You can sue for an epidural injury if your medical records and other documentation point to medical negligence as a cause for your injuries. You may be able to hold the doctor, anesthesiologist, another medical professional, or the hospital responsible for the injuries you or your baby suffered. This may be possible if:
- The epidural was contraindicated
- Your injuries occurred as a result of a medication error
- Your injuries are the result of an administration error
- The medical team failed to adequately monitor you and your baby after the epidural placement
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Negligent Epidural Anesthesia Administration Can Cause Injuries to the Mother or Baby
Epidural anesthesia, generally referred to as an epidural, is a type of regional anesthesia that is the most common option for pain relief during labor and delivery. However, it is not without its own risks. In some cases, the mother and baby may suffer lasting injuries because of an improperly administered or improperly monitored epidural.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Women’s Health (IJWH), increased risks to the baby born to a mother with an epidural include:
- NICU admission
- Requiring antibiotics
- Respiratory distress
- Elevated temperature
- Supplemental or positive pressure oxygen and respiratory support during their first day
- Other birth injuries
One accepted risk of epidurals is that they often slow down the labor and delivery process, extending the second stage of labor. This could lead to risks that include:
- The need for an assisted vaginal birth with forceps or a vacuum extractor
- Required oxytocin administration
- The need to perform an emergency cesarean section because of fetal distress
- Birth injuries related to spending more time in the birth canal or undergoing the stress of labor and delivery
The mother also has an increased risk for several medical conditions that require careful monitoring. This includes:
- Sudden drops in blood pressure, known as hypotension, that can cause symptoms
- Fever and related symptoms
- Urinary retention necessitating the placement of a catheter to ensure you can empty your bladder
- Spine injury, back pain, and nerve dysfunction
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Medical Negligence Can Occur During the Administration of an Epidural in Several Ways
Because of the risks associated with an improper epidural and the necessary training and experience to place epidurals correctly, only anesthesiologists or anesthetists can generally place this type of nerve block. Medical negligence can lead to mistakes and injuries. This may occur as a result of:
- The needle and catheter being put in the wrong area
- The needle damaging the spine
- Administering the wrong dose of medication
- Administering the wrong medication, such as one the mother has an allergy to
- Administering the epidural too early and stalling labor
- Failing to offer guidance to help the mother encourage labor to continue
- Administering an epidural for a mother with contraindications, such as a low platelet count or who takes blood thinners
Failure to monitor the mother’s health and watch for signs of fetal distress is one of the most common ways epidural errors occur. The mother’s blood pressure and overall health should be watched closely while the baby’s heart rate and other vitals are carefully monitored. This can prevent many birth injuries in the baby.
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Building a Legal Case Based on an Epidural Injury
There are many risks to both mother and child associated with epidural anesthesia. If you or your child suffered a preventable injury or other harm because of the epidural you received during labor and delivery, you may be able to hold the doctor, anesthesiologist, or the facility liable.
You can sue for epidural injury if the facts of your case support it. A birth injury lawyer familiar with medical malpractice law in your state will likely play an important role in helping you build your case. The first step in learning more is to discuss your diagnosis or your child’s injuries and ongoing needs with an attorney. Proving these cases generally requires:
- The support of a physician who serves as an expert and agrees malpractice occurred
- A thorough review of all relevant medical records
- Documentation of the injuries, losses, and expenses your family endured and will likely endure in the future because of the injury
Strong evidence may allow you to recover damages such as:
- Current and future medical treatment
- Ongoing support and care
- Lost wages and benefits
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering and mental anguish
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Connect with the Birth Injury Lawyers Group Today
The Birth Injury Lawyers Group is here to help you understand your legal rights after an epidural injury. You can get help today by calling us at (800) 222-9529.
Not only can you get a free review of your case and learn more about your options for taking action, but you can also sign up for representation based on contingency if you qualify. This means you will not need to pay a retainer or other attorney fees unless the firm recovers compensation in your case.
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