What Are Common Intubation Injuries?

Have You Claimed For Compensation?

Intubation is a critical medical procedure and while generally safe, complications can arise, so what are common intubation injuries? While injuries may simply cause mild discomfort, there is also the risk of more serious injury. This is when compensation may be claimed if it falls under clinical negligence.

To find out if you have a claim, contact us. At Jefferies Claims, we work with experienced lawyers who will assess your case  on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

Here Are Some Common Intubation Injuries

Intubation-related injuries can have severe consequences which may impacts your quality of life. However, while some complications are unavoidable, others can result from medical negligence. Some intubation-related injuries could be due to substandard care.

Here are some common intubation injuries:

Dental and Oral Trauma

• Inserting the endotracheal tube (ETT) can cause damage to the teeth, lips, gums, and soft tissues of the mouth.
• Risk factors include excessive force during intubation, use of rigid laryngoscopes, and poor patient positioning.
• Patients with pre-existing dental conditions are more susceptible.

Laryngeal and Vocal Cord Injuries

• The larynx and vocal cords are vulnerable to trauma during intubation.
• Possible injuries include vocal cord paralysis, swelling and ulceration.
• Symptoms may include hoarseness, difficulty speaking, and chronic throat discomfort.

Tracheal Injuries

• Over-inflation of the endotracheal tube cuff or improper tube placement can lead to tracheal injuries such as tracheal perforation or narrowing of the airway (stenosis).
• Severe cases can result in breathing difficulties requiring corrective surgery.

Aspiration Pneumonia

• If a patient vomits during intubation and stomach contents enter the lungs, aspiration pneumonia can develop.
• This condition can cause severe lung infections and respiratory distress.

Hypoxia and Brain Damage

• Inadequate oxygenation during intubation can result in oxygen deprivation, known as hypoxia. This can potentially lead to brain damage.
• Causes include prolonged intubation attempts, incorrect tube placement, or failure to recognise misplaced tubes.

Oesophageal Intubation

• Occurs when the tube is mistakenly inserted into the oesophagus (digestive system) instead of the trachea (respiratory system).
• This can lead to severe oxygen deprivation, cardiac arrest, or may even be fatal if not quickly addressed.
• Failure to confirm proper tube placement is a common cause of this error.

Nerve Damage

• Improper positioning or excessive pressure from the endotracheal tube can lead to nerve damage, affecting swallowing and voice function.
• Commonly affected nerves include the recurrent laryngeal nerve and the hypoglossal nerve.

Can I Make a Medical Negligence Claim?

When an intubation injury occurs due to substandard medical care, you may have grounds for a medical negligence claim. However, to prove medical negligence you will have to show that there was a breach in the expected standard of care,

Additionally, you must be able to show that the breach directly caused your injury and that you suffered harm as a result. This would include emotional and financial harm.

To gather the relevant evidence, you will need to obtain a copy of your medical records, as well as expert medical opinion. Witness statements may support your claim.

It is important to know that medical negligence claims must generally be made within three years from the date of the injury or the date when you became aware of the injury. There are exceptions for children under the age of 18 and individuals lacking mental capacity.

As medical negligence claims may be complex, it is essential to speak to a lawyer who specialises in medical negligence. This assistance will not only provide a comprehensive assessment as to whether you have a case as we will also help you through the process.

At Jefferies Claims we partner with highly experienced lawyers who work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. So, if you are seeking compensation, we can help. Your first step will be to contact us today at 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange a free, no-obligation telephone consultation with a member of our friendly team.