Injury may occur when anesthesia is improperly given or not given in a timely manner to a patient. Medical malpractice is essentially the failure of a health care provider to follow generally accepted standards in the medical profession. If the failure of the anesthesiologist is the cause of injury or death to a patient, damages may be recoverable under the laws of medical malpractice. Most doctors and hospitals carry malpractice insurance and some states even require that they contribute to a state patient's compensation fund. Statutes of limitation govern the filing of malpractice claims and prevent filing once a certain amount of time has passed after the malpractice. It is important to consult with an attorney knowledgeable in medical malpractice so that you may learn your rights if you think you have been injured as a result of anesthesia negligence. For more information on medical malpractice, contact a qualified attorney.