpractice occurs when an anesthesiologist, CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist), or surgical team fails to follow the accepted standard of care, resulting in patient harm. Examples of negligence include:
- Administering an incorrect dosage or the wrong medication
- Failing to monitor patient vitals like oxygen levels, heart rate, or blood pressure
- Overlooking a patient’s known allergies or pre-existing conditions
- Delayed response to respiratory or cardiac complications
- Poor airway management or intubation errors
- Not informing the patient of potential anesthesia risks
Even a small error in anesthesia care can lead to significant injuries or long-term disability.
Hospitals and Surgical Centers Serving Washington Heights, IL
Patients in Washington Heights commonly receive anesthesia services from the following institutions:
- Advocate Christ Medical Center
- University of Chicago Medicine – Washington Heights Clinics
- Roseland Community Hospital
- Outpatient surgical centers and specialty clinics throughout South Side Chicago
Our Washington Heights medical malpractice lawyers investigate and litigate malpractice claims against hospitals, surgery centers, and independent providers in the area.
Common Causes of Anesthesia Malpractice in Washington Heights
Anesthesia errors typically stem from a combination of human and systemic failures. Common causes include:
- Insufficient pre-surgical screening or patient history review
- Poor communication between surgical and anesthesia teams
- Staff fatigue, inexperience, or lack of supervision
- Misuse or failure to maintain anesthesia equipment
- Failure to monitor patients in the recovery phase
Our team performs thorough investigations to identify all liable parties and prove fault.
Severe Injuries Caused by Anesthesia Negligence
Victims of anesthesia malpractice in Washington Heights may suffer from:
- Hypoxic brain injury from prolonged oxygen deprivation
- Cardiac arrest due to anesthetic overdose or drug interactions
- Stroke from blood pressure mismanagement
- Paralysis or permanent nerve damage from improper injection technique
- Anesthesia awareness, leading to psychological trauma such as PTSD or chronic anxiety
Our Washington Heights surgical error attorneys aggressively pursue compensation for physical injuries, emotional distress, lost income, and long-term care.
Filing an Anesthesia Malpractice Lawsuit in Washington Heights, IL
Under Illinois law, most medical malpractice claims must be filed within two years of discovering the injury. Cases arising in Washington Heights are generally filed with the Cook County Circuit Court.
To win your case, your attorney must prove:
- A medical provider-patient relationship existed
- The provider breached the accepted standard of care
- That breach directly caused your injury
- You suffered quantifiable damages as a result
Our Washington Heights anesthesia malpractice lawyers provide comprehensive legal support, from document collection to expert witness coordination and trial preparation.
Steps to Take If You Suspect Anesthesia Malpractice
If you believe you were harmed due to an anesthesia error:
- Request all medical records, including surgical and anesthesia documentation
- Document your symptoms, treatments, and emotional impact in a daily journal
- Retain all healthcare bills, prescriptions, and insurance communications
- Report defective equipment or drugs to FDA MedWatch
- Contact the Chicago Police Department if criminal negligence is suspected
- Speak with a qualified medical malpractice attorney immediately
Quick legal action can preserve crucial evidence and ensure your claim is filed within statutory limits.
For a free legal consultation, call 312-261-5656Why Clients in Washington Heights Trust Our Legal Team
At Chicago Injury Lawyer, we’ve earned a reputation for:
- Successful outcomes in complex anesthesia and surgical negligence claims
- Collaboration with top anesthesiologists and medical experts
- Transparent, responsive communication with every client
- No fees unless we win your case
Our Washington Heights catastrophic injury lawyers also handle wrongful death and life-altering injury claims.
EXCELLENT Based on 315 reviews Kat Chow2024-11-22Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't stress enough how grateful I am that we hired Paul Marriett to help us with our case. His communication was not only timely and thorough but also understandable. He did a phenomenal job guiding us through the process and preparing us for the courtroom, which put our minds at ease. Once our hearing came, he did his job flawlessly and won our case. Additionally, he was quite pleasant to speak with when our judge was behind schedule and while the court was in recess. I highly recommend him to anyone needing an attorney and will reach out again in the future should we ever need representation. angel martinez2024-11-15Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very professional and helpful! I would recommend to all my friends and family to hire him. He was eager to know the circumstances of my case even before I hired him. I did contact other lawyers and offices, but none came close to the comfort I felt while talking to Mr. Marriertt, I really felt like he cared about the situation I found myself in. He deserves 6 stars for going above and beyond John Harker2024-11-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul helped me out with a traffic citation. The communication was great as he walked me through my options and what to expect with my court date and plea deal. 10/10 service. Highly recommended. Thanks again, Paul. Ryan H.2024-11-04Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Paul was very professional, sharp dressed and clearly a notch above most in the courtroom. He understood my plight and refused to be bullied. Knows the law to a T....I'm keeping him on speed dial. I think u will trust him too. Scorpion Solar2024-10-31Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. BEYOND satisfied with the services & representation! The communication & efforts have been above & BEYOND! Amazing price as well for a minor traffic hiccup. 11/10 recommend & prefer this firm for any future occurrences!!! Very transparent, & puts in the effort to help you!!! Zak Green2024-10-19Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are needing a lawyer in Rockford or the surrounding areas this is the guy you need to get ahold of! Do not waste your time or money going to someone else.... From the very start Mr. Marriett was on top of his job. I called several lawyers before him and he was the first to thoroughly explain everything I needed to hear without even asking him to. The definition of a great lawyer. Each time we went to court he always let me know ahead of time either in person or via phone what the expectations or options would be going in. I highly recommend Paul Marriett if you are in need of a lawyer! Kelli2024-10-17Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Explained everything well. Kept us informed. I'm glad we found him. bruce paulson2024-10-16Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am very late on sharing my feedback only because I’m google illiterate. Attorney Merriett did a very smart excellent job for me and not real expensive considering how stupid I was to get in trouble . Thank you! For all your professionalism! Bruce P. Austin “i like trains” Arvey2024-10-09Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service and a reliable lawyer. I'm glad we got him instead of getting anyone else. :)
Get Directions to Our Law Office
Visit us in Chicago for a free consultation
- Address: 101 N Wacker Drive, Suite 100B, Chicago, IL 60606 Get Directions
- Driving Directions: If you’re traveling from The Loop, head north on Wacker Drive. Our office is between Lake and Randolph Streets, easily accessible from I-90 and I-94.
- Parking Options: Convenient parking is available at nearby garages, such as the Wacker & Monroe Garage, and there are metered spaces along N Wacker Drive.
- Landmarks Nearby: Our office is just steps from the Chicago Riverwalk and close to The Loop, making it a convenient location for visitors.
Contact Us
Chicago Injury Lawyers
101 N Wacker Drive, Suite 100B
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 261-5656
Email: contact@chicagoinjurylawyer.com
Hours: 24/7
Washington Heights Anesthesia Malpractice FAQs
What is considered anesthesia malpractice?
Any deviation from standard practices in anesthesia care that causes injury, such as wrong drug dosage, poor monitoring, or inadequate informed consent.
Can I sue for being awake during surgery?
Yes. Anesthesia awareness is traumatic and may entitle you to compensation for emotional and physical suffering.
Who can be held liable for anesthesia malpractice?
Anesthesiologists, CRNAs, nurses, hospitals, and equipment manufacturers may be liable, depending on the specifics of your case.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Illinois?
You generally have two years from the date the injury was discovered. Certain exceptions may apply.
What documents help support my case?
Operative and anesthesia records
Post-op monitoring reports
Medical expert opinions
Police reports from the Chicago Police Department, if applicable