Anesthesia Errors During Labor and Delivery in Fulton County
Giving birth is incredibly painful, which is why medical professionals use anesthesia to assist with the labor and delivery process. When administered correctly, anesthesia can allow a mother to delivery her baby comfortably.
However, anesthesia errors during labor and delivery in Fulton County can cause severe harm to the mother and child. If you or your loved one was injured in this type of incident, seek help from an experienced attorney. The legal team at Warshauer Woodward Atkins can assist you with your claim.
Types of Anesthetics Used in Labor and Delivery
In labor and delivery, many women receive a regional anesthetic known as an epidural. An epidural is administered by inserting a tube in the patient’s back. The tube stays inserted throughout the delivery so the medical team can provide more medication as needed.
Though epidurals are the most common, medical professionals may use other anesthetics. For example, a patient undergoing a planned cesarean section might receive a regional spinal anesthetic, which is a single injection in the spine.
If there is an emergency during the delivery process, a medical provider might administer general anesthesia, which induces sleep. Committing an error when administering any of these anesthetics can have catastrophic consequences, so it is crucial that medical professionals exercise caution.
Common Mistakes Made When Administering Anesthesia
There are many potential mistakes a medical provider could make when administering anesthesia during labor and delivery. Some of the most common errors involve allergies, insertion technique, and dosage.
Medication Allergies
Medical providers should always ask patients about their history of allergic reactions to medications before administering anesthesia. In labor and delivery situations, this should be discussed early on during regular appointments with the obstetrician. If the medical team fails to review this information in the delivery room, it can lead to a dangerous allergic reaction.
Poor Insertion or Injection Technique
If an anesthetic is not inserted properly, it can also cause serious problems. For example, if a patient is not properly positioned during the administration of an epidural or spinal anesthetic, it can cause nerve damage.
Incorrect Dosage
In a labor and delivery setting, it is imperative that medical providers administer the right dose of an anesthetic. Providing too little anesthesia can cause the mother to suffer needlessly throughout the delivery process.
Conversely, too much anesthesia can cause the mother to experience issues such as headaches, respiratory issues, or paralysis. In the worst cases, over-sedation can lead to death. For the baby, too much anesthesia can lead to brain damage and paralysis.
Collecting Evidence of an Anesthesia Error in Fulton County
When gathering evidence for a malpractice case, it is important to examine everyone who was involved in the chain of administering the anesthesia to the patient. From the physician who ordered the anesthetic to the nurse who received the order and the anesthesiologist who administered the medication.
It is crucial to scrutinize the steps each party took to determine exactly what the error was. After examining the evidence, a seasoned labor and delivery attorney would reach out to a qualified medical expert who could determine whether the anesthesia error resulted from a breach in the standard of care.
Ask a Lawyer About Anesthesia Errors During Labor and Delivery in Fulton County
If you believe you or your child was harmed due an anesthesia error, call an attorney right away. You may have a valid legal claim against your medical provider.
At Warshauer Woodward Atkins, we are familiar with anesthesia errors during labor and delivery in Fulton County. We can assist you by conducting a thorough investigation and filing a claim on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
