New York City Birth Complications Lawyer
After nine months of preparing for the birth of a new child, labor and delivery are usually welcome events for expecting parents. Sadly, complications during the labor and delivery process can turn an event that is supposed to be joyous into one that is devastating. If you believe that your child was injured due to medical negligence in the labor or delivery room, you need legal help. Our New York City birth complications lawyer can provide it and help your family obtain the maximum damages you deserve.
What Causes Birth Complications?
Complications during labor and delivery can be the result of medical errors made, but natural causes can also result in birth complications. The most common causes of birth complications are as follows:
- Premature birth: Sometimes, babies are born prematurely through no fault of medical professionals. A premature birth can result in brain issues, breathing difficulties, cerebral palsy, and chronic health problems. Medical professionals should do whatever they can to prevent a premature birth, such as ordering bedrest for high-risk mothers, observing signs of preterm labor, and other preventative measures.
- Prolonged labor: A prolonged labor can result in infection in the newborn, fetal distress, and a drop in the baby’s heart rate. Medical staff should recognize the signs of prolonged labor and take the appropriate steps, such as ordering a C-section to deliver the baby quickly.
- Breech birth: A breech birth is one in which the newborn is not born head first but instead, feet first. This can make labor and delivery much more difficult, including resulting in prolonged labor. Medical staff also must know how to respond to this complication, including ordering a C-section.
- Umbilical cord issues: There are many different types of umbilical cord issues, including when the cord becomes wrapped around the baby’s neck. Again, doctors must know how to prevent this from happening and respond to it quickly when it does.
When is Medical Staff Liable for Birth Complications?
Not all birth complications are the result of medical negligence. For example, a baby’s brain may develop abnormally while they are still in the wound, resulting in cerebral palsy. In this instance, medical treatment and attention could likely not prevent the problem and so, malpractice did not occur.
However, a doctor can also cause cerebral palsy. For example, a child may have otherwise been born healthy but birth complications, such as fetal distress or a lack of oxygen, resulted in cerebral palsy. In this instance, you may be able to hold the doctor liable if they did not try to prevent it and address complications quickly. Generally speaking, to prove medical malpractice occurred, you must show that another medical professional in the same field would have acted differently.
Our Birth Complications Lawyer in New York City Can Help After Injury
If your child has been harmed by a complication that could have been prevented, our New York City birth complications lawyer can help. At Michael Gunzburg, P.C., our experienced attorney has seen the devastating effects of these complications and is dedicated to helping families make things right. Call us now at 212-725-8500 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more.
