Obstetric Malpractice

Birth Injuries and Your Legal Rights

Obstetric malpractice occurs when a medical professional fails to provide appropriate care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, resulting in harm to the mother or child. The birth process is one of the most critical times in a person’s life, and when medical professionals fail in their duties, it can lead to serious, lifelong injuries. If you believe that obstetric malpractice caused a birth injury, it is crucial to consult with an experienced birth injury lawyer to understand your legal options and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

At Findley Law, we specialize in representing families affected by obstetric malpractice and birth injuries. Brian K. Findley and his team have extensive experience handling cases involving medical negligence during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. We understand the medical and legal complexities involved in these cases and are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation that families deserve.

What is Obstetric Malpractice?

Obstetric malpractice refers to any form of medical negligence that occurs during pregnancy, labor, or delivery that causes harm to the mother or child. Obstetricians, gynecologists, and other medical professionals involved in childbirth have a responsibility to provide proper care and ensure that both mother and baby are safe. When they fail to do so, the results can be catastrophic.

Common forms of obstetric malpractice include:

Failure to Monitor Vital Signs: Monitoring the mother and baby’s vital signs, including heart rate, oxygen levels, and blood pressure, is essential throughout pregnancy and labor. Failure to properly monitor these vital signs can result in undiagnosed complications, such as fetal distress or lack of oxygen, leading to severe birth injuries.
Failure to Perform a Timely C-Section: If labor is progressing slowly, the baby is in distress, or the baby is in an abnormal position, a timely C-section may be necessary to prevent harm to the baby. Failure to perform a C-section when needed can result in brain damage, oxygen deprivation, or other serious complications, including hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) or cerebral palsy.
Improper Use of Delivery Tools: Delivery tools, such as forceps or vacuum extractors, can be used to assist with difficult deliveries. However, improper use of these tools can cause birth injuries like brachial plexus injury (Erb’s palsy), facial paralysis, or skull fractures. Medical professionals must use these tools carefully and only when necessary.
Failure to Diagnose or Treat Complications: Complications such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or placental abruption can pose serious risks to both the mother and baby. Failure to diagnose or properly treat these conditions during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, birth injuries, or even stillbirth.

Why You Need a Lawyer for Obstetric Malpractice Cases

If you believe your child’s birth injury was caused by obstetric malpractice, it is crucial to seek legal advice from an experienced birth injury lawyer. Findley Law can help you navigate the complexities of medical malpractice cases and ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Here’s why you need a lawyer:

Investigating the Cause of Injury

Birth injury cases require thorough investigation to determine if medical malpractice occurred. A skilled lawyer will work with medical experts to analyze the circumstances surrounding the birth and determine if negligence contributed to the injury.

Proving Medical Negligence

Proving that medical negligence occurred during labor and delivery can be challenging. Your lawyer will gather medical records, consult with experts, and build a strong case to prove that the medical professionals involved were negligent in their care.

Pursuing Compensation

If obstetric malpractice led to your child’s birth injury, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, future care needs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. A lawyer will ensure that you receive fair compensation for all of these costs.

Common Birth Injuries Caused by Obstetric Malpractice

Obstetric malpractice can result in a wide range of birth injuries, including:

Cerebral Palsy: A neurological disorder caused by brain damage during birth, often due to oxygen deprivation or improper use of delivery tools.
Brachial Plexus Injury (Erb’s Palsy): Injury to the nerves controlling the arm, typically caused by excessive pulling during delivery or improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors.
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): A brain injury caused by a lack of oxygen during labor or delivery, leading to severe developmental issues and long-term disability.
Facial Paralysis: Damage to the facial nerves caused by the improper use of forceps during delivery, resulting in temporary or permanent weakness or paralysis of the face.
Fractures: Broken bones, particularly the collarbone, which can occur during a difficult delivery or improper handling during the birthing process.
Brain Damage: Caused by oxygen deprivation, inadequate monitoring, or failure to perform a timely C-section. Brain injuries can lead to lifelong disabilities, including developmental delays and intellectual disabilities.

How Findley Law Can Help

At Findley Law, we are dedicated to representing families affected by obstetric malpractice and birth injuries. We have the experience, resources, and compassion needed to help you through this challenging time. Brian K. Findley and his team will fight for your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation your child deserves.

Contact Findley Law Today for a Free Consultation

If you suspect that obstetric malpractice caused your child’s birth injury, don’t wait to seek legal help. Findley Law is here to assist you in seeking justice for your child. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us guide you through the process of securing the compensation your family needs for medical expenses, ongoing care, and emotional suffering.

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