General, regional & obstetric anesthesia expert witness
Review of anesthesia care across most surgical and non-surgical specialties — general anesthesia, spinal and epidural techniques, monitored anesthesia care and obstetric anesthesia.
During general anesthesia the patient is temporarily rendered unconscious while a variety of drugs are given and procedures performed. Serious consequences are fortunately rare, but they include delirium, permanent nerve injury, hypoxic brain injury, malignant hyperthermia, organ failure, cardiac arrest and death. Regional techniques such as spinal and epidural anesthesia carry their own risks.
As a general and cardiovascular anesthesiologist, Dr. Steudel evaluates cases involving anesthesia for obstetrics and for most surgical and non-surgical specialties, including sedation for endoscopy, imaging and office-based procedures.
Each matter is assessed in context: the preoperative evaluation and consent, the choice of technique, intraoperative management and monitoring, and post-anesthesia care.
Questions Dr. Steudel addresses for counsel
- Was the anesthetic technique appropriate for the patient and procedure?
- Were risks evaluated and communicated before anesthesia?
- Was the patient adequately monitored and positioned throughout?
- Were complications recognized and managed appropriately?
- Is the injury a known risk that occurred despite appropriate care, or the result of a deviation from the standard of care?
Every opinion is based on the records reviewed and the standard of care applicable at the time. The analysis may support, limit or contradict the initial theory of the case — and counsel is told so early.
Often reviewed together
Opioids, sedatives & drug overdose
Pharmacology-based analysis of opioid, sedative and anesthetic drug events — in hospitals, clinics and outside the clinical setting — for civil and criminal matters.
Learn moreAirway management & difficult intubation
Independent review of airway events in the operating room, PACU, ICU and emergency department — from airway assessment and planning to rescue, extubation and…
Learn moreDiscuss a potential case
Describe the matter and request a conflict check. Initial inquiries carry no obligation.