Legal Perspectives on Epidural Anesthesia Errors in Birth Centers

Epidural anesthesia is a widely used pain relief method during labor, providing significant comfort to mothers during childbirth. When administered correctly, epidurals allow women to experience reduced pain while remaining conscious throughout the delivery process. However, when errors occur during the administration of an epidural, the consequences can be severe. Mistakes can lead to long-term complications for the mother and, in some cases, harm to the baby. When these errors result from medical negligence, they may form the basis for a medical malpractice claim.

At Law MD, our medical malpractice attorneys are also medical doctors. In fact, one of our Attorneys, Dr. Richard Kelly, is a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist and Professor of Medicine and Law. Because of the medical training and experience of our attorneys in this area, we understand the details of how anesthesia is applied when it’s done the right way, and also how dangerous it can be for patients when it’s done the wrong way.

Understanding Epidural Anesthesia and Its Risks

An epidural is a form of regional anesthesia designed to numb the lower part of the body by injecting a local anesthetic into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord. This method is frequently used during labor and delivery to alleviate pain while allowing the mother to remain awake and actively participate in the birthing process. Although epidurals are common and generally safe, they come with certain risks and potential complications.

Some of the known risks associated with epidural anesthesia include:

• Nerve Damage: Improper insertion of the epidural needle can result in temporary or permanent nerve damage, leading to weakness, numbness, or paralysis in the lower body.
• Infections: Introducing a needle into the spinal region can create an infection risk, especially if proper sterilization techniques are not followed. An infection in this area can lead to more serious complications, such as meningitis.
• Respiratory Issues: If the anesthetic affects the diaphragm or breathing muscles, the mother could experience difficulty breathing, requiring emergency intervention.
• Low Blood Pressure: An epidural can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, which may reduce blood flow to the baby and lead to complications.

The risks associated with epidural anesthesia are why healthcare providers must adhere to strict medical standards when administering it. Medical professionals in birth centers are expected to monitor both the mother and the baby closely throughout labor and after administering the epidural to detect any adverse reactions or complications.

How Epidural Errors Can Lead to Malpractice Claims

Although many epidurals are administered successfully without incident, errors can and do occur. When these errors result in harm, medical malpractice may be involved. Malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider’s actions (or lack of actions) fail to meet the accepted standard of care, leading to injury or harm to the patient.

Some of the most common epidural errors include:

• Improper Dosage: Administering too much or too little anesthesia can lead to complications. An overdose may result in dangerous side effects like respiratory depression or heart issues, while an under-dose may fail to provide adequate pain relief, causing unnecessary suffering.
• Failure to Monitor: After the epidural is administered, the healthcare provider must closely monitor the patient for signs of distress, such as a sudden drop in blood pressure or difficulty breathing. Failure to monitor can allow complications to go untreated, putting both the mother and baby at risk.
• Negligent Technique: If the epidural needle is inserted incorrectly, it can lead to nerve damage, punctured blood vessels, or infection. A healthcare provider’s lack of attention or experience can result in serious injuries during the procedure.

For a patient to successfully pursue a medical malpractice claim following an epidural error, several legal elements must be proven:

• Breach of Duty: The patient must show that the healthcare provider owed them a duty of care and that the provider breached this duty by failing to meet the expected standard of care.
• Causation: The breach of duty must have directly caused harm to the patient. In epidural malpractice cases, this might include physical injuries like nerve damage, infections, or complications resulting from improper monitoring.
• Damages: The patient must demonstrate that they suffered actual damages due to the healthcare provider’s negligence. Compensable damages include medical expenses, lost wages, physical pain, and emotional suffering.

Under Washington D.C. law, proving negligence in a medical malpractice case can be complex. The standard of care must be established based on what a reasonable healthcare provider would have done under similar circumstances. Expert testimony is often required to explain how the provider’s actions deviated from accepted medical practices.

Pursuing Compensation After an Epidural Error

If you or your child suffered harm due to an epidural error, it is essential to take immediate action to protect your legal rights. Several steps can help you build a case for compensation:

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: If you suspect an epidural error has occurred, seek medical treatment immediately. Prompt medical care is critical for your health and documenting the injury to connect it to the epidural administration.
• Collect Medical Records: It is vital to obtain your complete medical records. These records can provide key evidence of the procedure, the dosages administered, and any complications that arose during or after the epidural.
• Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed journal of any symptoms or complications you experience following the epidural. Symptoms can include pain, numbness, mobility issues, or other health problems. A comprehensive record will help your attorney demonstrate the impact of the error on your health and quality of life.
• Notify Healthcare Providers of Your Intent to File a Claim: Under D.C. Code § 16-2802, Washington D.C. law requires that you notify the healthcare provider or facility of your intent to file a medical malpractice claim. Prompt filing is a critical legal step in initiating the claims process.
• Be Aware of the Statute of Limitations: Washington D.C. has a statute of limitations for filing medical malpractice claims, outlined in D.C. Code § 12-301. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the injury (or the date the injury was discovered) to file a claim. Quick action is critical to preserving your rights.

If you successfully prove malpractice, you may be entitled to compensation for a range of damages, including:

• Medical Bills: Compensation for past and future medical expenses related to the injury, such as surgeries, rehabilitation, or ongoing care.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the epidural error.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost if the injury affects your ability to work or reduces your future earning capacity.

Enlist the Aid of an Experienced Attorney on Your Journey for Justice

Epidural anesthesia is a common and often effective way to manage labor pain, but when errors occur, the results can be catastrophic for mothers and their families. If you or your child has suffered harm due to an epidural error, it is vital to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation. LawMD has the expertise to support families dealing with medical malpractice, particularly in epidural-related cases. Our board-certified Anesthesiologists and birth injury specialists have the unique knowledge and experience that only physicians who are also attorneys can bring to your case.

Call us today at 833-MY-LAW-MD (833-695-2963) for a FREE consultation, and we’ll guide you through the legal process to help secure the compensation you deserve.