Despite advances in modern medicine, labor and delivery errors remain a very real risk for mother and baby. As many as six to eight of every 1,000 live births in the United States result in a birth injury, and mothers can also suffer serious and sometimes fatal harm.
When labor and delivery errors happen, those responsible should be held liable for losses. Gill Ports Hoste LLC can help make that happen.
For over 100 years, members of our legal team have been fighting for families impacted by birth injuries. We know the ins and outs of these complex claims and can put our legal knowledge to work for you.
To find out more about how a Chicago labor and delivery errors lawyer can help you, give us a call or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
What are labor and delivery errors?
While there are many risks to mother and baby during delivery, some errors occur more often than others. Some of the most common labor and delivery errors include:
- Failure to monitor: Doctors should keep a careful eye on the fetal heart rate monitor and contraction strength to identify any potential issues. If they fail to do so, this could harm the baby.
- Delayed C-section or delayed intervention: When the baby is showing signs of stress, it is important to intervene right away, either by performing an emergency C-section or making other adjustments to protect the infant. If there’s an untimely delay, this could lead to the baby’s brain being deprived of oxygen or other complications.
- Improper use of delivery tools: Improper use of vacuum extractors or forceps could result in brain bleeds, scalp lacerations, skull fractures, or other complications.
- Medication errors: When Pitocin is used in unsafe situations or at unsafe levels, this could cause the uterus to become overstimulated and could lead to fetal distress.
- Failure to manage complications: When the baby presents with complications like shoulder dystocia, a breech birth, or a prolapsed umbilical cord, failure to respond quickly and effectively could result in injury to the infant
Unfortunately, many of these errors could result in a child developing brain damage, brachial plexus injuries, facial paralysis, and other life-changing or fatal consequences. Maternal injuries are also a risk.
If the failures are the result of a doctor’s negligence, you may be able to hold the care provider accountable for losses.
Do you need a lawyer after mistakes during labor and delivery?
Medical malpractice claims can be complicated, especially when they arise during labor and delivery. That’s especially true because doctors often try to argue that underlying health issues were the cause of harm and that there was no way they could have achieved better outcomes.
You need an experienced attorney to help you make a strong case and overcome the efforts of your medical care providers to avoid compensating you for the damage they caused.
Gill Ports Hoste LLC has recovered millions in malpractice claims, and we understand how to make the most compelling claims possible when your child was harmed. Our firm is committed to helping you identify defendants, gather evidence, prove your claim, and get the justice your child deserves.
Getting help from a labor and delivery errors lawyer
Don’t hesitate to get help from a Chicago labor & delivery errors lawyer after your child has been harmed. Give us a call or schedule your free consultation to learn more about how we can fight for you.