Labor and delivery is such a common medical practice that it is almost inconceivable that any injury will occur to the mother while giving birth. However, tragedies do occur, and when they do it is important to hold any and all negligent parties accountable.
At Soloff & Zervanos, P.C., our Philadelphia attorneys have been serving on behalf of medical malpractice victims in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for more than 25 years. We understand what it takes to build a successful personal injury claim, and we will work hard to help you recover the compensation to which you are entitled. Contact us online or call 215-929-7216 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your situation.
How Negligence Can Cause Birth Injuries To Mothers
There are any number of negligent acts that may result in an injury to a birth mother. Some of the more common claims include:
Failure to diagnose gestational diabetes: Gestational diabetes cases have increased significantly over the past 20 years. It is due to a lack of insulin production and carbohydrate intolerance during pregnancy. If untreated can cause blood pressure issues, eye problems, kidney damage just to name a few of the very serious effects when left untreated and unrecognized. The condition has also been associated with unexplained stillbirths and fetal death during the last 4-8 weeks of pregnancy.
Failure to diagnose pre-eclampsia: This disorder is characterized by a rapid increase in blood pressure, and can occur both during the pregnancy and in the weeks immediately following childbirth. Tests are available to help identify this condition, even if no symptoms are present. If left untreated, pre-eclampsia can cause stroke, seizures, multiple organ failure and even death.
Medication errors during childbirth: The administration of the wrong medication during pregnancy can be catastrophic. Administering a drug that is meant for another patient, failure to monitor the vital signs of a mother who has received anesthesia and other errors can cause serious harm during the labor process. It is especially important to advise your doctor of OB-GYN of any known allergies to medication. This information is vitally important during pregnancy and especially during delivery.
C-section errors: Although C-sections are a relatively common way of delivering babies, serious and occasionally fatal errors are committed during delivery. Lacerated bowels, organ damage, nerve damage and other severe injuries may result when C-sections are not performed properly.
Blood loss: Severe blood loss, or postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), can occur as the result of forceps extractions, C-section lacerations and other actions carried out during the labor and delivery process. It is important for medical professionals to monitor the symptoms of PPH and to treat it as soon as possible.
Tears in tissue: Perineal tears are a relatively common occurrence during childbirth. In most cases, they are relatively minor and will heal over time. Some may require a suture or two. However, in certain cases severe tearing may occur and may require extensive surgery. Oftentimes, these types of severe tears can be proactively avoided with proper medical care. It is particularly important for both you and your doctor to know the size of your baby and further recognize whether you are capable of delivering your baby full term and vaginally vs. C-section or through some other assisted means.
Our lawyers will thoroughly review the circumstances that led up to any injuries you or the mother of your child had to endure during childbirth. We will help you fight for the compensation you need and deserve when medical professionals have failed to deliver the proper standard of care.
Contact The Law Firm Of Soloff & Zervanos, P.C.
If you or a loved one has suffered as the result of childbirth malpractice, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact us online or call 215-929-7216 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your case. With office locations in Philadelphia, Allentown, Reading, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Cherry Hill, New Jersey and New York, we are conveniently located to help serve your needs.