Medical Errors
Errors in a medical setting are something people generally don’t like to think about, yet the possibility that one will take place is always present. The root causes of medical errors can occur when a healthcare practitioner fails to diagnose or properly treat their patient, whether intentionally or by accident. When protocols are breached or standards of care are not complied with, irreparable harm can occur.
If you believe that you or your child suffered harm because of a lapse of care during the birth process, please call Stern Law, PLLC at (800) 462-5772 today for a free review of your case.
Types of Medical Errors Resulting in Birth Injury
There are many causes of birth injuries. Unfortunately, some result from medical errors, which generally are omissions rather than affirmative actions that lead to harm. These errors include a failure to identify potential problems or plan for foreseeable complications. Regardless of the circumstances, the outcome may be devastating.
Some common errors include:
- Failure to consider complications from the delivery of a macrosomic (overly large) child
- Failure to identify problems relating to the umbilical cord
- Failure to detect fetal distress
- Failure to detect uterine abnormalities
- Failure to order a cesarean section in a timely manner
Related to a failure to identify is a failure to diagnose or treat a condition or symptom. There are many problems that can be eliminated or minimized with prompt diagnosis. Some of the more common diagnosis failures include:
- A failure to discover placenta previa – This condition is caused by a development of the placenta lower in the uterus and may present with bright red vaginal bleeding in the third trimester, although it can happen during the second trimester. The bleeding will become worse as the placental separation becomes greater. Treatment during pregnancy to maintain proper blood pressure and flow and possible early delivery if the mother or fetus becomes distressed will limit harm to the baby.
- A failure to diagnose a maternal infection – Early treatment can eliminate problems for the baby.
- A failure to halt a pre-term birth – There are medications and treatment options that can prolong a pregnancy to give the fetus time to develop, but the condition must be diagnosed promptly in order to have a successful outcome.
You did everything within your power to have a healthy, beautiful baby. Unfortunately you couldn’t control the medical errors of the professionals who were responsible for the well-being of you and your child. Call Stern Law, PLLC at (800) 462-5772 for free to protect your rights.
