The birth of a child should be a joyous occasion. But when medical professionals make critical errors during labor and delivery, the consequences can be devastating. Delayed C-sections, improper use of forceps, and failure to monitor fetal distress can lead to serious injuries for both mother and baby. In the most tragic cases, these mistakes can be fatal. If you or your child suffered harm due to a preventable labor and delivery error, complete our online form to speak with a medical malpractice lawyer to understand your legal rights. Medical malpractice may have occurred, entitling you to significant compensation.
Even in this modern medical age, childbirth errors are far too common. Mistakes that frequently lead to birth injuries include:
– Delayed C-section when signs of fetal distress are present
– Failure to properly monitor fetal heart rate for signs of distress
– Misuse of forceps or vacuum extractors during delivery
– Inappropriate administration of Pitocin to induce or speed up labor
– Failure to diagnose and promptly treat maternal complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes
These errors can have catastrophic repercussions for newborns and their families. Babies may suffer from oxygen deprivation, leading to brain damage, cerebral palsy, seizures, or even death. Improper use of delivery instruments can cause fractures, nerve damage, or conditions like Erb’s palsy. Mothers may face life-threatening uterine ruptures, hemorrhaging, or psychological trauma.
One of the most common and dangerous childbirth errors is a delayed C-section. When a baby is in distress and a vaginal delivery becomes too risky, an emergency C-section is medically necessary. Signs that a C-section is warranted include:
– Abnormal fetal heart rate or signs of fetal distress
– Prolonged or stalled labor
– The baby is in an abnormal position (breech)
– Placental abruption or uterine rupture
– Umbilical cord prolapse
– Maternal health complications
When these red flags appear, every minute matters. Failure to quickly move to a C-section can deprive the baby of oxygen, potentially causing hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), brain damage, organ failure, and even death. Doctors and nurses must closely monitor both mother and baby and take decisive action at the first sign of trouble.
How do you know if a birth injury was due to medical negligence? Doctors and nurses are expected to provide care that meets accepted standards in obstetrics. When medical professionals fail to properly assess risks, recognize signs of distress, or take prompt action, that failure may constitute malpractice.
Investigating whether malpractice occurred requires an in-depth review of medical records to identify red flags. This is where an attorney experienced in birth injury cases is essential. A knowledgeable lawyer will work with respected medical experts to determine if negligence caused your child’s injury.
In a successful malpractice case, you may recover compensation for damages including medical expenses, ongoing care and therapies for your child, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Taking legal action also holds negligent doctors and hospitals accountable and spurs safety improvements.
A birth injury malpractice case is no ordinary lawsuit. These cases involve complex medical and legal issues. You need a law firm with attorneys knowledgeable in obstetric malpractice to guide you through the process.
At Console & Associates, we have experience handling birth injury claims involving delayed C-sections and other labor and delivery errors. We understand the medical issues at play and know how to investigate and prove that malpractice occurred. Listening with empathy, our medical malpractice lawyers will help you understand your rights and work tirelessly to maximize your compensation.
Malpractice cases have strict filing deadlines that vary by state, so it’s critical to get skilled legal representation as soon as possible. The consultation is always free, and you pay no fees unless we win your case.
If you suspect a labor and delivery error harmed you or your child, don’t wait. Complete our online form and tell us your story. Together, we’ll pursue the accountability and compensation your family deserves.
