In Riverside, IL, patients undergoing surgery trust anesthesiologists and surgical teams to ensure a safe experience. From outpatient clinics in nearby Berwyn to larger hospitals in western Cook County, anesthesia should be carefully calculated, administered, and monitored. But when medical professionals make mistakes, the consequences can be devastating.
Even routine procedures, such as colonoscopies, orthopedic surgeries, or dental extractions, can result in serious injuries if anesthesia is improperly handled. For Riverside residents, this often means treatment at institutions like MacNeal Hospital (3249 S Oak Park Ave, Berwyn, IL 60402), a common choice for surgical care. At Chicago Injury Lawyer, we help Riverside victims uncover what went wrong and pursue financial compensation for their pain, suffering, and long-term health needs.
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.
Causes of Anesthesia Errors in Riverside Surgical Facilities
Anesthesia malpractice isn’t just a technical error—it’s often a result of system failures or human oversight. Our legal team sees many Riverside-area cases tied to:
- Insufficient patient screening, including overlooked allergies or medication interactions
- Miscommunication between surgical staff, especially when operating teams are rotated or understaffed
- Equipment misconfiguration, such as broken alarms or improperly calibrated sedation machines
- Documentation mistakes, like charting the wrong dose or omitting critical pre-op instructions
These lapses violate professional care standards under Illinois law and may qualify as medical malpractice. Our attorneys work to prove that negligence directly caused your injury and identify every liable party.
Injuries Caused by Anesthesia Mistakes
Anesthesia errors can result in both immediate harm and long-term disability. For Riverside families, the consequences often extend beyond the patient, affecting caregivers, household income, and emotional well-being.
Some of the most serious complications include:
- Permanent brain damage due to oxygen deprivation or respiratory failure
- Cardiac events, including heart attacks or irregular heartbeat, during surgery
- Stroke, triggered by mismanaged blood pressure or unnoticed complications
- Anesthesia awareness, where the patient regains consciousness during surgery but cannot move or speak
If your condition has required follow-up care, cognitive therapy, or psychiatric treatment, our medical malpractice attorneys will ensure those damages are fully accounted for in your legal claim.
How to File a Medical Malpractice Claim in Riverside
Illinois law allows a two-year window from the discovery of an anesthesia-related injury to file a lawsuit. However, waiting can weaken your case. Early action helps preserve medical records, identify witnesses, and secure expert evaluations.
We help Riverside victims by:
- Filing cases through the Cook County Circuit Court – Maywood District (1500 Maybrook Dr, Maywood, IL 60153), the nearest venue for Riverside claims
- Working with board-certified medical experts who analyze surgical and anesthesia records
- Building broader claims when systemic negligence is involved, often in collaboration with our nursing home negligence attorneys
From the first consultation through trial or settlement, we advocate with precision and care.
What to Do if You Suspect Anesthesia Negligence
If you believe an anesthesia mistake occurred, it’s critical to take the following steps to preserve your rights and strengthen your case:
- Request a complete copy of your medical records, including anesthesia and surgical reports
- Keep a journal of symptoms, changes in behavior, or physical limitations following the procedure
- Report the event using FDA MedWatch
- File a complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health for state-level review
- Contact an attorney immediately to begin the evidence-gathering process
Our surgical error lawyers will help obtain crucial documents and coordinate with medical experts to support your claim.
For a free legal consultation, call 312-261-5656Why Riverside Clients Choose Our Malpractice Team
Residents of Riverside trust our firm for experienced legal advocacy in complex medical cases. We bring:
- Deep knowledge of Cook County court procedures
- Connections with Illinois’ leading medical professionals
- Proven results in six- and seven-figure settlements
- No-win, no-fee representation, so you don’t pay unless we succeed
Whether your injury occurred during surgery at MacNeal Hospital or another facility, or involved follow-up care at a senior residence, we are ready to stand by your side.
In cases where law enforcement support or initial documentation is needed, we coordinate with local agencies such as the Riverside Police Department (31 Riverside Rd, Riverside, IL 60546) or the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, which serves unincorporated areas.
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
Frequently Asked Questions About Anesthesia Malpractice
Is waking up during surgery considered malpractice?
Yes. This condition, known as anesthesia awareness, is traumatic and often the result of avoidable monitoring failures.
What’s the statute of limitations in Illinois?
Typically, two years from when the injury is discovered. However, certain exceptions may apply based on individual case factors.
Can I sue a hospital for an anesthesiologist’s error?
Yes, if the anesthesiologist was employed by or contracted through the hospital, both parties may share liability.
How are damages calculated?
We account for medical bills, future care, lost wages, and emotional distress, often verified through expert economic and medical evaluations.
Will my case need to go to trial?
Many claims are settled out of court, but we prepare every case thoroughly as if it were going to trial to maximize your position.
