Intubation Errors are Becoming More Common

In certain situations, a person may be unable to breathe on his or her own, which requires a doctor to intubate a patient. Intubation is a procedure where a clinician inserts a tube down a patient’s airway and connects it to a ventilator. While this is a very common procedure, patients can be injured during the insertion, maintenance, or removal, which may give rise to a claim of action. Common intubation errors include:

• Improperly inserting or placing the tube in the patient’s airway;
• Improper evaluation of a patient’s need to be intubated;
• Perforation of the patient’s airway;
• Failing to timely intubate;
• Improper training;
• Improper or aggressive handling; and
• Failing to monitor the ventilator.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), there are medical errors in approximately 25 percent of attempted intubations. In New York State, a victim of an intubation error may recover damages under a medical malpractice claim. Medical malpractice occurs when a clinician deviates from the appropriate standard of care and as result causes harm to the patient. If this occurs, a patient may recover damages for their injuries. This may include compensation for the following:

• Medical expenses;
• Pain and suffering;
• Rehabilitation; and
• Lost wages, among others.

If you or someone you loved has been a victim of an intubation error, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury and medical malpractice attorney in order to recover the compensation that the law provides. Goldberg Sager & Associates is experienced in dealing with all aspects of personal injury and medical malpractice and is dedicated to helping clients achieve the best possible outcome for their case. Contact the personal injury and medical malpractice attorneys at Goldberg Sager & Associates at (347) 497-3245 for a free phone consultation.