My Epidural Caused Severe Nerve Damage. Can I Sue?

 Posted on February 18, 2026 in Maternal Injuries

Childbirth is notoriously one of the most intense experiences a human body can endure. For many women, an epidural – a very common procedure that relieves pain during labor and childbirth – makes a major difference in the quality of the childbirth experience. However, like all medical procedures, epidurals are not without risks, especially when they are performed by undertrained, negligent, or careless anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists. If you recently had a baby, and the epidural you were given caused serious nerve damage, you may be able to file a claim for your damages.

At Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd., our Chicago, IL birth injury attorneys are ready to investigate your case. Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience handling complex medical negligence cases.

What Are the Symptoms of Epidural Nerve Damage?

Also known as an epidural block, epidural anesthesia, or neuraxial anesthesia, an epidural involves injecting an anesthetic by the base of the patient’s spine, around the lower back. Epidurals block pain signals between the spinal cord and the brain, which can provide much-needed relief during childbirth.

Anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists are carefully trained in administering epidurals during childbirth, but when an epidural is misplaced because the person giving the epidural is careless, the consequences can be severe. Possible symptoms of nerve damage from an epidural include:

• Numbness
• Pain
• Debilitating headaches
• Loss of bladder or bowel control 
• Muscle weakness
• Paralysis

Diagnosing the cause of these symptoms and then treating them can be costly. Some symptoms never go away, leaving patients dealing with permanent, debilitating nerve damage.

What Compensation Can You Get for Epidural Nerve Damage in 2026?

Not every epidural injury is caused by negligence, but when medical standards are not followed, serious harm can result. Many nerve injuries from epidurals are avoidable, and the person, people, or organization responsible for causing the injuries can be held liable. Compensation for victims of epidural errors may cover:

• Medical bills
• Home equipment, such as renovations to make the home accessible for someone with a new disability
• Lost income
• Permanent disability
• Physical therapy
• Home healthcare assistance

The amount and type of compensation will vary depending on the case, but a personal injury attorney can seek full and fair compensation based on the evidence.

How Long Do You Have to Sue After an Epidural Injury in Illinois?

In Illinois, most lawsuits against doctors, nurses, and hospitals must be filed within two years of the date you knew or reasonably should have known that you were injured and that the injury may have been caused by medical negligence (735 ILCS 5/13-212). This is known as the statute of limitations.

However, there is also a statute of repose. In most cases, you cannot file a medical malpractice lawsuit any later than four years after the original incident, even if you did not discover the injury right away. This rule can prevent a claim if too much time has passed.

Epidural injuries are not always obvious at first. Some mothers experience ongoing back pain, nerve damage, numbness, weakness, severe headaches, or even partial paralysis. You may think these symptoms are normal after childbirth. Later, you may learn that something went wrong during the epidural procedure.

Since the timeline can be complicated, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as you suspect a problem. Evidence disappears over time, and acting quickly can protect your rights and strengthen your claim.

Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Maternal Birth Injury Claim

After a traumatic birth experience, it is reasonable to be focused on caring for your newborn while trying to manage your own pain. Still, certain mistakes can hurt your claim.

One major mistake is failing to seek medical attention. If you are experiencing severe pain, numbness, weakness, or other unusual symptoms after an epidural, do not ignore them. Prompt treatment protects your health and creates medical documentation of your injury. That documentation can be critical in a legal case.

Another mistake is accepting the first settlement offer. Insurance companies often move quickly. They may offer money before you fully understand the long-term effects of your injury. An epidural injury can lead to ongoing medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and future complications. If you settle too early, you cannot go back and ask for more.

Trying to handle a complex medical malpractice case on your own can also put you at a disadvantage. Our firm can help by gathering medical records, consulting qualified experts, calculating the full value of your damages, and negotiating with insurers on your behalf. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial. You deserve someone who will advocate for you so you can focus on healing and caring for your baby.

Can You Get Compensation for Pain and Suffering After an Epidural Injury?

In Illinois, compensation in a medical malpractice case is not limited to medical bills. You may also seek damages for pain and suffering. This can include physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, loss of enjoyment of life, and the mental impact of living with a long-term injury. An epidural injury can affect your ability to lift your baby, return to work, or sleep comfortably. It can strain relationships and affect your mental health.

There is currently no statutory cap on damages in Illinois medical malpractice cases. This means a jury can award an amount that fairly reflects the harm you have suffered.

Every case is different. The value of a claim depends on the severity of the injury, the impact on your daily life, and the strength of the evidence. Our firm can help you understand what your case may be worth and fight for full and fair compensation.

Call a Chicago, IL Maternal Birth Injury Lawyer

If you recently gave birth and have suffered ongoing nerve damage as a result of a poorly placed epidural, schedule a free consultation with the Cook County, IL birth injury attorneys with Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd.. We will work to determine the cause of your injury and then do everything in our power to hold any negligent parties accountable on your behalf. Call us today at 312-462-4200.