Epidural Birth Injuries
There are many stages during pregnancy and childbirth during which birth injuries can occur, including Epidural Birth Injuries. Among them are those associated with pain relief during labor and delivery, including the administration of an epidural. An intricate process requiring the skills of an experienced licensed anesthesiologist or other licensed and approved specialist, the placement of an epidural involves administering an anesthetic in the small epidural space within the spine. An error in the placement of an epidural needle or a mistake by a student intern during the process, for example, may lead to permanent epidural birth injuries for the mother, the infant, or both.
Side effects of an epidural can include1,2:
– Low blood pressure
– Fever
– Urinary problems
– Numbness
– Tingling
– Back Pain
– Headaches
– Spinal Injury
– Allergic reactions
– Blood clots
– Bruising
– Paralysis
In cases in which Epidural Birth Injuries arise due to medical malpractice negligence that results in a maternal or infant birth injury, or both, legal assistance may be useful in securing compensation for current and future care, as needed.
The following actions are useful in establishing a valid childbirth injury medical malpractice negligence case:
1. Develop an Accurate, Detailed Summary of Birth Events
2. List All Potential Defendants
3. List All Potential Witnesses
4. Select an Expert Lawyer or Legal Team
5. Obtain Written Statements From Defendants, Witnesses
6. Acquire All Related Medical Records
7. Stay Organized
Making A List Of All Potential Defendants
During or after developing a detailed summary of birth events, make a list of individuals who were involved in your and/or your child’s care, as well as entities, such as hospitals or birthing centers. Include as much information as possible. The defendants may include:
-Doctors (Obstetricians, Others)
-Specialists
-Surgeons
-Anesthesiologists
-Physician Assistants
-Nurses
-Medical Student Interns
-Dieticians
-Pharmacists
-Nursing Centers
-Hospitals
Acquiring Medical Records
Obtaining your and/or your child’s medical records is generally done by lawyer or legal teams as per state law. Any records you currently have regarding your claim may be useful in assessing or building your potential case. Therefore it may be beneficial to provide your lawyer or legal team with copies. Consult with your selected legal counsel first to find out how best to proceed.
Staying Organized
Organization is highly important. Using folders, files, or other organizational systems to keep your medical and legal records in order will make the process easier, save time, and help you avoid additional stress.
If you and/or your baby sustained a birth injury, contacting an experienced lawyer for an initial consultation is an important step. It is helpful to research information about lawyers who specialize in birth injury cases, or if possible, who specialize in the particular type of birth injury lawsuit case you may be dealing with.
Many lawyers and legal teams offer free initial consultations. At Mallard & Sharp, P.A., we specialize in a wide variety of epidural birth injury negligence cases. To schedule a free initial consultation with our expert legal team call 877.662.5527 or 305.461.4800.