Improper Use of Pitocin

If your child suffered a birth injury resulting from the improper use of Pitocin, Baltimore birth injury attorney Julia Arfaa can help. At Arfaa Law Group, we have represented many families whose children have been injured because of medical malpractice associated with the use of Pitocin to induce labor, so you can trust that you are in good hands. We can explore the facts of your case and come up with a legal strategy accordingly. Birth injury cases are often complex, and having the right attorney on your side may make a vital difference in your case.

Pitocin is a synthetic form of oxytocin, which is a hormone produced by the body during the labor process to induce strong and long-lasting uterine contractions. It is typically administered via an intravenous infusion. Pitocin can be used if you are already in labor and your contractions are not strong or frequent enough to move the process along. Put another way, Pitocin is given to a woman in labor with the goal of increasing uterine activity, which will result in cervical dilation and help the baby descend through the mother’s birth canal.

Administering Pitocin in the wrong amount or at the wrong time may have serious consequences for the fetus. For example, the drug might be given to a woman to induce labor without making sure that they are dilated or effaced enough before receiving it. If a doctor induces labor in the wrong conditions, there is an increased chance that the mother will need a C-section.

The following complications may also be associated with the improper use of Pitocin:

• Fetal distress;
• Placental abruption;
• Hypertension;
• Fetal academia;
• Rupture of the uterus;
• Tachycardia;
• Cardiac arrhythmia;
• Bradycardia;
• Asphyxia or hypoxic ischemic injuries; or
• Fetal head trauma.

A patient who is injured due to the negligent administration of Pitocin may file a lawsuit for damages against the at-fault party based on a medical malpractice theory. Medical negligence takes place when a medical professional fails to adhere to the standard of care that a reasonably prudent medical professional in the same specialty would have used in the same situation, thereby causing injuries or death to a patient. Medical negligence cases rely heavily on the specific facts, so collecting evidence such as your treatment records and your medical history is vital to the case.

Under Maryland law, the testimony of an expert witness is required to prove a medical malpractice claim. Rule 5-702 states that expert testimony may be admitted if the court decides that the testimony will help the judge or jury understand the evidence or determine a fact at issue in the case. The expert witness in a medical malpractice case is typically a professional in the same specialty as the defendant. As a result, if the defendant is an obstetrician-gynaecologist, the expert witness will likely need to be an obstetrician-gynaecologist as well.

In Maryland, if medical malpractice is established, plaintiffs may be entitled to both economic and non-economic damages, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Economic damages refer to tangible monetary losses, such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost income. Non-economic damages refer to losses that are harder to quantify, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.

If your child suffered an injury due to the improper use of Pitocin, Baltimore attorney Julia Arfaa may be able to help your family. At Arfaa Law Group, we are committed to holding negligent medical professionals accountable for the harm that they cause. You can rest assured that we will make every effort to get you the compensation that you deserve. We proudly represent people throughout Maryland who need a medical malpractice lawyer to take action on their child’s behalf. To discuss your case with us at no charge, feel free to call us at 410-889-1850 or contact us online.