Anesthesia Malpractice in Maryland

These older examples show the variety of injuries and disputed issues in anesthesia claims. They are selected outcomes, not a representative sample from which to calculate an average.

• 2023, Kentucky: $1,300,000 Verdict. A 68-year-old woman received lidocaine during an oral surgery procedure. According to the plaintiff, the oral surgeon was aware of her history of heart conditions, including tachycardia. The woman died, reportedly due to ventricular fibrillation or cardiac arrest following lidocaine toxicity. A wrongful death lawsuit was brought against the oral surgeon.
• 2023, Pennsylvania: $60,000 Settlement. The plaintiff claimed to suffer a traumatic laceration of the soft palate and injury to the anatomy of the mouth and pharynx after she was intubated by defendant anesthesiologist. The lawsuit contended that the defendant was negligent in failing to properly perform the intubation and administration of anesthesia, failing to possess and employ the skills required of a reasonable and prudent anesthesiologist, and failing to determine and ensure the proper placement of the endotracheal tube.
• 2022, Georgia: $5,000,000 Verdict. The plaintiff suffered acute hypoxic and hypercapnic respiratory failure and acute respiratory distress syndrome with the need for intubation, acute kidney injury, aspiration pneumonia, septic shock and rhabdomyolysis after anesthesia was administered by the defendant. The lawsuit accused the defendant of negligence in the administration and monitoring of the anesthesia.
• 2022, Texas: $8,300,000 Verdict. A woman underwent surgery. The anesthesiologist mistakenly injected her spine with tranexamic acid rather than a spinal anesthetic. She suffered permanent brain damage. She was left paralyzed. She could no longer speak and communicated with blinks and grunts. She could no longer feed herself. The woman required round-the-clock care. Her husband alleged negligence against the anesthesiologist. He claimed the anesthesiologist failed to provide appropriate care and administered the wrong medication. A jury awarded $8,300,000.
• 2020, South Carolina: $415,000 Settlement. A man underwent a colonoscopy. After the procedure, he was not breathing and had no pulse. The nurse anesthetist began ventilatory support and called a code blue. The man was transported to a hospital and transferred to hospice care until he died six days later. His family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the healthcare facility, the nurse anesthetist, and her employer. They alleged that the nurse anesthetist failed to timely recognize respiratory arrest after administering two propofol doses, failed to timely intubate him, and failed to administer the appropriate medications.
• 2020, New York: $2,195,264 Settlement. A 7-year-old boy underwent outpatient treatment for bilateral undescended testicles and circumcision. He developed malignant hyperthermia, a dangerous reaction to certain anesthetic drugs that is not an ordinary drug allergy. His injuries included cerebral infarction, lower leg paralysis, deformities, vision impairment, and multi-organ failure. The family sued the anesthesiologist for failing to properly monitor his body temperature and allowing it to reach 110 degrees before treatment. His mother alleged that earlier treatment could have prevented his intellectual and cognitive impairments.
• 2019, New Jersey: $3,250,000 Settlement. A 60-year-old auto mechanic underwent right eye enucleation surgery after a pre-surgery cardiology consultation. During the procedure, he suffered anoxic encephalopathy. The man sued the cardiologist, the anesthesiologist, their practices, and the hospital where the procedure occurred. He alleged that negligence caused his severe, permanent injuries. The cardiologist denied liability, claiming that his assessments were accurate and the anesthesiologist’s negligence caused the injuries. The anesthesiologist contested the allegations, pointing to the patient’s cardiac history and diabetes. The case settled for $3,250,000. The anesthesiologist contributed $2 million, the hospital $250,000, and the cardiologist $1 million.
• 2019, California: $1,000,000 Settlement. A 36-year-old woman died after she suffered cardiac arrest, blood loss, hemorrhagic shock, and disseminated intravascular coagulation after she delivered twins via emergency c-section. Her family sued the anesthesiologist for failing to monitor and respond to her blood loss sustained in the delivery and to manage her post-delivery care properly. The anesthesiologist denied liability, claiming that his colleagues’ negligence, rather than his, caused her death.
• 2018, South Carolina: $600,000 Settlement. A 57-year-old man underwent surgery involving a fistula. While sedated, he experienced hypoventilation and hypoxia. His family alleged that the anesthesia providers failed to timely detect his compromised breathing, leading to hypoxic brain injury and death. They sued the healthcare facility and anesthesia providers. The case ultimately settled for $600,000.
• 2018, Illinois: $4,600,000 Verdict. An adult female surgical patient allegedly suffered a stroke following a total thyroidectomy, during which the defendants provided anesthesia after a “deliberate hypotensive” technique was used during the surgical procedure. The plaintiff contended that the defendants failed to appreciate her increased risk factors for hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and ischemic cerebrovascular disease, failed to consult with a critical care physician, failed to communicate with the surgeon properly, and failed to maintain acceptable cerebral perfusion to her brain during the delivery of anesthesia. The defendants denied liability and denied that the plaintiff sustained injuries and damages to the extent claimed. A jury determined that the defendants were negligent in administering anesthesia and awarded the plaintiff $4,600,000.
• 2018, Massachusetts: $1,150,000 Settlement. A female patient was to undergo routine cataract surgery performed by the eye surgeon. The defendant anesthesiologist performed anesthesia in the form of a peribulbar block. The following day, after an uneventful cataract procedure, the female plaintiff was unable to see out of the eye and went for testing that revealed that the anesthesia needle inserted by the defendant anesthesiologist had actually perforated the globe of the eye, with possible administration of the anesthesia into the eye, resulting in blindness. The plaintiff is now permanently blind in the eye where the injection was administered. The plaintiff brought suit against the anesthesiologist and the ophthalmologist, alleging negligence. The plaintiff contended that the surgeon had not adequately vetted the anesthesiologist to perform the nerve-blocking procedure. The defendants denied the allegations. The defendant surgeon disputed any duty of care for the anesthesiologist’s actions, a contract worker. The parties agreed to resolve the plaintiff’s claim for $1,150,000.
• 2017, New York: Approximately $4,593,000 Settlement. A baby allegedly suffered birth-related neurological injuries that included brain damage and seizures. His mother contended that the defendants were negligent in providing obstetrical and anesthesia care, including failing to recognize the need for delivery and secure timely anesthesia coverage for an emergency cesarean section. The anesthesiologist contended he was administering anesthesia to other patients and could not leave them. The parties reached an out-of-court settlement.
• 2017, Massachusetts: $500,000 Settlement. A patient developed symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding after an upper endoscopy. His condition worsened, and he underwent another endoscopy without general anesthesia. He became apneic, and blood and clots obstructed his airway. Despite attempts to ventilate and oxygenate him, he died. The family alleged that general anesthesia with airway protection should have been used for the second procedure. The physician denied negligence and disputed causation and damages. The parties settled for $500,000.
• 2017, Massachusetts: $750,000 Settlement. The decedent in this case, with a history of heart disease, high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, substance abuse, and atrial fibrillation, came under the care of the dentist for a tooth extraction. The dentist decided to place the plaintiff’s decedent under general anesthesia. The plaintiff alleged that the decedent suffered cardiac arrest shortly after the general anesthesia was administered. The defendant negligently attempted to intubate the decedent and failed, causing the plaintiff’s decedent to suffer a prolonged period of oxygen deprivation until the paramedics arrived, noticed the incorrect tube placement, and properly intubated the decedent. However, the patient was diagnosed as having suffered a hypoxic brain injury. He never regained consciousness and died approximately two weeks later. The plaintiff brought suit against the defendant dentist, alleging negligence in administering general anesthesia when it was not safe to do so, given the patient’s medical history, and negligently administering an excessive dose of anesthesia. The plaintiff also alleged that the defendant was negligent in improperly intubating the decedent. The defendant denied the allegations and disputed damages and causation. Both parties agreed to settle, and the plaintiff received $750,000.
• 2016, Illinois: $7,884,762 Verdict. A sixty-year-old female had a celiac plexus neurolytic block procedure with absolute alcohol performed by an anesthesiologist, allegedly when this procedure was not indicated. The lawsuit contended that the anesthesiologist failed to properly identify the landmarks while performing the procedure and failed to treat the patient’s pain with a more conservative method. Further, the claim alleged that the anesthesiologist did not have the privilege to perform the specific procedure, and he failed to place the spinal needle in the proper place. The patient died, and her husband and two sons brought a wrongful death suit. The anesthesiologist denied negligence, but a jury awarded $7,884,762.
• 2015, Oregon: $12,195,500 Verdict. A 51-year-old male had aortic valve replacement surgery at the hospital. The surgeon ordered 150 mg of Amiodarone. However, the anesthesiologist administered 2,700 mg. This resulted in an anoxic brain injury due to the overdose, leaving the man unable to work or walk independently, requiring 24/7 care. A jury awarded him $12,195,500.
• 2015, Massachusetts: $900,000 Settlement. A 39-year-old female was having surgery for uterine fibroids. While she was under general anesthesia, her blood pressure dropped and remained very low for forty-five minutes. Finally, her heart rate and blood pressure were restored to normal, but she never regained consciousness. She was in an irreversible coma for six days and then was pronounced dead. Her estate brought suit against the anesthesiologist and resident doctor, claiming they allowed her blood pressure and heart rate to fall and deprived her brain of oxygen. The defendants maintained that the anesthesia was reasonable and appropriate. The case settled for $900,000 before trial.
• 2015, New York: $500,000 Settlement. A 54-year-old female was undergoing a biopsy when she went into cardiac arrest right after the procedure ended. She brought a claim against the doctor who administered the anesthesia and against the doctor performing the procedure, claiming that they failed to perform alternative testing not involving anesthesia and improperly administered the anesthesia. The defendants denied liability. The parties settled before trial, with the doctor administering the anesthesia responsible for $375,000 and the biopsy-performing doctor responsible for $125,000.
• 2015, California: $500,000 Settlement. A 60-year-old male was admitted to the hospital with obstructive jaundice. He underwent an endoscopic procedure, during which complications arose from the administration of anesthesia, and he died. His minor son brought a medical malpractice suit, which was resolved at mediation for $500,000.
• 2015, Michigan: $120,000 Settlement. A 75-year-old woman underwent an MRI under sedation at Harper University Hospital. Immediately after induction, she became unresponsive and hypotensive and died. Her family alleged inappropriate medication dosing and failure to control her blood pressure and heart rate. The case settled for $120,000.
• 2014, California: $7,000,000 Settlement. A 31-year-old woman went to San Bernardino Community Hospital to deliver her fourth child. During a subsequent tubal ligation, she suffered cardiac arrest and cerebral anoxia, resulting in a chronic vegetative state. Her family alleged grossly inadequate preoperative assessments and a communication breakdown. The parties settled for $7,000,000.
• 2014, New Jersey: $3,970,000 Verdict; $3,500,000 Settlement. An adult female was having a right knee arthroscopy done at JFK Medical Center when she experienced cardiac arrest, sepsis, and pneumonia under the care of her anesthesiologist. She claimed that the anesthesiologist failed to administer drugs for cardiac arrest, assess the risks to the patient, and safeguard her airway (along with many other things). The defendants denied violating the standard of care. But the jury awarded $3,970,000, which the parties later settled at a judicial conference for $3,500,000.
• 2014, Massachusetts: $750,000 Settlement. A female patient had bilateral cosmetic eyelid surgery performed by her oral maxillofacial surgeon using local injections and intravenous anesthesia. She later developed vision loss, including permanent loss of vision in her left eye. She brought suit alleging that negligent administration of anesthesia caused irreversible nerve damage. The parties agreed to a $750,000 settlement before trial.
• 2014, Alabama: $1,400,000 Verdict. A patient underwent kidney stone removal at St. Vincent’s East. The claim alleged inadequate anesthesiologist supervision of a student nurse anesthetist. After surgery, the patient suffered respiratory distress and cardiac arrest, resulting in permanent brain damage, and later died. The case resulted in a $1.4 million verdict.
• 2014, Michigan: $7,896,538 Verdict. A 24-year-old female was hospitalized with a dilated common bile duct, nausea, and vomiting. Anesthesia was administered so an endoscopic procedure could be performed. However, the patient died after the anesthesia was administered. Her estate brought a claim alleging the doctors failed to protect her airway. The plaintiff’s lawyers also argued that IV sedation instead of general anesthesia was a medical mistake. The doctors argued that her death was not caused by the anesthesia method but by a heart attack and pulmonary embolism. A jury reached a verdict for the plaintiff for $7,896,538.
• 2014, Pennsylvania: $1,100,000 Settlement. A woman underwent sinus surgery and died due to respiratory issues and cardiac arrest complications from general anesthesia. Her family brought suit against the doctors, claiming they failed to perform adequate pre-op workups and should have been aware of possible post-surgical complications, and further that the oxygen and airway levels were not properly monitored. A lump-sum settlement agreement for $1,100,000 was reached.
• 2013, Georgia: $17,500,000 Verdict. A 19-year-old plaintiff was undergoing surgery to remove bullet fragments from his jaw and spine when he suddenly emerged from his anesthesia-induced state. The frightened patient became agitated and partially self-extubated, dislodging his nasal endotracheal tube. Plaintiff was then cut off from oxygen for about eight minutes and suffered irreparable brain damage and great pain and suffering. Plaintiff contended that the negligent use of anesthesia allowed him to resurface from the artificial sleep and led to his injuries. A DeKalb County (just outside of Atlanta) jury awarded $17.5 million in damages.
• 2012, Ohio: $554,022 Verdict. A patient was receiving a total knee replacement surgery when the anesthesiologist administered a nerve block. The plaintiff alleged that the injection went directly into the nerve rather than around it, causing a femoral nerve injury. Plaintiff’s injuries required physical therapy and inhibited her mobility. The physician denied liability, but plaintiff contended the doctor should have stopped when she complained about the pain. A Hamilton County jury awarded the injured patient $554,022.
• 2010, Maryland: $450,000 Settlement. A 36-year-old patient underwent surgery to remove an infected sweat gland under general anesthesia. She had a history of pulmonary hypertension and multiple sclerosis. Shortly after anesthesia began, she suffered a cardiovascular collapse and could not be resuscitated. Her family argued that, given her medical history and the procedure, local anesthesia should have been used and resuscitation efforts were delayed. The defendants denied liability. The parties reached a $450,000 settlement in Baltimore County.

It depends on the injury, the strength of the negligence claim, the evidence connecting the mistake to the injury, and the law where the case can be filed. Permanent brain injury, paralysis, and wrongful death cases can involve substantial compensation. In Maryland, the medical malpractice damages statute limits noneconomic damages, including pain and suffering, but it does not impose the same ceiling on proven future medical expenses and lost earnings.

The general deadline for a medical injury claim is the earlier of five years from the injury or three years from discovery of the injury. A family’s wrongful death claim has a separate deadline, generally three years after death. Exceptions and rules involving children can affect the analysis, so do not wait to have the claim evaluated.

Possibly. Anesthesia awareness means unintended consciousness with recall during general anesthesia. Awareness does not automatically establish negligence, but a patient’s account deserves to be taken seriously and investigated. Our lawyers examine what anesthesia was intended, what was actually delivered, whether there was an interruption or equipment problem, and how the providers assessed and responded to the patient.

No.  Sometimes, doctors and nurses do everything right and the patient still suffers an injury.  Our lawyers investigate whether the medical providers departed from the applicable standard of care — did something or failed to do something a reasonable healthcare provider would do — and whether that departure caused the injury. We examine preparation, medication administration, monitoring, airway management, and the response to complications to put the pieces of the puzzle together to see if there is negligence.

Yes, a claim may involve a nurse anesthetist when the evidence supports negligence and causation. The investigation must also address the roles of other providers, the anesthesia practice, and the facility. Job titles alone do not establish responsibility.

No. Start with the facility name, procedure date, what happened afterward, and any paperwork you already have. Our lawyers can explain what additional records are needed to evaluate the claim.