While the experience of pregnancy, labor and giving birth to a newborn is one of life’s most rewarding and greatest of gifts, the process of giving birth can be dangerous for both newborns and mothers. Medical advances have significantly reduced many of the risks associated with the birthing process.
However, expectant mothers and their infant children are still at a risk of injury as a result of mistakes made by medical professionals, doctors, nurses and midwifes alike. Medical malpractice that occurs during birth can have extremely serious consequences, some of which may affect a newborn infant for the rest of his or her life. In other cases, medical errors result in serious injuries to mothers, sometimes resulting in significant medical complications.
Medical Malpractice and Causes of Birth Injuries
All pregnancies must be properly managed, not just those that pose a high-risk due to maternal age, lifestyle choices, medical history, underlying conditions or complications. From the early sonograms to the time of birth, doctors and health care providers must follow the medical standards of care to protect the mother and child. The following are examples of the kinds of mistakes that can lead to serious birth injuries, for both mothers and infants:
- Unreasonable delay in performing a Cesarean section – A Cesarean section, also referred to as a “C-section,” is a method of non-vaginal delivery that is employed when there are conditions present that may put either the mother or the infant at risk. If emergency conditions arise during birth requiring a C-section go unnoticed and the delay in performing the procedure results in injury, victims may be able to bring a lawsuit.
- Failure to monitor fetal vital signs – The risks of oxygen deprivation to the fetus during childbirth are well-documented, and failure to monitor fetal vital signs may be actionable medical malpractice in many cases.
- Improper use of medical instruments – Modern childbirth often involves the use of many medical instruments and devices, some of which have the potential to cause serious injury if they are used incorrectly.
- Failure to diagnose medical conditions – In circumstances when a woman has been undergoing prenatal medical care, physicians have a duty to recognize and diagnose any medical conditions that the mother or fetus may have that may complicate birth. Failure to do so may constitute medical malpractice.
There are many other medical errors that could potentially result in a birth injury, and anyone who suspects that they or their child has been affected by medical malpractice should have their case evaluated by an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact an Atlanta Birth Injury Attorney to Schedule a Free Consultation
Medical malpractice claims resulting from birth injuries are often very complicated and highly contested. No one deserves to be injured by substandard medical care. It is important for birth injury victims to retain competent and experienced legal counsel in order to make sure that a case is brought to a favorable outcome.
The Atlanta personal injury lawyers at Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC are dedicated to helping hold negligent medical professionals accountable for their actions. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that you will not pay any legal fees to us unless we bring your case to a successful resolution. To schedule a free consultation with one of our Atlanta medical malpractice attorneys, call our law firm today at (404) 869-8600.