Welcoming a new baby into the world should be a time of joy. Unfortunately, many parents’ picture-perfect moments are shattered because of negligent or inadequate care. If your doctor missed a diagnosis during pregnancy or made an error during or after delivery, resulting in a birth injury, you may have a personal injury claim for malpractice. Our Seattle, WA birth injury lawyer fights for injured babies and their families. Our team at Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC, will provide the aggressive legal counsel you need. Let us focus on securing compensation, while you focus on your baby’s recovery.
The birth of a child should be a moment of joy, but when something goes wrong during labor or delivery, the results can be devastating. Birth injuries often lead to lifelong challenges, and for families in Seattle, understanding how these injuries occur is the first step toward seeking accountability. If you’re searching for a Seattle, WA birth injury lawyer, it’s important to know what commonly causes these traumatic medical outcomes. At Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC, we hold a 9.9 rating on Avvo and are proud members of the American Association for Justice, reflecting our commitment to advocating for injured families. Here are the most common causes of birth injuries that lead to legal claims as we have seen in our own practice.
1. Delayed C-Section
When labor isn’t progressing or the baby is in distress, doctors must make quick decisions. A delay in ordering or performing a cesarean section can deprive the baby of oxygen, resulting in brain damage, cerebral palsy, or other serious complications.
2. Improper Use Of Forceps Or Vacuum Extraction
Assisted deliveries carry significant risks. If a doctor applies too much pressure or uses these tools incorrectly, the infant may suffer skull fractures, nerve damage, or bleeding in the brain. These types of injuries often have lasting effects. As our Seattle birth injury lawyer can share, this can also occur if the medical staff is in a hurry and fails to take proper precautions.
3. Failure To Monitor Fetal Distress
Doctors and nurses are responsible for carefully monitoring the baby’s heart rate and vital signs during labor. Ignoring signs of fetal distress such as decelerations can result in oxygen deprivation and severe injury.
4. Mismanagement Of Shoulder Dystocia
Shoulder dystocia occurs when the baby’s shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone during delivery. If not handled correctly, this condition can lead to brachial plexus injuries, Erb’s palsy, or even permanent nerve damage.
5. Undiagnosed Maternal Infections
When infections such as Group B Strep or herpes go undetected or untreated during pregnancy, they can be passed to the baby during delivery. This can cause serious health problems and long-term complications. There are multiple professionals along the way who should catch an issue like this, and our attorney can hold multiple parties liable in these types of cases.
6. Oxygen Deprivation (Hypoxia)
A lack of oxygen during labor and delivery is one of the most serious causes of birth injuries. Hypoxia can result from umbilical cord compression, placental abruption, or prolonged labor and may lead to permanent brain damage.
7. Incorrect Medication Or Dosage During Labor
Improper administration of labor-inducing drugs like Pitocin or epidurals can cause excessive contractions, fetal distress, or maternal complications. Medical staff are responsible for monitoring these medications closely. They are also responsible for the timing of them as certain drugs can only be given at certain times throughout the birthing process.
8. Failure To Recognize High-Risk Pregnancy Factors
Some pregnancies come with increased risk due to maternal health, age, or fetal positioning. When doctors fail to adjust their approach for these known risks, preventable birth injuries may occur.
9. Poor Communication Between Medical Staff
Labor and delivery involve multiple healthcare providers. When information isn’t properly shared between nurses, doctors, or anesthesiologists, critical mistakes can happen. Miscommunication is a surprisingly common cause of injury.
10. Post-Delivery Negligence
Birth injuries can also occur after delivery if the newborn is not properly monitored. Failure to treat jaundice, breathing issues, or signs of infection can lead to preventable harm.
If your child was harmed during birth, you deserve answers. Determining the cause of a birth injury often involves detailed medical reviews and professional testimony, but it can make all the difference in seeking justice and resources for your child’s care. If you’re ready to explore your legal options, contact our Seattle birth injury lawyer at Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC today. We’re here to help you pursue the compensation your family deserves and support you through every step of the process.
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