When Epidurals Go Wrong: Malpractice Risks in Colorado Labor & Delivery
Epidurals are a common form of pain relief used during childbirth. But when they’re administered improperly, epidurals can result in serious harm to both the mother and child.
If you or your baby were injured due to an anesthesia mistake during labor, you may file an epidural injury lawsuit under Colorado law.
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we have a strong track record of prevailing in complex birth injury and medical malpractice cases, including epidural error malpractice in Colorado.
Understanding Epidurals and Labor Pain Management
Epidurals involve injecting anesthesia into the epidural space around the spinal cord to block pain signals during labor. This procedure requires:
- Correct identification of the spinal injection site
- Careful dosing of the anesthesia
- Continuous monitoring of the mother’s vitals and fetal well-being
Despite their frequent use, epidurals carry risks. Complications can arise from anesthesia mistakes in childbirth, poor technique, or a failure to respond appropriately to warning signs during labor.
Common Epidural Errors in Labor & Delivery
There are several types of mistakes that can occur during epidural administration.
Incorrect Placement
If the needle or catheter is misplaced, the medication may affect unintended areas, potentially resulting in nerve damage or total spinal anesthesia.
Dural Puncture
Accidentally puncturing the dura mater (the protective covering of the spinal cord) can cause severe headaches, fluid leakage, or brainstem herniation in rare cases.
Overdose or Wrong Medication
During childbirth, an anesthesia mistake—such as using the wrong drug or too high a dose—can lead to respiratory depression, seizures, or cardiac arrest.
Failure to Monitor
Once the epidural is administered, continuous monitoring is essential. Failure to observe signs of distress in the mother or fetus may result in avoidable injury.
Infection or Contamination
Unsterile conditions during insertion can introduce bacteria, leading to infection, meningitis, or abscess formation.
What Injuries Can Result from Epidural Errors?
Spinal cord injuries from epidurals can have devastating consequences. Depending on the nature and extent of the error, outcomes may include:
- Nerve damage or paralysis
- Loss of bowel or bladder function
- Chronic back pain
- Severe spinal headaches
- Infection-related complications
- Adverse reactions or seizures
Legal Standards for Malpractice in Colorado
In Colorado, the injured party must prove the following to file an epidural injury lawsuit:
- A provider-patient relationship existed
- The healthcare provider breached the standard of care during epidural administration
- That breach is a cause of injury
- The injury resulted in damages
Proving epidural error malpractice in Colorado requires a deep understanding of medical protocols and expert analysis. That’s why our attorneys work closely with leading anesthesiologists and obstetricians to identify how the standard of care was violated.
Who Can Be Liable for an Epidural Error?
Multiple parties could be liable in a Colorado labor and delivery negligence claim:
- Anesthesiologist: For incorrect technique, dosage, or failure to monitor
- Obstetrician or L&D team: For failing to respond to complications
- Hospital or clinic: For understaffing, poor protocols, or inadequate training
- Pharmacist or manufacturer: If contaminated or incorrect drugs were supplied
Hospitals often try to downplay errors or shift blame, which is why early legal involvement is so critical.
Damages Available in Epidural Malpractice Cases
Victims of labor pain management malpractice in Colorado may be eligible for:
- Medical costs for immediate and long-term treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
- Home modifications or caregiving support if the injury causes long-term disability
- Wrongful death damages if a mother or baby dies as a result
Quick action can help preserve your rights and strengthen your claim.
Why Choose Leventhal Puga Braley P.C.?
At Leventhal Puga Braley P.C., we are one of the most respected medical malpractice firms in the country, with a long record of success in medical negligence lawsuits.
- We have recovered millions in birth injury and anesthesia error verdicts
- Jim Leventhal is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, reserved for the top 100 trial lawyers in the U.S.
- Jim Puga has achieved some of the largest medical verdicts in Colorado history
- Our team includes nationally recognized attorneys with AV ratings and Super Lawyers honors
- We only take cases we believe in, and we fight to win them
We understand the emotional and physical toll that childbirth complications take on families. That’s why we offer compassionate, experienced advocacy to help you get justice.
Talk to an Experienced Denver Epidural Malpractice Attorney Today
If you or your child has suffered due to an epidural mistake, you have the right to demand answers and accountability. The Denver medical malpractice attorneys at Leventhal Puga Braley P.C. are here to help you explore your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call (303) 759-9945 or (877) 433-3906 to schedule a free initial consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Colorado and nationwide in complex medical negligence and injury cases.