Epidural Malpractice Lawyer

Epidural Lawsuit – What to Know

Dealing with the aftermath of an epidural error and the associated physical and mental injuries can be traumatizing. 

Our anesthesia error attorneys are here to ensure that you are compensated for your pain and suffering — we’re well equipped to handle cases involving medical malpractice related to epidural procedures. 

We start by evaluating your medical malpractice case to determine if there was medical negligence in the administration of the epidural injection.

We’ll represent you in legal proceedings, including filing a medical malpractice lawsuit and negotiating settlements, and we’ll work with medical experts to establish the standard of care and the extent of the epidural birth injury.

Our number one goal is to secure fair compensation for our clients’ medical expenses, pain, and suffering.

Our Experience With Epidural Malpractice Lawsuits

We’re a Chicago-based law firm specializing in medical malpractice with extensive experience representing clients in cases involving epidural errors or injuries.

Our anesthesia error lawyers have successfully litigated numerous cases where patients suffered harm due to epidural injuries, securing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. 

Our expertise in this area often involves collaborating with medical experts to uncover medical negligence and advocate for their clients’ rights. 

We focus on clients in Chicago, Illinois, and the surrounding areas and offer free case reviews. 

Some examples of medical malpractice cases we’ve handled include settlements of a $1,000,000 settlement from a wrongful death resulting from medical negligence.

Contact an experienced epidural injury attorney at Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers for a free consultation.

How Epidurals Work

Epidurals work by injecting a local anesthetic into the epidural space around the spinal cord, blocking nerve signals and numbing the lower half of the body. 

The procedure involves inserting a needle and a small catheter into the epidural space, then administering the anesthetic through that needle.

Epidurals are commonly used for pain relief during childbirth and certain surgeries.

The medication can be continuously infused or given in single doses, providing prolonged pain relief.

The effects of an epidural can be adjusted by varying the type and amount of anesthetic used.

 Types Of Epidurals

 There are several types of epidurals, each serving different purposes and varying in technique:

• Lumbar Epidurals. Perhaps the most common type of epidural, lumbar epidurals offer pain relief during childbirth and lower body surgeries. They involve administering the anesthetic in the lower back (lumbar region) to numb the lower part of the body.

• Thoracic Epidurals. These are used for upper abdominal, chest, and thoracic surgeries. The anesthetic is injected in the upper or mid-back (thoracic region) to provide pain relief for the upper body.

• Caudal Epidural. A less common technique, caudal epidurals are often used for pediatric patients or specific types of lower body procedures. The anesthetic is injected into the sacral hiatus, located at the base of the spine.

• Combined Spinal-Epidural (CSE). This technique combines the benefits of both spinal and epidural anesthesia. The initial spinal injection provides immediate pain relief, while an epidural catheter allows for continuous administration of anesthetic. This is also known as a “walking epidural” and is sometimes used during labor and delivery.

• Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI). These epidurals are primarily used for pain management rather than anesthesia, particularly for chronic back pain or sciatica. ESIs involve injecting steroids and anesthetics into the epidural space to reduce inflammation and pain.

Risks Of Epidurals

While epidurals are considered to be safe, they are not without risk for pregnant women.

Epidurals can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to dizziness, difficulty breathing, or nausea.

There’s also a risk of a severe headache if the needle punctures the dura, causing cerebrospinal fluid leakage. 

 Patients who receive epidurals might experience temporary back pain or soreness at the injection site.

Although rare, nerve damage can occur, potentially leading to temporary or permanent loss of sensation or movement.

There are also risks of infection at the injection site and allergic reactions to the anesthetic.

 Causes Of Epidural Injuries

 Epidural injuries can result from several factors, often related to the technique, equipment, and patient-specific variables:

• Improper Needle or Catheter Placement. Incorrect insertion can damage nerves or the spinal cord, leading to pain, numbness, or paralysis.

• Dural Puncture. Accidental puncturing of the dura mater can cause cerebrospinal fluid leakage, resulting in severe headaches and potential neurological issues.

• Infection. If sterile techniques are not meticulously followed, bacteria can be introduced into the epidural space, potentially leading to infections like an epidural abscess or meningitis.

• Incorrect Dosage Or Drug Administration. Administering incorrectly the wrong type or amount of anesthetic can cause toxic reactions, inadequate pain relief, or other systemic complications.

• Pre-existing Conditions. Patients with certain medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders, spinal abnormalities, or high blood pressure, are at higher risk for complications from epidurals.

 Types Of Epidural Injuries

 Epidural injuries encompass various types of complications, some of which are specific to the context of labor and delivery. 

• Nerve Damage. This can result in temporary or permanent numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or lower limbs or pelvic region, sometimes affecting the ability to walk or move.

• Post-Dural Puncture Headache. If the dura mater is accidentally punctured, it can lead to severe headaches due to cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which can be debilitating and may require additional medical treatment, such as a blood patch.

• Infection. Introducing bacteria during the epidural procedure can cause infections to a pregnant woman such as epidural abscesses or meningitis, posing serious health risks to both the mother and, potentially, the baby.

• Epidural Hematoma. Bleeding into the epidural space can compress nerves or the spinal cord, causing significant pain, neurological deficits, or even paralysis if not treated promptly.

• Inadequate Pain Relief. Sometimes the epidural may not be effective, leading to incomplete pain relief, which can result in increased stress and discomfort during labor.

• Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). The anesthetic can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, which might affect the blood flow to the baby and necessitate medical intervention to stabilize the mother’s condition. Can a

• Prolonged Labor Or Delivery Complications. Epidurals can sometimes slow down labor, which might increase the likelihood of needing interventions such as forceps, vacuum extraction, or a cesarean section. These can lead to birth injuries and other complications for both mother and child. 

• Bladder Dysfunction. The numbness caused by the epidural can interfere with bladder control, leading to urinary retention, which may require catheterization and can increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

 

Epidural Malpractice Lawsuit FAQs

Get answers to your questions about an epidural medical malpractice lawsuit from our medical malpractice attorneys.

How Are Epidural Errors Proven In Malpractice Cases?

Epidural malpractice cases require demonstrating that the medical professional(s) involved failed to adhere to the accepted standard of care during the procedure and proving negligence. 

Usually, this necessitates expert testimony from anesthesiologists or related specialists, medical record review to identify deviations from protocol, and establishing a clear causal link between the error and the resulting injury through medical analysis and documentation.

What Evidence Is Needed For An Epidural Malpractice Lawsuit?

Some examples of key evidence in an epidural malpractice lawsuit includes medical records detailing the procedure, any complications, and subsequent treatment. 

Expert testimony from anesthesiologists, medical specialists, or other medical professionals are often critical for establishing the standard of care and identifying deviations.

Documentation demonstrating the link between the error and the resulting injury, such as medical evaluations and patient testimony, also strengthens the medical malpractice case for negligence and damages.

Is There A Statute Of Limitations On Epidural Malpractice Lawsuits In Illinois?

Yes, in Illinois, there is a statute of limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits, including those related to epidural procedures. 

 A malpractice lawsuit must be filed within 2 years from the date the patient knew or reasonably should have known of the epidural injury, but no more than 4 years from the date of the alleged malpractice. 

However, there are exceptions to this rule, particularly as it relates to epidural needle failures during C-sections or other birth injuries, so it’s essential to consult with a qualified attorney to understand how the statute of limitations applies to a specific case.

What Kind Of Compensation Can I Expect From A Successful Epidural Malpractice Lawsuit?

In a successful epidural malpractice lawsuit, the compensation typically covers medical expenses related to treating the serious injury caused by the malpractice, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care. 

Additionally, your compensation may include reimbursement for lost income due to the injury plus damages for pain and suffering endured as a result of the malpractice. 

The exact amount of compensation you may receive in an epidural malpractice lawsuit is based on factors such as the severity of the injury, the impact on the patient’s life, and applicable laws in your  jurisdiction.

Find Out If You Have A Epidural Malpractice Case In Chicago, Illinois

Do you think you have an epidural malpractice case based on an injury that occurred in Illinois?

If you are located in Chicago or the surrounding areas, contact an experienced birth injury lawyer at Chicago Medical Malpractice Lawyers today to see if we can help you recover damages or compensatory damages.