14 Questions You Might Be Afraid To Ask About Obstetric Malpractice Lawyer

OB-GYN Malpractice The birth of a child is one of the most anticipated and joyful occasions in the world. Pregnancy and delivery can be dangerous. An OB-GYN malpractice lawyer can assist you in understanding your rights and file a successful claim. You must prove the following: duty breach causation, damages, and breach of duty. Misdiagnosis and Failure to Diagnose One of the most prevalent types of OB-GYN malpractice is the failure to diagnose an issue that could lead to potentially serious consequences for both mother and baby. If a medical professional fails to recognize early warning signs such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia, the patient could suffer from permanent damage, as also emotional and financial strain. Misinterpretation of diagnostic tests, like ultrasounds or mammograms, is another common form of medical malpractice in the obstetric field. These errors can lead to unnecessary anxiety and/or wrong treatment decisions. In some instances the carelessness of a gynecologist could result in surgical complications, and even severe injuries such as strokes or hematomas. Surgery errors during a hysterectomy, or a cesarean section, are another frequent cause of OB/GYN malpractice suits. This kind of negligence, whether it's due to poor surgical technique, inability to properly manage postoperative care or a misinterpretation test results, can cause serious injuries to patients. Medical malpractice cases can be complex and require the help of an experienced OB-GYN lawyer. A seasoned attorney can assist by conducting a thorough analysis of the medical records, identifying all liable parties and ensuring that the claim is filed in accordance with the law applicable to it. The most commonly used legal basis for OB-GYN malpractice claims is negligence. Doctors can be held liable for malpractice if they diverge from the standard of care a reasonably competent health professional would have provided in similar circumstances, and this deviation results in harm to the patient. Expert testimony and medical evidence are required to prove that an OB/GYN acted in a negligent manner during the course of her work. Depending on the severity of the alleged malpractice an individual patient may be entitled to compensation including medical bills as well as lost income, emotional trauma and punitive damages to punish medical professionals involved for their egregious actions. Birth Injury Throughout the pregnancy and birthing process, mothers are heavily dependent on the recommendations and treatment of their OB/GYN physicians. Unfortunately, unexpected complications during childbirth can occur. Obstetricians can make mistakes that can cause injuries to the mother or child when complications arise. In the most serious cases the medical negligence could lead to the death of a baby or mother. Physical birth injuries can range from a minor tear to the perineal to damage to the pelvic nerves, known as pudendal neuralgia that results in long-term pain in the vagina and the rectum (perineum). The most grave physical birth injuries are spinal cord injuries. These can range from minor bruises, to complete spinal cord tears. These injuries are often caused by the improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors which cause the doctor to twist the fetus’ head during delivery. Shoulder dystocia can lead to an injury to the spinal cord. This is when the baby's head becomes stuck in the birth canal. Erb's plexus and brachial injuries, which affect the nerves in the arms and hands, are also frequent causes of spinal injury. It is normal for women to experience psychological or emotional traumas during labor and birth, in addition to physical injuries. These kinds of injuries can be incredibly painful, causing feelings of anxiety or fear, nightmares, flashbacks or trouble sleeping. Women who suffer psychological or emotional injuries – often referred to as birth trauma – could be entitled to compensation. Compensation can be awarded to cover medical expenses as well as lost wages, rehabilitation and therapy as well as replacement services. In the case of wrongful deaths the punitive damages could be awarded to punish the offender and deter similar behavior in the future. Failure to perform C-Sections There are instances in a delivery room when an emergency C-section is necessary to ensure the safety of both mother and baby. A fibroid that blocks the birth canal, pelvic fractures, a baby too big to pass through the vagina or breech, as well as other serious medical conditions can necessitate an immediate C-section. In the event of a delay in performing a C-section, in these situations could result in severe injuries and potentially even death. The gynecological procedure that is prone to errors like hysterectomies or cesarean sections are a common cause of malpractice lawsuits against OBGYNs. These mistakes can be caused by poor surgical techniques, inadequate planning, or failure to carry out treatment plans. They could also be due to an inability to inform patients of the risks associated with the procedure or misinterpreting the results of diagnostic tests. Gynecologists or obstetricians have the obligation of monitoring the health of a woman during pregnancy and all processes associated in caring for her, the fetus and the mother up until the time of delivery. In the event that they fail to adhere to this standard of care, and an injury is incurred as a result, it could be considered medical malpractice. If you believe you or your child has been injured as a result of an OB-GYN mistake it is crucial to speak with an experienced New York City OBGYN malpractice attorney as soon as possible. A skilled birth injury lawyer can help you exercise your rights and receive the full amount you're due. To learn more, contact Brown Trial Firm to schedule an appointment today for a free consultation. Our lawyers have years of experience in obstetrical malpractice cases and will fight to hold the accountable parties for their actions. You can be sure that we will provide you with the best legal representation. Uterine Rupture Uterine rupture during childbirth is among the most serious complications. If doctors do not diagnose and deliver the baby before the uterus ruptures both the mother and the child are at risk of serious complications. Doctors must be vigilant in finding signs of rupture of the uterus. This includes bleeding from the vaginal area, and a change to the pattern of heart tones of the fetus during labor. They must also be prepared to perform an emergency C-section in the event that these signs occur. In the event of uterine rupture, the fetus and placenta could protrude from the the wall of the uterus. The fetus immediately is at risk of deprivation of oxygen. Hypoxia can lead to serious brain injuries, such as hypoxic ischemic brain injury (HIE) and cerebral palsy. If medical professionals fail to spot the signs of uterine rupture and promptly initiate delivery the baby may suffer from hypoxia-related brain injuries or even die. The uterus may rupture on its own in early pregnancy without any predisposing factors. It is often difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms are not specific and could easily be misinterpreted to mean other conditions, including abdominal pain, uterine fibroids, or vaginal bleeding. The index of a doctor for suspicion of uterine rupture must be high, as the result could be catastrophic. medical negligence lawyers accidentinjurylawyers is estimated that six percent of babies do not survive the rupture of the uterus. The odds of survival increase dramatically when the uterus is discovered and delivered within 30 minutes. This is the reason it is crucial for obstetricians to pay careful attention to the history of a patient and monitor her closely. Birth Defects In the United States, approximately 1 in 33 babies is born with a congenital defect. These birth defects can be severe or minor, and can affect the baby's appearance, organ function, and mental and physical development. They may also cause health complications or even death if not treated during utero. Ultrasounds with high resolution are able to detect many types of birth defects during pregnancy. Other testing options like amniocentesis, and blood tests, may also be available. Certain birth defects can be identified right after a baby is born for example, cleft lip or cleft palate, and other conditions may only be discovered later in adulthood or during childhood like scoliosis or learning disabilities. Some of these issues can be corrected surgically such as cleft palate and lip repairs, whereas others require ongoing treatment such as dental therapy or speech therapy. Although the majority of birth defects cannot be prevented taking a prenatal multivitamin with folate iron, iodine, or folate can help reduce the risk of developing certain congenital diseases. In addition, smoking and illegal drug use greatly increase the chance of developing certain genetic abnormalities. Maternal-fetal medicine specialists and genetic counselors can help with screening to determine the possibility of a certain condition recurring. If an OB/GYN does not provide the same level of care as other OB/GYNs in similar circumstances, it is considered to be as malpractice. To prove obstetrical neglect, you must prove that the doctor did not follow the standard of care and that this deviation caused injuries or harm to the mother or child.