What to Know About Medical Malpractice During Pregnancy or Birth in Illinois

 Posted on July 23, 2021 in Medical Malpractice

When medical errors are made, they can have serious, long-term effects on the victim. Unfortunately, sometimes these victims are fetuses or newborns. Medical errors may transpire during the pregnancy and labor or delivery phases of childbirth. Such mistakes can result in the severe suffering or disability of a child. In some of the more severe cases, medical malpractice during pregnancy or childbirth can even result in the death of the baby or the mother.

Common Medical Complications During Pregnancy

There are many issues during pregnancy that can result in serious consequences if undetected. The detection and treatment of these issues is the responsibility of the obstetrician. Such conditions that may prove serious if undetected during pregnancy include:

 ●  Gestational diabetes

●  Birth defects

●  Ectopic pregnancy

●  Pre-eclampsia

●  Pre-term labor

●  Anemia

●  Breech position of the baby

Doctors and Nurses are Responsible for Monitoring the Baby During and After Birth

During labor and delivery, many issues can arise, including oxygen deprivation to the baby resulting in brain damage. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a condition caused by oxygen deprivation that can lead to significant developmental delays, intellectual impairment, motor impairment, and seizures. Oxygen deprivation can also damage a newborn’s internal organs, lead to vision and hearing impairment, and cause other long-term health consequences. Many of the medical errors that occur during pregnancy and birth have to do with the failure to react quickly enough to complications.  

Even post-birth, the doctors, nurses, and other medical staff are responsible for keeping an eye on the baby. They must pay attention to any medical issues that may arise, such as jaundice or breathing problems. It is when medical professionals fail to intervene that they may be guilty of malpractice.If a doctor or other medical professional’s negligent actions or inaction causes a baby to be injured, the medical professional or facility may be liable for damages. 

Contact a Schaumburg Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If you believe that you or your baby was injured due to a medical professional’s mistake, you may have a valid medical malpractice case. You may be entitled to financial compensation for past and future medical expenses and other damages. A qualified Illinois attorney can help to fight for the compensation that you deserve. To learn more or to schedule a free consultation, call a Rolling Meadows medical malpractice attorney at Newland & Newland, LLP at 847-797-8000 today.

Sources:

https://www.abpla.org/what-is-malpractice

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17572240/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17572239/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2628513