$910,000 Settlement in Death Due to Anesthesia Mishap

Decedent underwent plastic surgery with a general anesthetic. After meeting the extubation criteria, extubation was accomplished successfully. Approximately five minutes later, an airway collapse occurred as a result of postoperative swelling and laryngospasm. The anesthesiologist and CRNA attempted to re-intubate the patient but waited too long to call the surgeon. By the time the surgeon had achieved the surgical airway, the plaintiff was brain dead and died shortly thereafter.