Injuries To Babies And Mothers Caused By Negligence
Louisiana has one of the highest incidences of birth injuries in the nation. Trauma and injuries caused by negligence on the part of medical staff during pregnancy, labor, delivery or neonatal care are not always reported. In some cases, mistakes may be covered up. Proving negligence usually requires careful analysis of medical records to find the truth.
Negligence in the delivery room during labor often results in a lack of oxygen to the fetus. This can cause injuries with potentially life-long effects including:
- Perinatal asphyxia
- Brain damage
- Seizures
- Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy
Improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors is also leading causes of birth injuries such as:
- Cerebral palsy
- Erb’s palsy
- Shoulder dystocia
- Spastic Quadriparesis
Medical errors in the delivery room also affect mothers. Failure to recognize and respond to changes in a mother’s health before and during delivery can result in:
- Preeclampsia
- Bleeding
- Sepsis or other infections
Common Causes Of Birth Injuries In The Delivery Room
Poor communication between the medical staff is often the root cause of birth injuries. The roles and responsibilities of members of the birthing team sometimes overlap or are poorly defined, leading to confusion in the delivery room. Leading causes of birth injuries during delivery include:
- Misusing oxytocin or other labor-inducing drugs
- Failure to monitor signs of fetal distress
- Critical delays in performing a cesarean section
- Misuse of vacuum extractor or forceps
- Using improper intubation or resuscitation techniques
Birth injury claims may involve injuries to the mother, the fetus or the baby. If you or your child suffered injuries due to negligence on the part of the medical team, you deserve compensation.
To Determine If You Have A Claim, Contact Collins Law
If you believe you have a birth injury claim, contact Collins Law to set up a free initial consultation. Call us at 318-626-7300 or fill out our online contact form.