Injuries To Mother During Delivery Process
Trusted advocates for injured mothers
More than ten thousand babies are born every day in the United States. For most parents, the birth of a child is joyous and exciting. However, the birth of a child can be a scary, traumatic event when something goes wrong during labor and delivery. Every year, thousands of mothers suffer from serious complications during childbirth. At The Eisen Law Firm, our Ohio birth injury attorneys are experienced in birth negligence claims and hold doctors accountable when they injure new mothers.
What types of injuries could a mother suffer during pregnancy, labor, and delivery?
Pregnant women are advised to seek medical care as soon as possible after finding out they are pregnant. Medical professionals are trusted to carefully monitor pregnant women throughout their pregnancies, and at the end of their pregnancies, they are trusted to safely deliver babies. However, there are a number of complications that may arise during pregnancy, labor, and delivery that may result in injuries to the mother.
Pregnancy-related injuries
Throughout a woman’s pregnancy, she should attend all of her scheduled appointments and inform her medical team of any symptoms she is experiencing. Doctors and nurses should ensure that pregnant women are being monitored as closely as needed for signs of distress or complications. Some potentially dangerous situations that may arise during pregnancy include:
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A failure to diagnose dangerous conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or an ectopic pregnancy
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A failure to properly treat complications that arise during pregnancy, including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or an ectopic pregnancy
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Prescribing medications that are dangerous for pregnant women to take
These actions and inactions may result in serious harm to the mother.
Injuries that may occur during labor and delivery
Delivering a child is an exhausting, physically challenging process. Many mothers state that it is the hardest thing they have ever done. The potential for injury is high during labor and delivery, especially if medical staff is not properly monitoring the mother. Some types of injuries that may occur include:
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Perineal tears
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Fissures
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Infections
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Bleeding
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Prolapsed uterus
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Rh incompatibility
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Caesarean section complications
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Amniotic fluid embolism
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In extreme cases, the mother may die due to birth complications
Many mothers, especially if they have endured a traumatic birth and delivery, suffer from emotional distress after their babies are born. Common psychological injuries include post-partum depression and post-partum anxiety.
Proving that a medical professional was negligent
In Ohio, there are certain elements that must be proven for a patient to prevail in a medical negligence lawsuit. These are:
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The medical professional owed the patient a duty;
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The duty was breached due to the medical professional’s negligence; and
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Due to this negligence, the patient was injured
The moment a medical professional agrees to treat a patient, that medical professional has accepted a duty to provide medical care that meets the standard of care. The standard of care is care that a reasonable, cautious medical provider would be expected to provide in similar circumstances.
If the medical care does not meet the standard of care, this is a breach of the duty the medical professional owes the patient. For example, failing to recognize obvious symptoms of distress during labor and delivery would be a breach of the standard of care.
The patient’s injuries must be directly related to the medical professional’s negligence. The patient may claim a variety of damages in a medical negligence claim, including:
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Medical expenses
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The cost of future medical care
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Lost wages
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The cost of remodeling a home to accommodate an injury
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Pain and suffering
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Emotional distress
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Loss of enjoyment of life
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Loss of consortium
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If the patient died, funeral and burial expenses, as well as the value of the patient’s future earnings
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If the patient died, the mental anguish and suffering of the remaining family members
Other damages may also be available, depending on the facts and circumstances of the claim. But one thing is for certain, time is of the essence when thinking about contacting an attorney to help you with your legal claim.
Contact The Eisen Law Firm today to discuss your injuries
At The Eisen Law Firm, our Ohio birth injury attorneys are leaders in the field and have been fighting for injured mothers and children since 1976. We understand the trauma and grief mothers feel after they are injured during pregnancy and childbirth. During your free consultation, we will discuss your legal options with you. To schedule your free consultation, call 216-687-0900 or contact us online.