Fayetteville, AR Attorney for Birth Injuries to the Mother

For many women, pregnancy is one of the most beautiful stages of their lives. Few things can compare to the joy of bringing a child into the world. Unfortunately, for many others, pregnancy and birth can become a nightmare due to the negligent actions or omissions of a medical professional. Every year, many mothers are injured before or during delivery by the hands of careless, reckless physicians. This is also known as medical malpractice. Birth-related medical negligence happens when a doctor or other healthcare provider acts negligently during any stage of the prospective mother’s pregnancy or birth.

Every medical professional has a duty to be diligent, responsible, and committed to their patients’ care. This is especially true for women expecting a child. There are many different variables to take into account during pregnancy, and every pregnant woman should be kept informed at all times about developments related to their pregnancy. Our Fayetteville attorney for birth injuries to mothers understands how difficult dealing with medical malpractice can be. That is why we dedicate our efforts to upholding your rights as an injured victim and getting you the compensation you deserve. To speak to a professional about your case in a free, confidential consultation, call Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, today at (479) 316-0438.

Common Injuries to Mothers in Medical Malpractice Cases

Every surgical procedure has inherent risks and consequences. Giving birth to a child also has some risks. However, advances in medicine have made it possible for doctors, nurses, and other medical staff to anticipate and prevent most complications related to childbirth. Therefore, when a medical professional fails to perform their duties as a prudent, reasonable caregiver, injuries may soon follow. Some common examples of birth injuries to mothers in Fayetteville, Arkansas include:

Anesthesia Misuse

The use of anesthesia is common during childbirth. One of the most common types of anesthesia used in birth procedures is the spinal epidural. During birth, mothers experience intense pain from contractions. The epidural is injected into the lower back area to alleviate the pain and make it possible for the mother to go through delivery without experiencing acute discomfort.

According to the American Pregnancy Association, more than 50% of women giving birth use an epidural as part of their birthing process. You may expect positive results from such a streamlined, routine procedure. However, there are situations in which miscommunication, carelessness, or gross negligence lead to errors in the administration of the epidural. For instance, failure to use the proper amount of medication can lead to severe complications during birth, which can injure the mother. A Fayetteville attorney for birth injuries to mothers can help.

C-Section Injuries

A Cesarean delivery, or C-section, is a common alternative to a vaginal birth. C-sections are conducted by creating an incision in the lower abdominal area to make the extraction of the baby possible. The incision must be precise, and doctors should exercise the utmost care to prevent any injuries. However, there are occasions where a doctor exceeds the length and depth of the incision, which can injure the mother’s internal organs, or cause excessive bleeding, which can lead to further complications.

Misdiagnosis

Doctors, nurses, anesthesiologists, and other medical staff have an inherent responsibility to make a correct diagnosis. For instance, a doctor should be able to detect and diagnose preeclampsia during birth. Preeclampsia occurs typically after the first 20 weeks of pregnancy, and it can be identified by high blood pressure. If misdiagnosed and untreated, preeclampsia can have severe, fatal complications for the mother and her unborn child. If your doctor failed to diagnose this condition before or during birth, our medical negligence attorneys can help you get compensation for your losses.

Filing a Medical Malpractice Claim for Birth Injuries in Fayetteville, Arkansas

The main reason people visit the hospital is to get better and stay healthy. Nobody goes to see their doctor get worse. And yet, every year thousands of people are victims of medical negligence throughout the country, including expecting mothers. Fortunately, people who have been victims of injuries caused by medical professionals can get compensation for their losses.

Filing a medical malpractice claim in Fayetteville, AR can give you the opportunity to hold the liable parties accountable for your losses. However, to obtain compensation, you, the plaintiff, have the burden of showing that your doctor was negligent.

First, you will need to demonstrate that there was a doctor-patient relationship. Your medical records and witness testimony can evidence this. Then you are required to show that your doctor owed you a duty to follow what is known as the “medical standard of care.” Additionally, you will need to prove that your doctor breached their duty of care, which ultimately led to your injuries and losses. Once you have shown all of these elements with the court, you may be awarded compensation.

Fayetteville, AR Lawyer for Maternal Birth Injuries Offering Free Consultations

If you or a loved one was injured due to the actions or omissions of a careless physician, we can help. With many years of hands-on experience, we can help you hold the liable parties accountable for your losses. At the offices of Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law, we will fight aggressively and strategically to get you the compensation to which you are entitled. To schedule a free, confidential consultation with our Fayetteville birth injury attorneys, call our law offices today at (479) 316-0438.