Blog: Birth Injury

Discrimination In Maternal Healthcare Is Real

Mar 27, 2024

It was reported this morning that former Kansas City Chiefs cheerleader Krystal Anderson passed away unexpectedly after giving birth to a stillborn infant. Anderson’s cause of death was stated to be sepsis, and little is being reported at this point about the cause of the infection, the specific prenatal care she was receiving, or the cause of her child’s death. Anderson was a health advocate who placed great importance on all persons having access to...

Cephalopelvic Disproportion and Birth Injury Negligence

Apr 10, 2019

Cephalopelvic disproportion is the term for an infant’s head that is too large to fit through the mother’s pelvis. Appropriate diagnosis of cephalopelvic disproportion typically results in the physician scheduling delivery by cesarean section. When a physician makes a mistake or negligent oversight during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, cephalopelvic disproportion can go undiagnosed. This could put both mother and child at risk, and lead to birth injury negligence. If you believe your doctor committed medical malpractice...

What is C-Section Negligence?

Jan 17, 2019

A caesarian section, what doctors usually refer to as a C-section, is a major surgery; it comes all the complications of other types of surgeries. Unlike most other surgeries, however, this one usually involves the additional challenge of caring for a baby during recovery. In some cases, medical negligence and improper aftercare instructions can lead to C-section infections, which can require additional treatment and hospitalization for new mothers. A medical malpractice attorney can help you determine...

Can I Sue for My Child’s Birth Injury?

Feb 3, 2016

Mothers do their best during pregnancy to give their unborn babies the best start possible. They have less control over what happens once labor begins, and they put their baby’s well-being in the hands of physicians, nurses and medical staff. In most cases, babies are not hurt during birth. On some occasions, however, a medical mistake leads to the death or injury of a newborn. What happens next? Can a family file a lawsuit for their...

What is Perinatal Hypoxia and is It a Preventable Birth Injury?

Jan 13, 2016

Perinatal hypoxia, meaning the lack of oxygen to an unborn child during labor and delivery, can occur if signs of certain complications during labor and/or delivery are not caught in time by medical staff. This dangerous oxygen deficiency in an infant can have life-threatening effects. The condition can cause long-term neurological complications that range from behavioral deficits to severe seizures and cerebral palsy, according to an article published in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biomedical Technology. For...

Umbilical Cord Accidents and Medical Negligence

Jan 11, 2016

An umbilical cord accident disrupts blood flow through the cord to an unborn baby’s body. A cord-related accident is rare, but it is one of the causes of stillbirth and must be treated with immediate attention. Medical staff must act quickly to recognize and remedy conditions during labor or delivery to prevent harm to a newborn. A delay in action or failure to act may be considered medical negligence. An umbilical cord accident may involve: A knotted or...

Macrosomic Complications Resulting in Birth Injuries

Jan 11, 2016

When diagnosed and treated appropriately, a macrosomic infant – one that weighs more than eight pounds, 15 ounces – can be delivered without problems. Failure to take appropriate action may result in macrosomic complications and lifelong consequences to both the mother and child. Macrosomic complications for the mother may include: Lacerations of the birth canal Uterine atony, which can cause serious bleeding after delivery Uterine rupture along the scar from a prior cesarean delivery Urinary or fecal incontinence For the newborn,...

Lack of Oxygen at Birth

Dec 18, 2015

Depriving a baby of oxygen before, during or after delivery can be deadly or result in permanent brain injury. Brain cells begin to die within minutes of oxygen deprivation, so it’s imperative that hospital staff quickly identify signs that a baby is not getting enough oxygen. Lack of oxygen at birth can be caused by: Umbilical cord compression Prolapsed umbilical cord Umbilical cord around neck Sedation of the mother Problems with the placenta Long or difficult delivery Anoxia and Hypoxia Perinatal hypoxia occurs when...

Causes of Stillbirth Related to Medical Malpractice

Dec 17, 2015

Many causes of stillbirth cannot be explained, but some are accompanied by clear patterns of fetal distress – the kind a physician should be able to recognize and respond to. Unfortunately, the necessary response can come too late. It’s unacceptable when a mother is ignored and she and her baby suffer the consequences, especially when an emergency Caesarian delivery or other action could have been taken. Stopping this Situation from Happening to Another Parent You deserve to know...

Understanding Fetal Distress

Dec 7, 2015

Fetal distress refers to the signs before and during childbirth indicating that a fetus is unwell. It is an uncommon complication of labor, typically occuring when the fetus has not been receiving enough oxygen. Fetal distress may occur when a pregnancy lasts too long or if there are complications during pregnancy or labor. Indications of fetal distress during delivery may include: Prolonged or difficult labor Perinatal hypoxia Umbilical cord problems such as a compressed or prolapsed cord Shoulder dystocia Abnormal electronic...