Intubation Complications

Complications from intubation errors, such as incorrect placement of the breathing tube or failure to monitor vital signs, can lead to devastating outcomes, including brain injuries, infections, or even wrongful death. These errors often occur when medical professionals fail to adhere to proper protocols or respond to warning signs in a timely manner. If an intubation error has harmed you or a loved one, a Prince George’s County intubation complications attorney can help you take legal action and seek the justice you deserve.

Recovering from an intubation-related injury is challenging, but you do not have to face it alone. The medical malpractice attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A. will carefully evaluate your case, consult medical experts, and pursue the compensation needed to address your medical expenses, lost income, and pain. With our help, you can focus on healing while we fight for your rights. Reach out today.

Intubation is a critical procedure to secure airways during emergencies or surgeries, yet it carries significant risks when performed incorrectly. With over 400,000 Americans intubated annually in emergency settings, precision and skill are essential to avoid complications. Alarmingly, 12.7% of emergency intubations fail on the first attempt, increasing the likelihood of severe adverse events such as oxygen desaturation, aspiration, and trauma to the throat. Difficult airways, found in up to 30% of emergency patients, compound these risks and often lead to extended hospital stays and higher costs. A Prince George’s County intubation complications lawyer can help if you or a loved one has suffered harm from errors during intubation.

When an intubation procedure is not executed properly, the consequences can range from temporary discomfort to life-altering injuries. The most common complications include:

• Hypoxia. Insufficient oxygen reaching the brain and organs can lead to lasting brain damage or death.
• Aspiration. Mismanagement during intubation may allow stomach contents to enter the lungs, resulting in severe infections like aspiration pneumonia.
• Soft tissue damage. Injuries to the throat or vocal cords caused by improper technique may require additional medical interventions.
• Cardiac events. Failed intubations are associated with complications such as irregular heart rhythms, low blood pressure, or cardiac arrest.

These complications frequently arise from inadequate training, insufficient preparation, or a failure to properly assess the challenges associated with a patient’s airway.

Difficult airways are a significant contributor to intubation errors. These conditions, identified in nearly one-third of emergency cases, require additional skill and specialized tools for successful management. Patients with challenging airways are at a heightened risk for complications, particularly if providers fail to plan appropriately. Missed opportunities to prepare for these scenarios often lead to multiple intubation attempts, prolonging the procedure and increasing the likelihood of organ damage during surgery.

Not all intubation complications result from unavoidable circumstances. Medical negligence often plays a role when errors occur. Examples of negligence include:

• Failure to recognize and prepare for a difficult airway;
• Misplacement of the endotracheal tube leads to esophageal intubation or airway obstruction; and
• Delayed intervention, causing avoidable harm to the patient.

If you suspect an error during intubation could have been prevented, a Prince George’s County intubation complications attorney can help determine whether hospital negligence was involved.

Taking legal action allows victims of intubation errors to seek accountability and recover compensation for their injuries. Potential damages may include:

• Medical expenses — covering emergency care, corrective procedures, and ongoing rehabilitation;
• Lost wages — addressing income lost due to extended recovery periods or permanent disabilities; and
• Emotional distress — recognizing the mental toll of enduring preventable harm.

A skilled attorney will build a case based on medical records, expert opinions, and procedural reviews to ensure fair compensation is pursued.

Errors during intubation, such as tube misplacement or inadequate monitoring, can lead to serious complications, including brain injuries, infections, or aspiration pneumonia. The Prince George's medical malpractice attorneys at Foran & Foran have extensive experience helping patients hold negligent providers accountable. We proudly assist clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Bowie, Hyattsville, and Silver Spring, in seeking compensation for medical bills, lost income, and emotional suffering. Call us today at (301) 441-2022 to start your journey toward justice.