My Epidural Caused Severe Nerve Damage. Can I Sue?

 Posted on February 27, 2023 in Maternal Injuries

Childbirth is notoriously one of the most painful experiences a human body can endure. For many women, an epidural - a very common procedure that relieves pain during labor and childbirth - has made a major difference in the quality of the childbirth experience. However, like all medical procedures, epidurals are not without risks, especially when they are performed by undertrained, negligent, or careless anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists. If you recently had a baby, and the epidural you were given caused serious nerve damage, you may be wondering what legal options are open to you. 

Epidural Nerve Damage and Lawsuits 

Also known as an epidural block, epidural anesthesia, or neuraxial anesthesia, an epidural involves injecting an anesthetic into the area in a patient’s back between the spinal nerves. Epidurals typically result in the complete lack of certain feelings, including pain, from the desired area of the body.  

Anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists are carefully trained in administering epidurals during childbirth, but when an epidural is misplaced because the person giving the epidural is careless, mistaken, tired, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the consequences can be disastrous.

Symptoms of nerve damage from an epidural include: 

• Numbness

• Pain

• Debilitating headaches

• Loss of bladder or bowel control 

• Muscle weakness 

• Paralysis

Diagnosing the cause of these symptoms and then treating them can involve extensive treatment that can be very expensive. Some symptoms never go away, leaving patients dealing with permanent, debilitating nerve damage and its consequences.

Some nerve damage resulting from epidurals is tragic but unavoidable. However, many nerve injuries from epidurals are avoidable, and the person, people, or organization responsible for causing the injuries can be held responsible. Compensation for victims of epidural errors may cover: 

• Medical bills

• Home equipment, such as renovations to make the home accessible for someone with a new disability 

• Lost income

• Pain and suffering 

• Permanent disability 

• Physical therapy 

• Home healthcare assistance

The amount and type of compensation will vary depending on the case, but a personal injury attorney can fight for the maximum possible compensation. 

Call a Chicago, IL Maternal Birth Injury Lawyer

If you recently gave birth and have suffered ongoing nerve damage as a result of a poorly placed epidural, schedule a free consultation with the Cook County birth injury attorneys with Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd.. We will work to determine the cause of your injury and then do everything in our power to hold any negligent parties accountable on your behalf. Call us today at 312-462-4200. 

Source: 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21896-epidural