Call for an initial consultation

  • Sheffield 0114 272 9184
  • Chesterfield 01246 229 393
  • Hathersage 01433650718

Anaesthetic Awareness

Anaesthetic awareness is the term used to describe the horrific sensation experienced when someone is aware of what is happening and may be able to feel pain during an operation, even though they’ve been given a general anaesthetic.

Last updated on January 18th, 2024 at 02:07 pm

Latest posts by Nikki Yavari (see all)

    Anaesthetic awareness is not uncommon and can occur during general surgery or childbirth (most commonly during emergency caesarean sections).

    Experiences vary from patients being able to describe events during only a section of the operation, to being paralysed and unable to alert medical staff to the pain being felt throughout a procedure.

    The experience can cause great feelings of distress and helplessness at the time and will often lead to long term psychological problems. Patients who have gone through anaesthetic awareness report that they later suffer from depression, panic attacks, nightmares, suicidal thoughts and many other psychological disorders. Mothers who have experienced it during childbirth report feelings of resentment towards their babies and also fear of becoming pregnant again.

    The majority of cases are due to faulty technique on the part of anaesthetists with a minority being related to equipment failures or failure to check equipment.

    If you’ve suffered as a result of experiencing anaesthetic awareness, or any other problem related to anaesthesia, contact us now to speak to one of our experienced medical negligence lawyers. They will discuss the circumstances and advise you on making a claim for compensation.

    What can I claim?

    The value of your claim will depend on a number of factors including:

    • The nature of your experience
    • Whether you recover fully from the experience or if it has a long term effect on your health and wellbeing, including psychological problems
    • The amount of any losses you incur as a result of the injury

    You can claim compensation for the following things if they are a result of your injury:

    • Pain, suffering and loss of amenity
    • Loss of earnings
    • Medical and nursing care costs
    • Other expenses incurred as a result of your injury, for example, travel expenses incurred whilst receiving medical treatment

    Contact us to speak to one of our specialist lawyers in total confidence and they will discuss the details of your claim.

    Related articles:

    scroll to top