Untreated Fetal Distress Can Result In Birth Injury
Oxygen deprivation to a fetus can result in brain damage and severe injuries. Physicians, nurses and midwives should use fetal monitoring during the birth to prevent oxygen deprivation or to intervene when the baby is in distress. If they fail to properly monitor the fetus, they may be held accountable for injury or death that results.
What To Do If You Suspect Medical Negligence
If you believe your child suffered a birth injury caused by failure to monitor the fetus, you may be unsure where to turn for help. We understand that a birth injury can change your family forever. We also know that families in these circumstances need a lawyer to help them sort through the legal and medical issues they are facing. You can rely on Shelly Law Offices, LLC, to provide compassionate legal counsel as our attorney seeks the compensation you need.
Failure To Recognize And Treat Fetal Distress
During pregnancy and labor, the fetus receives oxygen from the mother through the placenta and umbilical cord. When oxygen does not get to the fetus, it can cause brain injuries such as cerebral palsy.
Some of the reasons a fetus may suffer oxygen deprivation include:
- Prolonged labor
- Compression or twisting of the umbilical cord
- Overuse of labor-inducing drugs
- Placenta rupture
- Problems with the mother’s blood pressure
These problems should be detected before, during or after the birth if the medical team is accurately monitoring the fetus. A failure to do so may be medical malpractice. We will investigate the claim to determine how the injury occurred.
Your Child May Need Long-Term Care
A fetus or newborn with brain damage may have developmental disabilities that require a lifetime of costly medical care. Depending on the type of birth injury involved, your child may need daily in-home care, orthopedic care, cognitive and behavioral therapy, special education, adaptive toys, wheelchairs and other medical equipment, and numerous medications. Your home and vehicles may need modifications to accommodate your child safely.
We will help you obtain the compensation you need to cover these costs as well as lost wages that result from you or your spouse caring for the child.
Give Us A Call To Learn How We Can Help
For a free consultation, please call our Doylestown office at 267-454-6594 or 866-214-3323 toll free, or contact us online.