Baltimore Pitocin Errors Lawyer
If you or your child has suffered an injury due to a Pitocin error, our Baltimore birth injury lawyer can help. Too many people, including newborns, have been injured due to medical malpractice associated with the use of Pitocin to induce labor, and our team of dedicated attorneys are passionate about helping families claim the financial compensation they are entitled to afterwards. Our experienced Baltimore Pitocin error lawyers will examine the facts of your case and develop an appropriate legal strategy before proceeding. Birth injury claims are some of the most complicated, and having the right legal representation on your side can make a huge difference.
What is Pitocin?
Pitocin is an artificial form of oxytocin, the hormone the body produces to assist with the labor process. Pitocin is usually administered intravenously and will induce strong and long-lasting contractions of the uterus. When a woman is in labor and her contractions are not frequent or strong enough, Pitocin will increase uterine activity. The drug helps the cervix dilate so the unborn child can move through the birth canal more easily.
When the incorrect amount of Pitocin is administered, or it is given at the wrong time, it can cause serious harm to the unborn child. For example, a doctor may administer Pitocin before the woman is sufficiently dilated or effaced. In these cases, it is not uncommon for the woman to require a Cesarean section. The most common complications associated with Pitocin errors are as follows:
- Placental abruption
- Fetal distress
- Uterine ruptures
- Hypertension
- Tachycardia
- Bradycardia
- Cardiac arrhythmia
- Fetal head trauma
- Hypoxic ischemic injuries or asphyxia
When a Pitocin error causes any of the above injuries, or any other, individuals can file a claim for compensation to help recover their losses.
Filing a Claim After a Pitocin Error
Anyone who is injured or sustains loss after a Pitocin error can file a lawsuit to recover damages against the negligent party. These cases are medical malpractice claims and when filing, you must prove the healthcare provider was negligent and it was their negligence that caused the injury. Medical malpractice claims heavily rely on the specific facts of the case, so it is important to collect evidence such as medical records and any documentation related to the treatment given.
The law in Maryland also requires individuals filing these claims to obtain the testimony of an expert witness. The witness is usually a healthcare provider in the same field as the defendant. The healthcare witness must then testify as to whether another reasonable healthcare provider would have acted in the same manner as the defendant. A Baltimore birth injury lawyer will have the necessary resources to obtain this expert testimony that will prove your case.
Call Our Birth Injury Lawyer in Baltimore Today
If you or your child has suffered harm as a result of a Pitocin error, our Baltimore birth injury lawyer at Wais, Vogelstein, Forman, Koch & Norman, LLC can help you claim the full damages your family is entitled to. Call us today at 410.567.0800 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about your legal options.
