August 13, 2025 | Wrongful Death
Anesthetics are a medical necessity, but can also be very dangerous if not used correctly. There’s been growing concern about the possibility of harmful reactions, including fatalities, for those with acid reflux. If a loved one died because of medical malpractice involving anesthetics, understanding your legal options is essential.The Dangers of Acid Reflux and Anesthesia
One of the most important instructions for preparing for most surgeries is not to drink or eat anything for a specified time before the procedure. One reason for this is the risk of aspiration, the accidental inhalation of foreign materials into the lungs and airways.If aspiration occurs while you’re eating or drinking, your body’s natural reflexes immediately work to clear the airways by forcing you to cough. When you’re under anesthesia, however, those reflexes no longer work. Aspiration could lead you to choke.If you have any food in your stomach, the risk of aspiration is much greater. However, gastrointestinal problems like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which causes stomach acids to flow up into the esophagus, can cause the same issues.Consequences of Aspiration During Anesthesia
A loved one who aspirates stomach acids while under anesthesia can struggle to breathe, potentially leading to hypoxic brain injuries or death. Another complication could occur after surgery. If the medical provider didn’t notice that the aspiration occurred and takes no action during recovery to address the problem, respiratory infections can develop.One of the most common health issues caused by aspiration is pneumonia. Acting quickly is vital in these instances to avoid the disease’s progression.Is Aspiration During Anesthesia Medical Negligence?
Not every instance of aspiration is the result of medical negligence. Sometimes, patients don’t follow instructions to the letter, or their bodies react in unpredictable and unpreventable ways.If, however, the medical professional failed to note that the patient suffered from GERD or other stomach issues, or they didn’t monitor them closely enough during the procedure, they could be liable for the consequences. The same applies if they didn’t tell the patient to fast or if they knew the person had eaten before the procedure and chose to go ahead with surgery regardless.Additionally, medical malpractice would include healthcare providers who didn’t closely monitor your loved one after surgery. If they didn’t recognize signs of pneumonia or other respiratory issues or failed to treat them in a timely manner, that’s negligence.A Bowling Green medical malpractice attorney can help you assess the circumstances of your case to determine if it rises to the level of medical negligence.Wrongful Death Actions in Kentucky
If a loved one died because of medical negligence, you can pursue a wrongful death claim. In Kentucky, this process can only occur if the deceased’s personal representative starts it, but the benefits go to the closest family members.A wrongful death claim is similar to a personal injury claim, but where the accident victim is no longer able to advocate for themselves. With these claims, the family can receive compensation for funeral and medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and a number of other losses.However, there are time limits. In most cases, Kentucky requires you to file medical malpractice or wrongful death claims within one year of the victim’s injury or death. A knowledgeable Bowling Green personal injury lawyer can explain any exceptions and ensure your case is filed promptly, protecting your rights to seek compensation.Schedule a Free Consultation with a Bowling Green Wrongful Death Lawyer from Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC
If you’re looking to file a wrongful death claim after the death of a loved one because of medical negligence, hiring a personal injury attorney is essential. These are highly complex cases that require demonstrating that the harm could have been prevented, all while dealing with grief.A Bowling Green wrongful death attorney at Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC can help you fight for your right to compensation for the loss of your loved one.Contact a Nashville personal injury attorney at Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC for a free consultation. If you’ve been injured in an accident in Lexington or Bowling Green, please contact our car accident lawyers at Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC for a free case evaluation.Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC – Lexington, KY Office
325 W Main St #210, Lexington, KY 40507
(859) 550-2900Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC -Bowling Green, KY Office
814 State St. suite 100, Bowling Green, KY, 42101
(270) 517-2014Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC – Nashville Office
49 Music Square W #504, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 676-7060
