Whether you were giving birth, having surgery, or using an epidural to manage pre-existing back pain, an epidural can be a powerful pain-management tool. However, this injection is not always harmless and can cause injury whether due to unforeseeable medical complications or by preventable medical errors. If your healthcare provider failed to meet the accepted standard of care when delivering an epidural, you may have legal options.
An Overview of Epidural Use
Epidurals are one of the most common forms of regional anesthesia and involve an injection into the epidural space surrounding your spinal nerves. In the United States, 75.4% of mothers used an epidural or spinal anesthesia for vaginal birth. Epidurals can also be used in other procedures, such as abdominal, pelvic, or lower extremity surgeries.
How Epidural Errors Can Result in Spinal Cord Injuries
If an anesthesiologist or other healthcare professional fails to meet the accepted standard of care while performing an epidural injection, any one or more of several errors may occur. Common errors include incorrect medication dosage, puncturing the wrong areas of the spine during the procedure, using unsterile equipment, or failing to monitor the patient throughout the procedure.
These errors can result in direct trauma to the spinal cord or may cause hematomas, infections, or blood flow issues, which in turn impact the spinal cord. If you are experiencing an adverse symptom as a result of an epidural error, you should reach out to an attorney who can investigate whether the cause of your injury was a preventable medical error.
Possible Epidural Injuries
Each patient may experience unique symptoms and/or medical complications after suffering an adverse medical error. The most common consequences of an epidural error include:
- Nerve damage. Postpartum peripheral nerve injuries occur in between 0.3 and 2% of all deliveries, which may be caused by issues with the epidural. Nerve damage can result in a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild pain or numbness to complete loss of function of organs or the lower body/extremities.
- Dura puncture. Dural puncture happens in between 0.32 and 1.23% of epidurals. This injury occurs when the membrane protecting the spinal cord is punctured, allowing spinal fluid to leak.
- Infections. When an epidural is inserted, the tools and insertion site must be sterile. If there are unsterile conditions, bacteria may be introduced into the spinal area, causing severe infections.
- Spinal cord ischemia. This condition, also called a spinal stroke, can happen when an epidural error leads to a large drop in blood pressure. This can restrict blood flow to the spinal cord, leading to tissue damage or even death.
- Hematoma. A hematoma happens when blood vessels are damaged, causing a blood clot in the epidural space. This can be extremely problematic, as the clot may put pressure on the spinal cord, causing permanent nerve damage.
Why You Should Hire a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney At Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC
At Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC, we have over 40 years of experience defending the rights of victims of medical malpractice. When working with us, we:
- Collect and analyze evidence that can be used to support your case, such as medical records, witness statements, and the testimony of medical professionals.
- Explain Michigan’s medical malpractice laws so you understand your legal rights and the process for filing a spinal cord injury claim against your healthcare provider.
- Provide full legal support, guidance, and advocacy for you while pursuing justice for your claim.
If you are a victim of an epidural error, the resulting spinal cord damage can impact you years later. If you have permanent nerve damage, muscle weakness, paralysis, numbness, or tingling that does not resolve even after treatment may occur. Many victims also experience chronic pain due to nerve damage. In a medical malpractice claim, your attorney can take into account the long-term effects of the injury, rather than only the immediate consequences.
Often, spinal cord injury symptoms such as swelling or spinal shock are delayed, making it difficult to identify an injury. Furthermore, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a spinal cord injury and normal pain and recovery symptoms after a medical procedure or childbirth.
FAQs
Q: Can an Epidural Cause Damage Years Later?
A: Yes, if you are a victim of an epidural error, the resulting spinal cord damage can impact you years later. If you have permanent nerve damage, you can face muscle weakness, paralysis, numbness, or tingling that does not resolve even after treatment. Many victims also experience chronic pain due to nerve damage or scarring. In a medical malpractice claim, your attorney can take into account the long-term effects of the injury, rather than only the immediate consequences.
Q: Could I Have a Spinal Cord Injury and Not Know Right Away?
A: Yes, you can have a spinal cord injury and not know about it right away. Often, symptoms such as swelling or spinal shock are delayed, which may make it difficult to identify an injury. Furthermore, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a spinal cord injury and normal pain and recovery symptoms after a medical procedure or childbirth.
Q: How Do You Know If You Have Damage From an Epidural?
A: If you are experiencing persistent side effects, such as numbness or muscle weakness in the lower body, nerve pain, loss of bodily functions, severe headaches, or swelling around the spine, these symptoms should be evaluated by a medical provider. After consulting with your healthcare provider, reach out to a skilled spinal cord injury attorney who can investigate your case and determine whether your claim can be pursued.
Q: Can You File a Claim for Nerve Damage From an Epidural?
A: Yes, if you received an epidural and were left with nerve damage due to a medical provider’s negligence, you may be able to file a medical malpractice claim. If you are interested in exploring your legal options for recovering from nerve damage, you should hire a spinal cord injury attorney who can investigate your case and determine whether your healthcare provider can be held liable.
Reach Out to a Spinal Cord Injury Attorney Today
Spinal cord injury laws can be complex and often protect healthcare professionals from being held accountable for unforeseeable medical complications. This can make it difficult to pursue a spinal cord injury claim if you are suffering as a result of medical negligence. For help proving your case, contact Goethel Engelhardt, PLLC.
