The joy of welcoming a new life into the world can quickly turn into a nightmare when medical negligence leads to serious complications. Obstetrical malpractice injuries, which arise from preventable errors during pregnancy, labor, or delivery, can result in life-altering consequences for both the mother and baby. If you or your loved one has experienced such injuries, you may be wondering whether you have a legal case against the healthcare providers involved. At O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble, we are here to provide compassionate, knowledgeable legal guidance to help you seek justice.
What Are Obstetrical Malpractice Injuries?
Obstetrical malpractice injuries occur when healthcare providers fail to adhere to the standard of care during obstetric care. This negligence often results in severe harm to the mother, baby, or both. Examples include failing to diagnose conditions, improper use of medical tools, and medication errors. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), medical errors contribute significantly to maternal and infant mortality in the United States.
If you suspect negligence played a role in your experience, acting quickly is essential. New Jersey law typically allows two years from the date of the injury to file a medical malpractice claim, though exceptions may apply. Consult an experienced attorney to understand how the statute of limitations impacts your case.
Common Obstetrical Malpractice Injuries to Mothers and Babies
Understanding the types of injuries that can occur due to obstetrical malpractice is vital for recognizing whether negligence may have been a factor. Here are some of the most common injuries.
Birth Injuries
One of the most devastating outcomes of obstetrical malpractice is injury to the baby. Common birth injuries include:
- Cerebral Palsy. Often caused by oxygen deprivation during delivery, cerebral palsy results in lifelong physical and cognitive impairments.
- Erb’s Palsy. This condition affects the nerves in the baby’s shoulder, leading to weakness or paralysis. While often associated with the improper use of forceps or vacuum extractors, Erb’s palsy can also occur when a physician or midwife applies excessive lateral traction—pulling the baby’s head too aggressively with their hands—during delivery.
- Fractures. Clavicle fractures are among the top obstetrical malpractice injuries during difficult deliveries.
These injuries can have lifelong effects on the child’s quality of life and often require extensive medical care and therapy.
Maternal Injuries
Mothers can also suffer serious complications due to negligence, including:
- Postpartum hemorrhage. Failure to control bleeding after delivery can lead to severe health complications or even death.
- Infections. Unsanitary practices during labor or delivery can result in life-threatening infections.
- Ruptured uterus. Improper monitoring during labor can lead to uterine rupture, endangering both mother and baby.
These injuries highlight the critical need for proper care and monitoring during pregnancy and delivery.
How Obstetrical Malpractice Happens
To better understand obstetrical malpractice, it’s important to recognize common scenarios where negligence can occur. Understanding how these errors occur can help you identify whether negligence was involved in your situation.
Failure to Monitor During Pregnancy
Proper monitoring throughout pregnancy is crucial for detecting potential complications early. Physicians may fail to properly monitor the pregnancy through prenatal testing, including ultrasounds and lab work designed to screen for birth defects. A failure to correctly interpret these tests—or to act on abnormal results—can lead to serious but preventable complications. Additionally, physicians may misinterpret findings or fail to recommend follow-up evaluations that could detect conditions requiring early intervention.
Failure to Monitor During Labor and Delivery
Continuous monitoring of the baby’s heart rate and maternal vital signs during labor and delivery is essential. Inadequate monitoring can lead to a failure to detect signs of fetal distress, which may result in severe complications such as oxygen deprivation, brain damage, or stillbirth. Physicians and medical staff must be vigilant in recognizing warning signs and taking appropriate actions to prevent harm to both mother and baby.
Mismanagement of High-Risk Pregnancies
Certain conditions, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or multiple pregnancies, require specialized care. Failure to properly manage these conditions can result in common obstetrical malpractice injuries. In some cases, a physician may fail to develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to the unique risks of the pregnancy, such as failing to monitor blood pressure in a mother with preeclampsia or not scheduling necessary growth scans for a baby at risk of intrauterine growth restriction. Without these proactive measures, complications can escalate, putting both the mother and baby at risk.
Incorrect Use of Medical Instruments
The improper use of medical instruments such as forceps or vacuum extractors can cause significant harm. Medical staff must receive adequate training to avoid these types of injuries. When excessive force is applied, it can result in skull fractures, nerve damage, or brain hemorrhaging in newborns. In some cases, improper use of these tools can also cause injuries to the mother, including severe perineal tears and excessive bleeding. Careful assessment of whether an assisted delivery is necessary and the skillful execution of such interventions are critical to reducing the risk of harm.
Do You Have a Legal Case?
If you or your baby has suffered due to obstetrical malpractice, you may have grounds for a legal case. To succeed in a medical malpractice claim, you must establish the following:
- Doctor-patient relationship. You were under the care of the medical professional in question.
- Negligence occurred. The healthcare provider failed to meet the standard of care.
- Causation. The negligence directly caused your injuries.
- Damages. You suffered measurable harm, such as medical expenses, pain, or loss of income.
Having an experienced attorney by your side can significantly improve your chances of success.
The Role of an Experienced Lawyer
Navigating the complexities of medical malpractice law requires skilled legal representation. At O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble, we pride ourselves on securing significant settlements and verdicts for our clients. Our attorneys understand the emotional toll of obstetrical malpractice injuries and are committed to fighting for the justice you deserve.
An experienced lawyer will thoroughly investigate your case and work with medical experts to establish negligence and causation. This collaborative approach ensures that your claim is backed by strong evidence, increasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Additionally, an attorney can handle the intricacies of legal deadlines, paperwork, and negotiations, allowing you to focus on your recovery and your family.
At O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble, our compassionate team understands the physical, emotional, and financial burdens caused by obstetrical malpractice. We work to hold negligent healthcare providers accountable while helping you secure the compensation needed to move forward. With decades of experience, we bring a results-driven approach to every case, giving you peace of mind during this challenging time.
Steps to Take If You Suspect Obstetrical Malpractice
If you believe you or your baby has been harmed due to medical negligence, taking these steps can help strengthen your case:
- Document everything. Keep a detailed record of your medical treatments, including all communications with healthcare providers.
- Obtain your medical records. These records are critical for evaluating whether negligence occurred.
- Contact a lawyer. Reach out to an experienced obstetrical malpractice attorney as soon as possible to protect your legal rights.
Taking prompt action can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Why Choose O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble?
When it comes to pursuing justice for obstetrical malpractice injuries, you need a legal team with a proven track record. At O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble, we combine compassion and expertise to ensure our clients feel supported every step of the way. Our team has earned the respect of peers, adversaries, and clients for our dedication to achieving results.Don’t let negligence go unanswered. If you’ve experienced obstetrical malpractice injuries, contact O’Connor, Parsons, Lane & Noble today for a free consultation. Let us help you take the first step toward justice and healing.