The Bartinik Law Firm LLC

Failed intubation medical malpractice

Medical malpractice by anesthesiologist leads to several brain injury, and permanent coma.

The factual background that led to the failed intubation medical malpractice in New London, Connecticut.

In this very sad case arising in New London, Connecticut involving failed intubation medical malpractice.  The plaintiff was a college student.  She was admitted to Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London, Connecticut for gallbladder surgery.  The gallbladder is located on the right side of the body just behind the liver, and just below the rib cage. During gallbladder surgery, the patient must be under general anesthesia.  The surgery required general anesthesia. and an intubation in order to perform the gallbladder surgery.  Under general anesthesia the muscles of the diaphragm are paralyzed so they don’t work, and the patient cannot breathe.

What is an intubation with an endotracheal tube?

An intubation is a surgical procedure in which a tube is placed into the mouth, down the trachea, and then down into the airway.  Air can flow through the tube via a ventilator, and into the lungs.  The tube is called an endotracheal tube.  Intubation is commonly used during surgery to ensure the patient receives oxygen to the lungs.

Why is a correct intubation important?

This is an example of a medical procedure that must be done correctly.  As a result, after the attempted intubation procedures must be followed to confirm that the intubation was done correctly, and that airflow is passing into the lungs.  Without a proper intubation, the patient will not get air into their lungs, and they can’t breathe.  They will then suffer hypoxia, brain damage, and death.

The doctors must confirm that they have good air flow to the lungs.

Immediately after an attempted intubation the doctors must confirm that it is working, and that there is good air flow to the lungs.  It is medical malpractice not to confirm that you have good air flow to the lungs.

A failed intubation medical malpractice that led to tragic consequences.

Medical malpractice occurred in this case when the anesthesiologist failed to correctly intubate the patient. To compound the initial error, the error was not noticed soon enough.  As a result, the plaintiff did not receive oxygen to her brain.  She suffered several brain damage.  She was left in permanent coma.

This case was known at Burrell v. Lawrence & Memorial Hospital.

The failed intubation medical malpractice settlement.

This case settled for $2,500,000.00

Where to find help?

If you or a loved one is the victim of medical malpractice due to an intubation or anesthesia error in Connecticut, then contact the lawyers at The Bartinik Law Firm LLC at 860-445-8521.