Anesthesia Malpractice Claims in Atlanta Hospitals (2026)

By Audrey M. Tolson

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Medical Malpractice

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Last Modified on Feb 27, 2026

Few elements of modern medicine are as important as anesthesia. Thanks to this amazing solution, patients can undergo complex, invasive procedures without pain or awareness. However, the immense power of this medical marvel means it must be administered carefully. Many people are concerned about anesthesia malpractice claims in Atlanta hospitals.

Some people worry about waking up during their procedure due to an inadequate dose of anesthesia. Others fear the consequences of receiving too much. For those who are involved in highly sensitive procedures, like childbirth, the stakes are especially high. Cases like these may require the help of a maternity medical malpractice lawyer.

Why Medical Malpractice Is a Concern in Every Hospital

Even if a medical facility has never faced a medical malpractice claim, there’s always great concern when administering this highly potent medical solution. Atlanta is known for many high-quality hospitals, including:

• Emory University Hospital. This leader in Atlanta medical care is pioneering many breakthrough specializations.
• Grady Memorial Hospital. One of the largest public hospitals in the city, this medical cornerstone is like a safety net for many regional residents.
• Piedmont Atlanta Hospital. Another highly revered medical center, this location offers a variety of inpatient and outpatient options.
• Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center. This location is part of the Wellstar Health System and offers general care and specialized medicine.
• Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. This pediatric center is nationally recognized for its pediatric care.

While these and other facilities in our amazing city of Atlanta have helped countless patients through high-quality care, a single mistake can cause a patient to suffer. Given the powerful capacity of anesthesia to affect the body, even one mistake can be fatal.

Facts About Malpractice Cases and Anesthesia-Related Issues

In a recent case, a woman in Bibb County tragically lost her life from an anesthesia-related medical incident. Her family was awarded $13 million. Another family was awarded $52 million after their loved one also passed away, this time because the facility reportedly ran out of anesthesia and oxygen during the procedure.

Mental anguish can also be a factor in a medical malpractice claim. One example is the infamous “dancing doctor” in Atlanta, whose viral video filmed without patient consent reportedly caused extreme distress, raising questions about physician conduct. The unique effect anesthesia has on the body can be grounds for a medical malpractice claim due to death, injury, embarrassment, and more. It’s yet another reason many patients worry about this aspect of their procedure.

How Anesthesia Could Impact Childbirth

One of the most common types of anesthesia is an epidural, a local variant that is used to control pain levels during birth. These solutions are extremely effective, and about 99% of mothers receiving them require no extra pain treatment during labor. However, these procedures carry health risks, including:

• Bleeding and infections at the injection site
• Cerebrospinal fluid leaks
• Nerve damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Allergic reactions

These risks could cause a person physical pain, emotional trauma, and in some cases, they could even complicate the birthing process and lead to injuries for the newborn. When you hire a medical malpractice lawyer, you can get help seeking justice for you and your little one if an epidural-related injury occurred.

How Could an Anesthesia Issue Happen?

Sometimes a person may experience health complications because they were given too much anesthesia, and this can be fatal. In other cases, a person will be underdosed, which could result in them experiencing severe pain and trauma as they wake up during a surgical procedure. An individual may also develop an allergic reaction to the solution or have complications due to how it interacts with other medicines in their system at the time.

These issues may be blamed on a variety of factors. Hospitals may claim that their equipment or supplies were insufficient for the procedure. It’s also a possibility that an unlicensed individual, such as an assistant, could administer the solution. According to Georgia law, Section 9-3-70, this is illegal. No matter what excuse the facility is making, you can determine if you have grounds for a case when you call an Atlanta medical malpractice attorney.

FAQs

Do Medical Malpractice Laws Protect Physicians or Patients?

Medical malpractice laws offer some degree of protection to patients, depending on the circumstances. Under Georgia law, Section 51-1-27, a physician is expected to show reasonable care and skill. If it is determined that gross negligence or willful wanton endangerment was present, you may have grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

Where Is an Atlanta Medical Malpractice Case Heard?

An Atlanta medical malpractice case is usually heard in Fulton County State Court or Fulton County Superior Court. If the case is moved to federal court, it will likely be heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, Atlanta Division. When you contact our law firm, we can help you better understand court locations, schedules, and expectations.

What Can a Medical Malpractice Settlement Cover?

A medical malpractice settlement can vary greatly depending on the circumstances of the case. The settlement may be higher if the damage was extensive, such as disfiguring, debilitating, or fatal. The settlement total could also be affected by the victim’s medical bills and any gross negligence on the part of the accused.

How Long Does a Medical Malpractice Case Take?

The timeline for a medical malpractice case can vary greatly depending on several factors. The case may take longer if it is moved to federal court or if additional time is needed to gather evidence. The same can be said if the scope of damages or fault is debated, in which case more hearings may be needed to reach a verdict.

Hire a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

The Tolson Firm, LLC, is a trusted legal force for medical malpractice victims in Atlanta. It’s headed by Ms. Audrey Tolson, a proud Black attorney with extensive experience. She and her team have been handling medical malpractice and maternity malpractice cases for 15 years.

With many positive reviews and accolades, this firm has proven its skill and dedication. While every case is different, they’ve recovered millions on behalf of previous clients. If you believe you’ve been a victim of medical malpractice related to anesthesia or other issues, reach out today to start with a case evaluation.