During delivery, many mothers opt to have an epidural injection performed. The epidural is an analgesia or anesthesia inserted into the spine that blocks nerve signals and makes the often extreme pain of delivery bearable for a woman. The spine is a very sensitive area, and the chemicals used can be very harmful if injected incorrectly or in the wrong dosage. In addition to this, birth is a very sensitive time for the health of the mother and the baby. Any mistakes could have a tremendous impact, so when these accidents happen, make sure to call a Fort Lauderdale epidural accident lawyer.
Fort Lauderdale Epidural Accident Lawyer
If you have suffered damages due to a mistake in an epidural injection, you deserve to recover maximum compensation for your damages. Lisa Levine, P.A. is a skilled medical malpractice attorney who can represent you if you have been the victim of errors during this procedure. She is a Fort Lauderdale epidural accident lawyer who fights for her clients to recover compensation for their losses.
Injury Victim
Lisa Levine represents clients throughout Broward County, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Springs, Pompano Beach, Deerfield Beach, Weston and Miramar. She also represents clients in Palm Beach County and Miami-Dade County. Call today at (954) 256-1820 to schedule a free consultation.
Results of an Epidural Error
Epidural injection is the most commonly used technique for pain relief during childbirth. It is more effective and appropriate for delivery than other methods because it allows the woman to feel pressure and push without feeling pain. It also allows the mother to stay awake during birth.
However, a mistake can be disastrous. Most medical errors in epidurals stem from incorrect placement of the epidural needle. The most common placement error, according to the paper “Why Epidurals Do Not Always Work” in the Review of Obstetrics and Gynecology by Drs. Katherine Arendt and Scott Segal, is that the needle is placed into subcutaneous tissue.
This tissue has a large amount of fat, and an injection into this area will likely have no anesthetic or analgesic effect. Therefore, the mother will feel the pain of childbirth. Especially for mothers who need an epidural due to exhaustion during prolonged labor, this result can cause many problems.
A misplaced epidural needle may also cause punctures that release spinal fluid, leading to severe headaches and back pain.
An epidural injection is a form of anesthesia. Anesthesia is a delicate process that requires the anesthesiologist to pay very careful attention to detail. Using the wrong chemical can cause significant complications, including death.
Standard Owed to Patients by Doctors and Damages Available
Any medical professional, including OB/GYNs and anesthesiologists, owe a very high duty of care to their patients. They must always act in accordance to the standards of their profession. The failure to act as a reasonable and prudent medical professional constitutes negligence if the patient suffered damages caused by the failure to act.
If the medical professional is proved to be negligent in administering an epidural, the patient may seek damages. Those damages can include pain and suffering, mental anguish, the cost of the medical procedures required to correct the damage done and pay for work missed due to the accident.
The malpractice insurance company will do everything in its power to make sure you recover as little compensation as possible. Your Fort Lauderdale malpractice attorney will carefully review all medical records to determine the full extent of your damages and negotiate for the best possible settlement. If they refuse to offer a satisfactory settlement, Fort Lauderdale epidural accident lawyer Lisa Levine will take them to court.
Frequently Asked Questions About Epidural Injury Cases
How long do I have to file a medical malpractice claim after an epidural injury in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a medical malpractice claim is two years from when the injury occurred or when it should have been discovered with the exercise of due diligence.
What if my baby was injured during childbirth because of an epidural accident?
If your baby was injured as a result of an epidural error, you may be able to recover damages for the cost of any medical care your child needed as a result of the injury, as well as other damages.
Do I need an attorney to file a medical malpractice claim?
It is strongly recommended that you hire an experienced Fort Lauderdale epidural accident attorney to help you navigate the complex legal process. Medical malpractice cases deal with complex legal and medical issues that require specific skills and experience. You need a lawyer with the knowledge and resources necessary to build a strong case on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Get Help from an Experienced Fort Lauderdale Epidural Accident Lawyer
Epidural injuries can be devastating, both physically and emotionally. If you or a loved one have been injured by an epidural error, it is important to find an experienced Fort Lauderdale medical malpractice attorney who will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Lisa Levine has over 35 years of experience helping injury victims in Broward County. She is a dedicated advocate for her clients and will fight to get you the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you have been injured due to a mistake made in an epidural procedure, you can seek to recover compensation for your injuries. Call the law office of Lisa Levine at (954) 256-1820 today for a free consultation. We will review your case and help you understand your legal options. You pay nothing unless we win your case.