Childbirth is quite delicate and often requires careful medical attention. While a lot of deliveries go smoothly, medical negligence may lead to severe complications for both the mother and the baby. However, knowing what qualifies as medical negligence in these cases is important.
Medical negligence occurs when a healthcare provider fails to meet the required standard of care and causes harm. Examples include improper use of forceps, failure to protect the mother, and delayed C-sections. Let’s explore common examples and legal considerations of medical negligence during childbirth.
When Can You Make a Claim for Childbirth Medical Negligence?
For a childbirth medical negligence claim to be possible, the injury must have occurred due to a mistake by a medical staff. Also, there must have been a delay in treating an existing condition, worsening the problem.
If negligence causes birth injuries like cerebral palsy, brain damage, or maternal complications, you may have a case. Claims usually require proving that the healthcare provider deviated from the accepted practices. If you suspect negligence, consult experienced birth injury lawyers to help you seek justice.
Common Examples of Medical Negligence During Childbirth
If you have any reason to suspect your healthcare provider of negligence during childbirth, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Here are six common examples if you’re unsure of what constitutes medical negligence.
Not Monitoring for Signs of Fetal Distress
Failing to monitor fetal distress is a common form of medical negligence during childbirth. If healthcare experts overlook oxygen deprivation or abnormal heart rates, the baby may suffer brain damage, stillbirth, or cerebral palsy. Timely intervention is always important to prevent these complications.
Mishandling of Difficult Births
Births that last longer than 18 hours fall into the category of difficult births. If this type of birth is not handled properly, the mother and the child may experience severe trauma. That is why healthcare providers must closely monitor unborn children to prevent problems.
Improper Use of Force, Vacuum Extractors or Forceps
Improperly using force, forceps, and vacuum extractors during delivery can cause serious birth injuries. Excessive force may lead to nerve damage, brain damage, or brain injuries like cerebral palsy. Medical professionals must use these tools properly and only when necessary to prevent harming the baby and mother.
Delayed C-Sections
A delayed C-section can lead to severe complications, including brain damage, oxygen deprivation, or stillbirth. If doctors fail to act quickly despite signs of distress, prolonged labor, or umbilical cord issues, it can be considered negligence during a birth injury claim. Timely intervention protects both the baby and the mother.
Failure to Protect the Mother
Not protecting the mother during childbirth can cause severe complications, such as organ damage, hemorrhaging, and infections. Negligence may include not addressing maternal distress and not controlling excessive bleeding. Proper care ensures the mother’s safety and prevents life-threatening outcomes.
Not Diagnosing or Treating Neonatal Complications
Failure to treat neonatal complications like jaundice and breathing difficulties can cause serious health problems and long-term disabilities. Prompt medical evaluations and interventions are important for ensuring a newborn’s well-being.
Endnote
Negligence from healthcare providers can be damaging during childbirth. Failing to monitor signs for fetal distress, mishandling difficult births, improper use of force and tools, delayed C-sections, failure to protect the mother, and not paying attention to neonatal complications all count as negligence.
