Medical malpractice can occur at any point during the patient-care process, regardless of the procedure. Unfortunately, preventable childbirth injuries occur with alarming regularity. In fact, negligence during delivery is one of the leading causes for medical malpractice lawsuits. When a doctor is negligent during childbirth, both the mother and child could face severe long-term consequences. If you or your child are the victim of birth injury malpractice, then you should consider filing a lawsuit against the negligent medical personnel responsible for your and your child’s care. Our Pennsylvania birth injury malpractice lawyers will help guide you throughout each stage of the legal process.
At Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C., we understand how devastating negligence during delivery can be for children and their families. Expanding your family should be a time of joy — you should not have to worry about medical malpractice and its resulting consequences. Our Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers have taken a particular interest in mothers and children suffering from birth injuries as a result of medical negligence. We have amassed a record of medical malpractice victories and know how to litigate cases of a sensitive nature. Although our medical malpractice law firm is located in Philadelphia, we will take birth injury malpractice clients from all across the country. Our team will work tirelessly to ensure that any negligent party is held accountable for the damage done to you and your child.
What Are Common Causes of Negligence During Childbirth?
While childbirth often requires quick decision making by medical personnel, negligence is never acceptable. Typically, you have grounds to file a medical malpractice suit if the doctor, nurse, midwife or medical practitioner:
- Chose a medically inappropriate course of treatment
- Failed to exercise proper skill or care during the procedure
It is also important to know that any medical personnel assisting during childbirth must meet the “Medical Standard of Care.” This is a legal concept that requires a doctor, nurse or midwife to act as any other similarly-skilled practitioner would under like circumstances. If a medical practitioner fails to meet this standard, then that action (or inaction) can be considered malpractice. If you have questions about the “Medical Standard of Care” during childbirth, then please reach out to one of our Pennsylvania medical malpractice lawyers. We can review the evidence surrounding your case and will properly advise you about your legal options.
What Injuries Can Occur Due to Negligence During Delivery?
While childbirth often requires quick decision making by medical personnel, negligence is never acceptable. Typically, you have grounds to file a medical malpractice suit if the doctor, nurse, midwife or medical practitioner:
- Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE). This injury is commonly referred to as birth asphyxia. It is a deadly brain injury that occurs when a baby is deprived of oxygen during delivery. If the mother’s blood pressure drops during delivery, or there are problems with the umbilical cord, then the baby could become deprived of oxygen.
- Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy. This birth injury is commonly referred to as Erb’s Palsy. It is a nerve-related injury that occurs when the infant’s neck or shoulder is stretched too far by medical personnel during delivery.
A mother could also suffer from any of the following injuries:
- Perineal tearing. This is a laceration of the skin or soft tissue structures that separate the vagina from the anus. Medical malpractice claims are typically filed if medical personnel provide inadequate or negligent treatment after such tearing occurs.
- C-Section injuries. A C-section is a medical procedure where an unborn child is delivered through an incision made through the mother’s abdomen and uterine wall. The bladder is the most frequently injured organ when medical malpractice occurs during a C-section.
- Pelvic fractures. If you are experiencing incontinence, back pain or pain during urination, bowel movements or sex, then you might have an undiagnosed pelvic fracture or tear. While medical personnel are supposed to prevent or help care for these types of injuries, they often go unnoticed.
Call Today for a Free Consultation With Our Pennsylvania Birth Malpractice Lawyers
If your labor and/or delivery was improperly managed by a medical professional, then you should contact Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C., today at (215) 546-6636 and schedule a free initial consultation. Our Pennsylvania birth malpractice lawyers are ready to hear from you and will address your legal concerns. You can also contact us online and tell us about your case. You and your child deserve to receive the best medical care possible during labor and delivery. When this fails to happen, our Philadelphia medical malpractice law firm will help you pick up the pieces and move forward with your life.
