Opioid, sedative & anesthetic drug overdose expert witness
Pharmacology-based analysis of opioid, sedative and anesthetic drug events — in hospitals, clinics and outside the clinical setting — for civil and criminal matters.
Anesthesiologists give fentanyl and other potent opioids, benzodiazepines, propofol and neuromuscular blocking agents every working day, and manage their effects in real time: respiratory depression, airway obstruction, hypotension and loss of protective reflexes. That daily, hands-on experience with dosing, onset, duration and drug interactions is directly relevant when a drug-related injury or death is at issue.
Dr. Steudel applies and teaches drug pharmacology, respiratory physiology and the treatment of overdoses of strong anesthetics and pain medications. He reviews cases in which medication errors, inadequate monitoring after opioid or sedative administration, or combined drug effects are alleged to have caused harm.
His expertise also extends to matters where controlled substances leave the clinical setting — including drug diversion, impaired healthcare providers and overdose deaths — and is available to the civil and criminal justice systems alike.
Questions Dr. Steudel addresses for counsel
- Were the drug, dose, route and timing appropriate for this patient?
- Was monitoring after administration adequate for the expected effects?
- Were signs of respiratory depression or overdose recognized and treated?
- Do the clinical course and the drug pharmacology support the alleged mechanism of injury?
- What contribution did co-administered drugs or the patient’s condition make?
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
Airway 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 moreHypoxic brain injury, cardiac arrest & death
Reconstruction of the clinical timeline in catastrophic anesthesia outcomes — what happened, when it could have been recognized, and what difference timely action would…
Learn moreDiscuss a potential case
Describe the matter and request a conflict check. Initial inquiries carry no obligation.