Baltimore Birth Complications Lawyer
Most pregnancies and birthing processes do not involve any complications. Still, there are times when a birth does not proceed normally and complications arise that put both the mother and baby at risk of suffering injury. Although these complications cannot always be avoided, doctors and other medical staff must know how to respond to them quickly to reduce the chances of serious injury.
When medical professionals do not try to prevent complications, or they do not respond to them quickly, they can be held liable for their negligence. Our Baltimore birth complications lawyer can help you recover the full damages you and your family are entitled to.
Common Birth Complications
A number of things can go wrong during the birthing process, but there are some complications that are more common than others. These are as follows:
- Failure to progress: Also known as prolonged labor, this is a complication most often experienced by first-time mothers. When a labor lasts too long, it places the mother and the child at risk for many complications, with infection being one of the main ones.
- Abnormal presentation: The way in which a baby ‘presents’ in the womb refers to the direction they are facing. The vertex position, when a baby is head down, is considered normal. When a baby is breech, or buttocks down, it raises the risk that their head will become stuck in the birth canal after their body has moved through it.
- Cord prolapse: The umbilical cord is an unborn child’s lifeline. Even during the birthing process, babies rely on this cord to provide them with oxygen and nutrients. When the cord prolapses, it enters the birth canal before the child, where it poses a danger of becoming blocked and stopping blood flow.
- Cord compression: Unborn children move around a lot in the uterus and this can cause the umbilical cord to become wrapped around different parts of their body. During birth, the umbilical cord may wrap around a part of the baby’s body and become compressed, which will block blood flow and oxygen from reaching the child.
When are Birth Complications Medical Malpractice?
Not all birth complications are preventable but even when that is the case, doctors and medical professionals must respond to them quickly to prevent harm to the mother and child. When they fail to take the necessary steps to keep both individuals safe, they can be held liable for medical malpractice.
One of the main practices medical professionals must adhere to during the birthing process is the use of fetal monitors. These devices are critical to monitor the vital signs and health of the child as it progresses through the birthing canal. Additionally, many birth complications, such as prolonged labor and abnormal presentation, can be addressed with a C-section instead of a vaginal birth. When doctors do not properly monitor the child, fail to order a C-section in a timely manner, or otherwise act negligently, they can be held liable for any injuries to the mother or child.
Call Our Birth Complications Lawyer in Baltimore Today
If you or your child has been harmed by medical negligence, our Baltimore birth complications lawyer can help. At Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC, our skilled attorneys can help you and your family during this difficult time by handling every aspect of your claim so you recover the full damages you deserve. Call us today at 410.567.0800 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
