Going into labor is an exciting moment for a family. As the due date approaches, parents eagerly anticipate the joy of finally meeting their baby. However, when labor does not progress as expected, the outcomes can be deeply distressing for both mother and child.
Labor that slows or stalls puts the baby at significant risk. Timely medical intervention is paramount but does not always happen. That is when cases of labor and delivery malpractice can arise.
Delayed labor frequently leads to birth injuries, causing lifelong disabilities and astronomical medical costs. Prolonged delay can elevate the risks of brain damage, cerebral palsy, nerve injuries, and other severe birth injuries. Families face emotional anguish and financial burdens when poor decision-making in medical malpractice pregnancy cases leads to avoidable harm.
If you believe medical negligence harmed your baby, consulting our labor and delivery attorneys can help you understand your rights and the potential for compensation. Learning about the risks and legal implications of delayed labor is a crucial first step toward seeking justice.
Types of Birth Injuries Caused by Delayed Labor
Among the types of birth injuries resulting from delayed labor, the three most prevalent are:
- Cerebral palsy often occurs when there’s oxygen loss, leading to lifelong mobility and coordination challenges.
- Erb’s palsy can develop when nerves overstress during delivery, impairing muscles in the arm and hand.
- Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) indicates brain damage due to oxygen deprivation.
These conditions often require extensive treatment and therapies. They can also inflict significant emotional and financial strain on families.
Building a Solid Legal Case
To build a robust legal case, your lawyer must show that the healthcare provider failed to meet the applicable medical standard of care. The standard serves as the foundation for evaluating a clinical response. Any deviations from this accepted protocol can indicate negligence, especially if they result in injury.
It’s essential to establish a direct link between delayed labor and the resulting birth injury. After establishing the connection, you’ll need to document your losses comprehensively. These can include:
- Medical expenses
- Therapy requirements
- Equipment needs
- Pain and suffering
A recent landmark verdict saw Penn Medicine liable for $183 million for a delayed cesarean section, which led to a child developing severe cerebral palsy. The jury awarded the child and family enough money for a lifetime of medical care and disability. Such verdicts underscore the critical importance of prompt and appropriate decisions in the delivery room. They also highlight the importance of hiring an experienced labor and delivery negligence attorney to fight for what you deserve.
Connect with a Knowledgeable Birth Injuries Lawyer Today
The experienced Philadelphia birth injury attorneys at Eisenberg, Rothweiler, Winkler, Eisenberg & Jeck, P.C. have the skills and resources to tackle intricate medical malpractice pregnancy cases. Our meticulous work ethic and preparedness for trial allow us to focus on seeking full compensation for our clients.
If you suspect your child’s birth injury resulted from negligence, contact our labor and delivery negligence attorneys for a free consultation today. Justice could be just around the corner.
