Common Claim Risks Anaesthesiology Malpractice Insurance Protects Against
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Jan 20
- 2 min read
Anaesthesiology is one of the most complex and high‑risk medical specialities. Even with the highest standards of care, unexpected complications can occur. This is why anaesthesiology malpractice insurance plays a critical role in protecting providers and practice owners from costly claims. Understanding the most common claim risks helps practices choose proper coverage and reduce exposure.
Below are the most common claim risks anaesthesiology malpractice insurance protects against.
1. Anaesthesia Administration Errors
Claims often arise from allegations involving improper anaesthesia dosage, medication selection, or timing. These errors may lead to:
Over‑sedation or under‑sedation
Medication reactions
Inadequate pain control
Delayed recovery
Malpractice insurance helps cover legal defence costs, settlements, and judgements related to these claims.
2. Airway and Respiratory Complications
Airway management is one of the most litigated areas in anaesthesiology. Claims may stem from:
Failed incubation
Aspiration
Hypoxia
Inadequate ventilation monitoring
Because respiratory injuries can result in permanent damage, these cases often involve significant legal exposure.
3. Nerve Damage and Neurological Injuries
Regional anaesthetist, spinal blocks, and epidurals can result in claims involving alleged nerve damage or paralysis. Plaintiffs may claim injury due to improper technique, monitoring failures, or positioning during surgery.
Malpractice insurance ensures protection even when outcomes occur despite appropriate clinical judgmentally.
4. Anaesthetist Awareness and Monitoring Failures
Claims related to inoperative awareness under anaesthesia have become increasingly visible. Allegations often involve failure to monitor anaesthetic depth or respond to patient indicators quickly.
These claims can carry significant emotional and reputation risk for providers in addition to financial exposure.
5. Obstetric and Paediatric Anaesthetist Claims
OB and paediatric anaesthesia services carry heightened risk due to vulnerable patient populations. Claims may involve fetal distress, neonatal injury, or adverse outcomes during labour and delivery or paediatric procedures.
Speciality‑specific coverage is particularly important for these specialities.
6. Supervision and Team‑Based Care Claims
Many anaesthesiologists supervise CRNAs or anaesthesia assistants. Claims may arise from alleged supervision failures, shared responsibility, or chart co‑signing. Proper malpractice coverage extends protection to these supervisory roles.
Protect Your Practice From High‑Severity Claims
Because anaesthesiology claims can be severe and complex, choosing the right malpractice coverage is critical. Working with an agency that understands anaesthesia‑specific risks helps ensure your policy does not contain gaps.
Wexford Insurance partners with national carriers that specialise in anaesthesiology malpractice insurance, helping practice owners secure strong coverage, competitive pricing, and fast quotes.
