Childbirth can be an exciting and risky event and many things can go wrong that can result in birth injuries. However, proper care during a pregnancy can often help to prevent birth injuries from happening during labor and delivery. On the other hand, medical mistakes during pregnancy can increase the chance of birth injuries and doctors should be held liable for inadequate prenatal care.
Many potential complications during birth can be predicted and prepared for during a pregnancy. Part of a doctor’s job is to identify if there may be future problems and to provide the necessary preventative care and take the precautions needed to keep both the child and mother healthy and safe. Unfortunately, doctors can fail to provide this necessary standard of care and can cause injury to the newborn, mother, or both.
Examples of negligent acts by doctors during a pregnancy can include the following:
- Not diagnosing conditions in the mother - Conditions such as hypertension, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and infections can be harmful to the baby if they are not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner.
- Not diagnosing conditions in the baby - Doctors should always look for signs of birth defects and other potentially harmful conditions in the child, such as deformities or Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR). Some of these conditions can be treated while the child is in the womb. Other severe defects may lead parents to make the difficult decision to terminate the pregnancy for the best interests and safety of the baby and/or the mother.
- Not recommending a cesarean section - While many mothers are hopeful to have a vaginal delivery for many reasons, a C-section may be the safest choice in many situations. If a doctor fails to recommend a pre-scheduled C-section, it can result in avoidable birth injuries.
If a doctor does not provide proper prenatal care and serious birth complication and injuries result, that doctor should be held liable for their errors and any injuries caused.
Contact an Experienced Michigan Birth Injury Attorney Today
Birth injuries can have long-lasting effects on your family. If your child suffered an injury at birth and you are wondering about your legal rights, please call Michigan Injury Lawyers for help. We can evaluate your case and help you hold negligent doctors liable for medical malpractice. Call us at 313-GETHELP today.
1 http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/preeclampsia/basics/definition/con-20031644
2 https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001500.htm
Thomas L. Stroble
FOUNDER
Mr. Stroble is a highly accomplished graduate of Michigan State University, with degrees in both science and law. He specializes in commercial lawsuits and personal injury cases. Licensed to practice law in Michigan and even the U.S. Supreme Court, he’s a well-qualified legal expert. Besides his career in law, he loves outdoor activities and volunteers as a part-time police officer in Birmingham.
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