As miraculous as childbirth is, it can also be a challenging physical experience for the mother. Luckily, there are ways to reduce discomfort, such as epidurals. In rare cases, these pain-relieving injections can result in injuries due to the anesthesiologist’s negligence, and injured mothers can file medical malpractice claims to pursue compensation. Here’s a closer look at this legal process.

Types of Epidurals

Epidurals can be divided into two main categories: regular and walking. The first is an injection that includes both anesthesia and narcotics. It's sent into the epidural space, which is located inside the spine and contains both the spinal cord and cerebrospinal fluid. Once someone receives this epidural, they'll essentially be numb from the waist down, but they can still actively push the baby out.

A walking epidural is less extreme. The patient won't feel weakness in their legs and can still move around while in labor.

Injuries That May Occur Due to Negligence

If the anesthesiologist administering the epidural makes an error, the individual in labor may experience adverse health effects. Using an improper dosage, placing the injection in the wrong spot, and hitting the spinal cord with the needle are all examples of negligence.

These errors could cause a wide range of symptoms, from temporary headaches and nausea to severe ailments like infections and nerve damage. In rare cases, an improperly administered epidural could even result in paralysis.

How an Attorney Can Help Prove the Case

In a medical malpractice case, the plaintiff needs to illustrate how another medical professional in the same field would have reasonably avoided the error. If you hire an attorney, they can track down the appropriate expert — an anesthesiologist who has experience with epidurals in this case — and ask them to testify. If the attorney can explain how and why the other anesthesiologist could have performed better, the plaintiff will have a much higher chance of obtaining compensation. 

If you or your spouse were injured by an epidural, get in touch with Henry & Williams P.C. of West Plains, MO. They have over 60 years of experience standing up for the rights of their clients. Their team has recovered millions for injured clients, and they'll be proud to take on your medical malpractice case. To learn more about their practice areas, visit the website. Call (417) 256-8133 to schedule a free consultation.