There is no experience that can match the trauma of a childbirth injury. This is especially true if the injury was preventable. All too often, complications during or before delivery are the results of oversights from nurses or physicians.
Childbirth injuries are more common than you might expect. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, out of every 1,000 babies born in the United States, between six and eight have some form of birth injury.
If you or your child suffered a medical complication before or during delivery, then you may have grounds for a lawsuit against the at-fault party. This is where a medical malpractice attorney may be able to help.
A Miami personal-injury attorney from The Law Offices of Needle & Ellenberg, P.A. can evaluate your case and determine if you have valid grounds for a lawsuit. We have been representing the rights of the injured in Florida for more than 50 years. Call us today at 305-290-1736 to schedule a consultation.
In the meantime, read on learn more about prenatal negligence and deliver errors:
Prenatal Negligence
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, an individual who sustains an injury due to a physician or health-care worker’s negligence may pursue a civil claim. The same is true in the case of prenatal care.
If you can prove that you received negligent treatment during the pregnancy that harmed the unborn child, then you may have valid grounds for a claim. This may include a doctor or health-care worker’s failure to diagnose a serious medical condition in the mother, or a failure to identify obvious birth defects in the fetus. If a doctor does not identify an ectopic pregnancy or a disease in the mother that may spread to the fetus, then there may also be grounds for a claim.
Deliver Errors
If a doctor is negligent during the actual birthing process to the extent that it causes injuries to the mother or child, then there may also be grounds for a medical malpractice claim. The birth process is complex and sensitive, and as such, there are several complications that may occur. Common errors that constitute malpractice include:
- A failure to respond to fetal distress;
- Incompetent use of birthing equipment, such as forceps;
- Or failure to anticipate complications related to the unborn child’s size or umbilical cord position.
Furthermore, if the doctor fails to order a cesarean section when it is necessary, and either the child or the mother suffers as a result, then there may be grounds for a medical malpractice claim.
Medical malpractice is a complex area of personal-injury law, and the guidance of an attorney may prove invaluable. At The Law Offices of Needle & Ellenberg, P.A., we can investigate your injuries and determine if they may constitute medical malpractice.
We can also gather evidence, contact expert witnesses and handle settlement negotiations. To schedule a consultation with a Miami personal-injury attorney, call us today at 305-290-1736.