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Our Baltimore Birth Injury Attorneys Can Fight For You
On average, more than 50% of women in the U.S. opt for an epidural when giving birth. Epidurals are a welcome relief to women who are undergoing the painful labor process. While studies have shown that around 98% of these epidural treatments are satisfactory, occasionally, something goes wrong and an epidural can have extremely negative effects on mother and child.
If you have experienced improper administration of an epidural which resulted in harm to you or your baby, talk to the Baltimore birth injury lawyers from Murphy Falcon & Murphy. Our team of experienced attorneys can guide you through your options, which may consist of pursuing compensation from a physician or hospital. Our knowledgeable team is ready to listen.
Epidural toxicity may result in these symptoms:
- Heart rhythm irregularity or failure
- Hypotension
- Respiratory problems or failure
- Motor-sensory blockage
- Paralysis
- Abnormal sensory and motor functions
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Bladder and bowel incontinence
- Underperforming reflexes
- Inability to perceive pain or temperature
Understanding the Causes and Symptoms of Epidural Toxicity
During labor, an epidural may be given. This is the injection of a local anesthetic into the space around the spinal cord to relieve pain. The technique is very effective and leaves the patient with numbed sensory and motor nerves. Recently, a lower dosage epidural has also been introduced to the market which allows more movement after the epidural has been applied, but still relieves pain.
Epidural toxicity happens when an improper amount of the anesthetic agent is applied or when the anesthetic agent is applied improperly. The drugs commonly used in epidurals include Bupivacaine, Lidocaine, Ropivacaine, and Chloroprocaine. If used negligently and / or inappropriately monitored, neurotoxicity and cardiovascular toxicity may result. Some of the most common causes of epidural failure and toxicity include improper needle placement, catheter migration in the spinal canal, and excessive penetration of the needle which may damage a nerve.
Our Birth Injury Lawyers in Baltimore Can Help
Any form of medical negligence or malpractice ought to be checked and penalized, especially if it resulted in harm to a mother or child. The medical community owes a certain standard of care to you and your child. If that care was breached, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and economic damages. Our Baltimore birth injury attorneys are waiting to take a look at your case and help you pursue just compensation. With more than $700 million settled for our clients since 1948, you can trust that you are in the capable hands of an experienced multi-generational firm. Contact Murphy Falcon & Murphy today for a free case evaluation.
Call 410.951.8744 today for more information.