Baltimore Birth Injury Attorneys

Defending Mothers and Children

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Although the vast majority of epidurals are performed successfully, the improper placement of an epidural catheter can result in symptoms ranging from severe discomfort to long-term back pain. This preventable mistake may need to be resolved by taking legal action if carelessness and medical negligence were involved.

If you have been harmed by an epidural, do not hesitate to talk to our team of Baltimore birth injury lawyers. We are not intimidated by large hospitals or medical institutions, and have provided hundreds of clients with innovative legal solutions and successful resolutions. For a free case evaluation, contact Murphy Falcon & Murphy at 410.951.8744.

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Some common types of epidural catheter injuries include:

  • The catheter punctured the dura mater
  • The catheter punctured a blood vessel around the spinal cord
  • The catheter affected the total spine
An infographic describing how an Improper Epidural Catheter Placement can harm someone.

Proper Catheter Placement & Procedure

For a catheter to be inserted appropriately, the attending physician must find the correct level for catheter insertion, position the patient, insert the catheter into the proper area, and monitor the patient's behavior and symptoms. If a physician fails to correctly perform any of the above steps, you may be able to file a claim against the physician or hospital. Improper placement occurs when the catheter is accidentally placed into a blood vessel or punctures the dura mater. This may result in serious injury.

Symptoms of Improper Epidural Catheter Placement

If you experience any of these symptoms following an epidural, your physician may have negligently performed the procedure.

If the catheter punctured the dura mater, symptoms include:

  • Severe headaches and migraines
  • Neck pain
  • Nausea
  • Blocked motor senses

If the catheter affected the total spine, symptoms include:

  • Low blood pressure
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Impaired motor function
  • Cardiac arrest
  • Temporary or permanent paraplegia
  • Respiratory problems
  • General weakness

If the catheter punctured a blood vessel around the spinal cord, the following may occur:

  • Seizures
  • Epidural hemorrhage
  • Severe back pain
  • Paralysis
  • Abnormal motor and sensory functions
  • Cardiac arrest

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your physician immediately, and you may also wish to pursue legal action with the birth injury attorneys at Murphy Falcon & Murphy.

Ready to Take Legal Action? Call Murphy Falcon & Murphy Today

Our firm has been representing clients since 1948. Years of experience, coupled with a drive for excellence, have helped us achieve an unparalleled record of success in Baltimore and across the country. Our Baltimore birth injury attorneys are well-equipped to handle the circumstances surrounding your case and, with more than $700 million obtained on behalf of our clients, you can trust that you are in good hands. If you have experienced epidural catheter related issues or other birth injury consequences, contact Murphy Falcon & Murphy today at 410.951.8744 for a free initial case evaluation.