Childbirth can be complicated, and when fetal distress is involved, the harm to both mother and child can be serious. If a doctor or nursing staff member ignored signs of distress, you may be able to seek compensation. Our Bridgewater fetal distress lawyers can help.
Since 2008, O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble has helped injury victims and their loved ones fight for fair compensation. Our Bridgewater birth injury lawyers will handle every aspect of the legal process so that you can focus on healing.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.
What Is Fetal Distress?
Fetal distress can occur in the late stages of pregnancy or during the labor process. It occurs when the baby is not getting enough oxygen. Signs of fetal distress can include:
- A heart rate that is too high or too low.
- The heart rate suddenly drops.
- The baby stops moving or is moving less than usual.
- The baby passes stool into the amniotic fluid.
What Causes Fetal Distress?
Fetal distress can be caused by a few different things. These include:
- Umbilical cord issues, such as a blockage.
- Placenta issues, such as an early separation.
- Prolonged labor.
- Contractions occurring too rapidly.
- Pre-existing health conditions in the mother.
- Low blood pressure in the mother.
Fetal distress may be treated through repositioning of the mother, increased oxygen or IV fluids administered to the mother, or emergency delivery. If you believe medical negligence occurred when fetal distress was present, our Bridgewater medical malpractice lawyers can help with your case.
How Can Our Fetal Distress Lawyers in Bridgewater Help?
Your focus should be on your baby’s health. However, medical bills and concerns about the future can create a stressful situation. The legal team at O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble can step in to take on the legal process, giving you peace of mind about your next steps.
We can:
- Investigate to determine all liable parties, gathering evidence to strengthen your case.
- Handle all communication with the other parties involved, including insurance adjusters.
- Negotiate on your behalf, aiming for the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
- Offer advice on any settlement offers you receive, fighting against lowball offers.
- Represent you in court when necessary.
Our team is here to support you, ensuring your concerns are addressed promptly and that you never feel left in the dark. Our client testimonials show our commitment to injury victims. Our legal team works on contingency, so there aren’t any upfront costs. In fact, if we are unable to recover compensation, you won’t owe us anything.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered in Bridgewater Fetal Distress Cases?
Fetal distress can lead to both short- and long-term effects on your child’s life. The recoverable compensation for your case depends on both immediate losses and long-term impacts. We will seek compensation that accounts for the full scope of your losses.
You may be able to recover compensation for:
Economic Losses
These are the past, present, and future expected financial losses. They can include:
- Medical expenses: Such as emergency c-sections, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, diagnostic testing, and doctor visits.
- Long–term therapy: For example, rehabilitative therapy or speech therapy.
- At–home assistance: For example, in-home nursing or daily caregiving.
- Assistive devices: Such as wheelchairs, communication devices, and modifications to a home or vehicle.
- Loss of future earning capacity: If your child will never be able to work full-time.
- Loss of income: If one parent needs to give up working to care for the child.
Non-Economic Losses
These are the physical and emotional impacts of fetal distress. They can include:
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Loss of quality of life.
- Loss of enjoyment of life.
What Needs to Be Proven in Fetal Distress Cases?
To successfully recover compensation, your Bridgewater fetal distress attorney will need to prove that medical malpractice occurred. They will investigate to do so.
Potentially at-fault parties in medical malpractice cases include:
- Doctors or midwives: If they failed to address fetal distress in a timely manner or did not follow standard procedures.
- Nursing staff: If they failed to properly monitor fetal distress signals or were otherwise negligent.
- The hospital administration: If they had poor hiring or training practices that contributed to the injury.
What Evidence Is Helpful in Fetal Distress Cases?
Helpful evidence can include:
- Witness statements.
- Medical records.
- Fetal monitoring records.
- Staffing records.
- Apgar scores.
- Cord blood tests.
Your lawyer may also consult with expert witnesses who can testify that standards of care were not followed.
What Is the Deadline for Fetal Distress Lawsuits in Bridgewater?
In New Jersey, medical malpractice claims for injuries sustained at birth must generally be filed before the child’s 13th birthday. However, if a government medical facility was involved, this deadline could be much shorter. It’s vital to talk to your attorney about the expected timeline for your case.
In addition to the statute of limitations, moving quickly on your case can also help with the preservation of evidence. Our legal team will get started on your claim right away.
Contact a Fetal Distress Attorney in Bridgewater Today
If your child was harmed in a case involving fetal distress, their care is your top priority, and your insurance claim or lawsuit is our top priority.
The legal team at O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble offers responsive and empathetic legal representation. We will fight for the compensation you need for medical bills and your child’s ongoing care. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation.