Abilene Birth Injury Lawyers

Birth Injury Lawyers in Abilene, TX

The arrival of a new family member should be a joyous event. However, the birthing process can sometimes lead to unexpected complications, resulting in injury to the newborn. These injuries range from minor, temporary issues to severe, long-term disabilities, like cerebral palsy or brain damage. When such injuries occur, they raise concerns about the standard of care given by healthcare professionals during delivery. If your child was negligent due to a medical professional’s negligence, our medical malpractice attorney in Abilene is here to fight for you.  

As a small, local firm, we will provide a personalized, hands-on approach to your birth injury claim. When the unthinkable happens, you need to focus on your child’s recovery and treatment. Our Abilene birth injury attorneys handle all aspects of your case, from investigations and evidence gathering to negotiating with insurance entities or pursuing a lawsuit, if necessary. 

Medical Errors That Lead to Birth Injuries

Childbirth is an intricate process that requires precise care and attention from healthcare professionals. Despite their training and intentions, mistakes can happen, leading to birth injuries that can often have lasting effects on the child and their family. Understanding the common medical errors that lead to such injuries can help parents and guardians recognize when their child’s condition may be the result of negligence. 

The following are several types of medical errors that fall below the standard of care: 

Failure to Monitor Fetal Distress

One of the critical tasks during labor is monitoring the fetus’s heart rate to detect any signs of distress. Failure to properly monitor or interpret these signals can delay the identification of serious problems, such as oxygen deprivation, which can lead to conditions like cerebral palsy or brain damage.

Improper Use of Delivery Tools

Tools like forceps and vacuum extractors can assist during a difficult birth, but their improper use can cause serious injuries to the baby, such as skull fractures, brain injuries, or nerve damage. The decision to use these tools and the method of their use must be handled with great care.

Delayed C-Section

A cesarean section (C-section) can be a lifesaving procedure when complications arise during birth, such as prolonged labor or fetal distress. A delay in deciding to perform a C-section increases the risk of harm to both the mother and the baby, leading to injuries that might have been preventable with timely intervention.

Medication Errors

Errors in administering medications to the mother during labor, such as improper dosages or the use of drugs that cause adverse reactions, can result in birth injuries. These mistakes can affect the mother’s and the baby’s health, potentially leading to complications.

Poor Management of Pregnancy Complications

Conditions like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and infections, if not properly managed, pose significant risks to both the mother and the child. Medical professionals are expected to diagnose and treat these conditions promptly to prevent birth injuries.

Inadequate Training or Staffing

Sometimes, birth injuries result from healthcare facilities being understaffed or staffed with inadequately trained personnel. This can lead to oversights, mistakes, and a lack of timely care, all of which increase the risk of injury during birth.

Failure to Communicate

Effective communication among the medical team is crucial, especially during the birthing process. Miscommunication or lack of communication about the mother’s health condition, the baby’s status, or the progression of labor can lead to delayed or incorrect responses that result in birth injuries.

If you suspect that a medical error played a role in your child’s birth injury, seek legal counsel from a birth injury lawyer at The Law Firm of Chaile Allen. Chaile will determine whether negligence occurred, guide you through the legal process, and fight to seek the compensation necessary for your child’s care and well-being.

Who May Be Liable in a Birth Injury Claim in Abilene?

In the event of a birth injury, determining liability is an essential step in the legal process for parents seeking justice and compensation for their child’s injury. Liability in birth injury cases can be complex, involving multiple parties and various degrees of fault. 

Working with our Abilene birth injury lawyer can help determine one or more of the following parties that may be responsible for damages:  

• Obstetricians/Gynecologists: These medical professionals play a leading role in managing the mother’s care before, during, and after delivery. If an obstetrician fails to provide an appropriate standard of care or makes critical errors during the birthing process, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries.
• Pediatricians: Pediatricians specialize in providing care for infants and children. If a pediatrician fails to diagnose or properly treat a condition related to a birth injury, they could be held responsible for subsequent harm.
• Nurses and Midwives: Nurses, midwives, and other healthcare professionals play significant roles in monitoring the mother and baby’s condition. Failing to act on signs of distress or improperly using delivery tools can lead to liability for birth injuries.
• Hospitals: Hospitals can be held liable for systemic failures, including inadequate staffing, lack of proper equipment, or failures in communication among medical staff.
• Anesthesiologists: Errors in dosage or failure to monitor the mother’s and baby’s reactions to anesthesia can result in birth injuries for which the anesthesiologist may be held liable.
• Pharmaceutical Companies: If a birth injury is linked to a medication prescribed during pregnancy or childbirth, the pharmaceutical company that manufactured the medication might be liable.

In birth injury claims, proving liability involves demonstrating that the standard of care was breached and that this breach directly caused the injury. It requires a thorough investigation, including reviewing medical records, consulting medical experts, and understanding the specific roles that each party played in the care provided. Contact our Abilene birth injury attorney for legal assistance with your case. 

Speak With a Birth Injury Lawyer at The Law Firm of Chaile Allen

If your family has been affected by a birth injury, you have legal options to seek justice and compensation for the challenges you face. Our Abilene personal injury attorney has focused knowledge on navigating the complex and sensitive nature of birth injury claims. As a small, local firm, we can provide dedicated representation and a compassionate approach to each case, ensuring that your unique story is heard and understood. We are committed to holding opposing parties accountable and advocating tirelessly for the rights and well-being of your child and family. 

By choosing to work with Chaile Allen, you’re not just hiring an attorney; you’re partnering with a fierce advocate who understands the local legal landscape and is deeply invested in helping your family find the resolution and support you deserve. Contact us today at (325) 670-9282  or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.