4 Types of Medical Negligence That Lead to Birth Injuries

No expectant parent anticipates hearing the news that their newborn has been harmed due to the negligence of the medical staff involved. Medical negligence that leads to birth injuries occurs when a medical practitioner or healthcare provider fails to offer the appropriate care to a mother during childbirth.

The consequences of a birth-related injury can be severe. The child may have to live with a disability or a medical condition for the rest of their life, or worse, lose their life due to the negligence of the hospital staff.

Once medical negligence has been established, parents have the grounds to pursue legal action.

Below are 4 major types of medical negligence that lead to birth injuries.

4 Most Common Types of Medical Negligence 

There are numerous ways that the negligence of medical personnel can lead to birth injuries. Most times, these injuries stem from a failure to properly diagnose and treat them accordingly. Let’s dive right in.

Failure to Perform an Emergency C-Section

During labor and delivery, there are numerous injuries that can happen to a baby. One such medical error is failing to carry out a cesarean section when necessary.

An emergency c-section or induction is crucial due to low amniotic fluid, weakness, or complications with the placenta.

These conditions are monitored by medical professionals during prenatal examinations to make sure the mother can continue with natural labor or safely carry the baby until the set time.

If otherwise, the baby may need to be delivered through induction or an emergency c-section. Performing a c-section and hurting the baby through acts of negligence leads to a lawsuit.

Improper Use of Vacuum Extractor, Force, and Forceps

Using too much force when guiding or repositioning a fetus through the birth canal can lead to physical trauma, birth injuries, and other complications.

Wrongly using vacuum extractors and forceps can also cause the child to be traumatized physically. For example, if a doctor applies excess pressure while using forceps or a vacuum extractor, it can cause brain damage.

Failure to Avoid Hypoxia

Medical errors are commonly blamed for many cases related to cerebral palsy. When a doctor or nurse assists with labor and birth, the wrong use of medical instruments that are made to aid the birth process can lead to or worsen a birth injury. Every doctor should be aware of the limits of such instruments.

Also, if the baby does not get sufficient oxygen, it can result in breech birth. If medical personnel fail to recognize this situation and do not act quickly, it might result in a severe case of birth injury. 

Failure to Spot Fetal Distress

During labor, a medical provider, doctor, midwife, or nurse may see signs of fetal distress. These signs indicate when the baby is deprived of oxygen.

Other medical negligence that leads to birth injuries includes:

• Slow response to emergencies
• Failure to control blood loss
• Failure to observe the baby’s oxygen levels and vital signs
• Failure to diagnose and effectively treat jaundice
• Failure to carry out a test to know the blood type compatibility of both mother and child

Not taking the appropriate action to deal with signs of fetal distress or ignoring them altogether is considered a sign of medical malpractice.

Conclusion

Birth injuries are situations that no parent should have to face. The effects can last a lifetime, not just for the child but for the entire family.

Understanding your legal rights and taking action can help your family get the support you deserve. Be sure to document everything, ask questions, and seek professional advice. Your child’s future is worth every step you take.

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