Tracheotomy & Tracheostomy Errors in Ohio

Free Case Evaluation

Tracheotomy & Tracheostomy Errors in Ohio

Helping patients and families after surgical mistakes in the throat or airway

cpw-design-element

When something goes wrong during a tracheotomy, the results can be terrifying. This procedure is meant to help someone breathe, often in a life-or-death situation. But if the doctor makes a mistake, it can cause serious injuries, and in some cases, even death. At Crandall & Pera Law, we help Ohio families who have suffered because of a tracheotomy error. If you or a loved one experienced complications from this procedure, you may have the right to file a medical malpractice claim.

Free Case Evaluation

Injury Attorneys at Crandall & Pera Law

Table of Contents

What’s the difference between a tracheotomy and a tracheostomy?

These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they have slightly different meanings:

  • A tracheotomy is the surgical procedure in which an incision is made into the trachea (windpipe) to create a direct airway.
  • A tracheostomy refers to the opening created by the procedure or the tube inserted to allow breathing.

This procedure is sometimes performed during emergencies, but it can also be planned ahead of time, such as before certain head or neck surgeries. Because the area involves major nerves, blood vessels, and critical structures like the esophagus and vocal cords, the margin for error is very small.

What can go wrong during a tracheotomy?

A tracheotomy is a high-risk procedure. Even when performed in a hospital by trained professionals, mistakes can still happen, especially if the doctor deviates from the accepted standard of care. Some of the most common tracheotomy complications caused by negligence include:

  • A major blood vessel may be cut or torn during the incision, causing internal bleeding or hemorrhage.
  • Improper sterilization or poor post-operative care can lead to serious infections at the site.
  • The tube may be inserted in the wrong place, reducing airflow or causing trauma to the trachea.
  • If the surgeon is careless, they could injure the vocal cords, esophagus, or nearby nerves.
  • Blood clots, mucus, or displacement of the tracheostomy tube can block the airway and lead to respiratory failure.
  • Scar tissue may form, leading to tracheal stenosis, a narrowing of the trachea that makes breathing more difficult over time.

What are common injuries from a botched tracheotomy?

When a tracheotomy is performed incorrectly, the consequences can be life-altering. Some injuries may heal with time and care. Others may cause permanent damage or require long-term medical support. Common injuries from tracheotomy procedure errors include the following.

Several important nerves run near the trachea, including the recurrent laryngeal nerve, which helps control your voice. If this nerve is cut or damaged, it can cause:

  • Vocal cord paralysis
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Breathing problems

One or both vocal cords can be paralyzed if the nerves are damaged. This can result in a hoarse voice, chronic coughing, or the inability to make sounds at all.

If the scalpel or tube punctures the esophagus (the tube that connects your throat to your stomach), it can lead to:

  • Painful swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Infection in the neck or chest
  • Dangerous leaks or fistulas

Some patients never fully recover the ability to breathe normally on their own. This can reduce quality of life by leading to a lifelong dependence on ventilators or breathing tubes.

What is the standard of care for a tracheotomy?

When we talk about the standard of care in a medical malpractice case, what we’re really talking about is what a reasonably skilled and careful doctor would and should do in a particular situation. Tracheotomies are delicate and risky to perform. Medical professionals must follow certain basic steps including:

  • Carefully planning and preparing for the procedure
  • Using sterile tools and techniques to prevent infection
  • Making the incision in the right spot
  • Inserting the tracheostomy tube properly
  • Watching the patient closely afterward
  • Taking quick action if there are signs of bleeding, infection, or trouble breathing

When a doctor skips a step, rushes through the procedure, or misses signs that something is going wrong, that’s not just a mistake. It could be a violation of the standard of care. And, if that failure leads to serious harm, you may have grounds to hold them legally responsible.

Injury Attorneys

Can I sue a doctor for a tracheotomy gone wrong?

Yes, you can, if your doctor or hospital failed to meet the accepted standard of care and that failure caused your injury. You may have a valid medical malpractice claim. In Ohio, patients have legal rights when a medical provider’s negligence leads to harm.

The Ohio tracheotomy malpractice lawyers at Crandall & Pera Law investigate your case closely. We can work with medical experts to review what happened during your procedure, determine if your surgeon made an avoidable mistake, and build a strong case for compensation on your behalf. For a successful medical malpractice case in Ohio, our attorneys work to show that:

  • There was a doctor-patient relationship.
  • Your doctor owed you a duty of care and failed to meet it.
  • This failure caused your injury.
  • You suffered damages, like physical injury, lost income, or emotional distress.

Tracheostomy wrongful death in Ohio

Unfortunately, some tracheotomy errors are fatal. If your loved one died due to complications from a tracheostomy, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Ohio. These cases are emotionally difficult but can provide financial relief and a sense of justice. A wrongful death claim may cover:

  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Lost future income
  • Loss of companionship
  • Medical bills incurred before death

Our Ohio tracheostomy malpractice lawyers can guide you through every step of the process with compassion and experience.

How long do I have to file a malpractice claim in Ohio?

Ohio law sets strict time limits for filing medical malpractice lawsuits. In most cases, you have one year from the date:

  • The malpractice occurred, or
  • You discovered (or should have discovered) the injury.

However, there are exceptions and extensions in some cases. For example, if the malpractice results in death, the timeline may shift slightly under Ohio’s wrongful death statute. It’s important to speak with our experienced tracheotomy injury medical malpractice lawyers in Ohio as soon as possible to avoid missing your chance to file a claim.

How can Crandall & Pera Law help with my Ohio tracheotomy error case?

cpw-design-element

At Crandall & Pera Law, we know how devastating surgical errors can be. We’ve helped countless Ohio patients and families pursue justice after life-altering medical mistakes, including tracheotomy and tracheostomy injuries. When you work with us, you get:

  • A free consultation with an attorney
  • Access to medical experts, whose help is critical for building strong cases
  • Aggressive representation against powerful defendants like hospitals, doctors, and insurance companies
  • Personal attention from a compassionate and dedicated legal team

We understand the medical, legal, and emotional challenges involved in these types of cases. Whether you’re dealing with nerve damage after tracheotomy, tracheostomy wrongful death, or another injury, we’re ready to fight for you.

Do you have an Ohio tracheotomy and tracheostomy errors lawyer near me?

Crandall & Pera Law has offices throughout Ohio, including Cleveland, Cincinnati, Columbus, Chesterland, and Chagrin Falls. If you are unable to come to our offices, we can schedule a video consultation instead for your convenience.

Talk to our Ohio tracheotomy and tracheostomy malpractice lawyers today

If you or someone you love has suffered because of a tracheotomy or tracheostomy error, now is the time to take action. At Crandall & Pera Law, we’ve built our reputation by standing up for Ohio families who’ve been harmed by the very professionals they trusted to help them heal. We understand the physical pain, the emotional burden, and the financial stress that come with these devastating injuries. You don’t have to navigate this alone. Our legal team is prepared to listen to your story, investigate the facts, consult medical experts, and fight hard to get you the compensation you need to move forward. Contact us today or fill out our contact form to schedule a complimentary case evaluation. Let’s talk about your options and find out how we can help.