Prenatal care is an essential aspect of maternal healthcare that involves regular medical check-ups, screenings, and counseling during pregnancy to ensure the health and well-being of both the mother and the unborn child. However, in some cases, healthcare providers may fail to provide adequate prenatal care, leading to birth injuries and other complications during childbirth.

Negligent prenatal care can result from various factors, including inadequate maternal and fetal health monitoring, failure to identify and address high-risk pregnancies, and incorrectly prescribing medication.

The consequences of negligent prenatal care can be devastating, including developmental delays and long-term disabilities for the child, increased risk of maternal and fetal complications, and emotional and financial burdens on the family.

If your child suffers a birth injury due to negligent prenatal care by a healthcare provider, the Michigan birth injury lawyers at Fieger Law can help you get the compensation you deserve.

What is Negligent Prenatal Care?

Negligent prenatal care refers to healthcare providers failing to provide adequate care and attention to a pregnant woman, which may harm the mother or the baby.

There are several ways in which negligent prenatal care can occur:

  • Failure to diagnose or treat conditions such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or maternal infections can be considered negligent. These conditions can be serious and potentially life-threatening for both the mother and the baby. Proper diagnosis and treatment are necessary to ensure a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.
  • Incorrectly prescribing drugs during pregnancy can also be negligent. Common medications like Ibuprofen can harm the fetus or adversely affect the pregnancy. Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential risks of medications and take appropriate measures to avoid harm.
  • Failing to run appropriate tests such as glucose screenings, tests for potentially fatal GBS bacteria, and other tests monitoring the baby’s health during pregnancy can also be considered negligent. These tests are necessary to detect potential problems early on and take appropriate action.

What Kind of Birth Injuries Result from Negligent Prenatal Care?

Negligent prenatal care can lead to various birth injuries that can have lasting effects on a newborn’s health and well-being.

Common types of birth injuries resulting from negligent prenatal care include:

  • Cerebral palsy: a neurological disorder resulting in impaired motor function and potentially impaired speech and vision. Negligent prenatal care can increase the risk of cerebral palsy due to oxygen deprivation during delivery.
  • Erb’s palsy: a condition that affects the nerves in the shoulder, causing weakness or paralysis in the affected arm. Negligent prenatal care can lead to trauma during delivery that damages these nerves.
  • Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE): a brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation during delivery. Negligent prenatal care can increase the risk of HIE if maternal conditions such as preeclampsia are mismanaged.
  • Brachial plexus injuries: damage to the nerves that control movement and sensation in the arm, which can occur during delivery due to negligent prenatal care.

Why You Should Hire an Attorney Following a Birth Injury

If your child has suffered a birth injury due to negligent prenatal care, hiring an attorney specializing in birth injury cases is critical to the outcome of your case. The compensation awarded in these cases is intended to cover medical costs throughout the child’s lifetime. These costs can include surgeries, therapy, and other specialized care required to manage your child’s health condition.

Proving negligence in a birth injury case can be difficult, particularly without legal representation. An experienced attorney will have the necessary knowledge and expertise to navigate the complex legal process and build a strong case on your behalf. They can work with medical experts and other professionals to gather evidence and establish a causal link between negligent prenatal care and the birth injury.

An attorney can negotiate with insurance companies and other parties involved to ensure you receive fair compensation for your child’s injuries. They will advocate for you and your child throughout the legal process, ensuring your voice is heard and your and your child’s rights are protected.

Get the Compensation You Deserve

If your child sustains a birth injury due to negligent prenatal care, contact the attorneys at Fieger Law for a complimentary consultation. We can help you navigate the complex medical malpractice laws surrounding birth injuries and determine who is liable for your child’s injuries. We can also collect critical evidence to build a strong case and secure a fair settlement to cover your child’s medical costs and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.