Labor complications can arise unexpectedly during childbirth, but healthcare providers are expected to recognize and respond to potential risks to protect both the mother and baby. When labor complications are not properly managed, they can result in critical birth injuries that require lifelong care. In most instances, such oversights are the result of medical negligence and constitute medical malpractice. If your child suffered a birth injury due to labor complications, you may be able to pursue claims against the providers responsible for your losses, and you should talk to an attorney as soon as possible. The assertive Baltimore birth injury attorneys at Arfaa Law Group dedicate their practice to helping victims of preventable harm seek justice, and if we represent you, we will work tirelessly to help you seek the result you deserve.
Labor complications encompass a wide range of medical issues that arise during childbirth, including prolonged labor, fetal distress, umbilical cord prolapse, shoulder dystocia, and uterine rupture. When these complications occur, defendants must take prompt and appropriate action to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of both mother and child. Unfortunately, medical negligence—such as failing to monitor fetal heart tones, misusing forceps or vacuum extraction, or delaying an emergency cesarean section—can exacerbate these complications and lead to devastating outcomes.
Prolonged labor, for example, can lead to oxygen deprivation for the baby, increasing the risk of brain damage or developmental disorders. Fetal distress, often indicated by abnormal heart rate patterns, requires immediate intervention to prevent hypoxic injuries. Umbilical cord prolapse, a condition where the cord slips into the birth canal ahead of the baby, can cut off oxygen supply and necessitate an emergency cesarean section. Shoulder dystocia, a condition in which the baby’s shoulders become lodged behind the mother’s pelvic bone, requires skilled maneuvering to prevent nerve damage, fractures, or oxygen deprivation. Additionally, uterine rupture, which is more common in mothers with previous cesarean deliveries, can lead to life-threatening bleeding and jeopardize the baby’s health.
The harm resulting from labor complications can be severe and, in some cases, permanent. Infants may suffer from conditions such as cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, or intracranial hemorrhages, all of which can impact their development and quality of life. In the most tragic cases, labor complications can result in stillbirth or neonatal death.
Families facing the challenges caused by labor complications often endure significant emotional and financial burdens, as they may require extensive medical care, therapy, and long-term support for their child. In many instances, they will choose to pursue medical malpractice claims against the providers responsible for their child’s harm to help offset their losses.
To successfully bring a medical malpractice claim for labor complications in Maryland, plaintiffs must establish that the defendant was negligent. This requires proving four key elements: duty, breach, causation, and damages. First, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant owed them a duty of care, which is generally established by the provider-patient relationship. Next, they must show that the provider breached this duty by failing to adhere to the accepted standard of medical care. In labor complication cases, a breach may involve mismanagement of fetal distress, improper delivery techniques, or a delay in necessary medical interventions.
The plaintiff then must establish causation, which means they must prove that the defendant’s negligence directly resulted in their harm. This often requires expert testimony from medical professionals who can explain how the provider’s actions—or lack thereof—deviated from the standard of care and contributed to the injuries. For example, an obstetrician may testify that a timely cesarean section could have prevented oxygen deprivation, or a neonatologist may provide evidence that improper forceps use led to a brachial plexus injury. These expert opinions are essential in establishing liability.
Finally, plaintiffs must demonstrate that they suffered damages due to the negligence. Recoverable damages in these cases can include compensation for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. In cases involving permanent disabilities, families may also seek compensation for future care needs, adaptive equipment, and home modifications to accommodate their child’s condition. Additionally, emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life may be considered when assessing damages. In wrongful death cases, parents may recover compensation for funeral expenses and the loss of companionship of their child.
Labor complications can have life-altering consequences for both mothers and babies, leaving families struggling to cope with physical, emotional, and financial hardships. If you suspect that medical negligence played a role in your labor complications, it is crucial to seek legal guidance as soon as possible. At Arfaa Law Group, our Baltimore attorneys have extensive experience handling complex birth injury claims and can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our office is located in Baltimore, and we proudly serve clients throughout the city. To schedule a consultation, call us at 410-889-1850 or reach out to us through our online contact form.