Maryland Attorney for Loss of Oxygen During Childbirth

It is vital for a newborn child to have sufficient oxygen during the childbirth process. If an infant is not provided with oxygen, this could cause a number of serious medical conditions. In many cases, the lack of oxygen experienced by a newborn during childbirth can be linked to negligence on behalf of a medical practitioner. If your child experienced a loss of oxygen during childbirth and suffered an injury, you should consult with an experienced Maryland attorney for loss of oxygen during childbirth.

At Rice, Murtha & Psoras, we are dedicated to providing you with the legal representation that you deserve to seek compensation for your injuries. Medical malpractice attorney Randolph Rice has a wealth of experience dealing with birth injury lawsuits, and he would be pleased to work with you. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss your potential lawsuit, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291. You may also contact the firm online.

Common Causes of Loss of Oxygen During Childbirth in Maryland

For a newborn child, the loss of oxygen could cause serious injuries or possibly even death. We expect that our doctors will not place our children in a position where they could be seriously injured due to a lack of oxygen. However, there are many circumstances where a child may experience a loss of oxygen due to the negligence of a medical practitioner. the following is a list of common causes of loss of oxygen for an infant during childbirth.

Umbilical Cord Knots

The umbilical cord is necessary to provide a child in the womb with essential nutrients and oxygen. However, the umbilical cord can also pose a danger to a child if it develops a knot or wraps around the baby’s neck. This is especially dangerous if the child enters the birth canal with a knot in the umbilical cord that can restrict oxygen to the child.

In some cases, an umbilical cord may form a knot that can be detangled when a child shifts around in the womb. However, there are some circumstances where the umbilical cord can form a complete knot that cannot be detangled. In this scenario, a doctor should consider delivering the child via cesarean section. A doctor could be held liable for medical negligence if they do not take steps to avoid injury to a newborn from an umbilical cord knot.

Breech Birth

When it is almost time for a mother to deliver, the baby will begin to shift into a head-first position to exit the womb, this is known as vertex presentation. However, in some cases, an infant may remain with their feet or buttocks facing the birth canal, referred to as breech presentation. Breech presentation is dangerous because the child’s head could remain in the birth canal for an extended period of time, which could make it hard for the child to breathe.

To avoid a breech birth, a doctor can attempt to move the child with a noninvasive procedure. If it is unsuccessful, the doctor should discuss alternative options with the mother.

There are other circumstances that can cause a child to experience a loss of oxygen during childbirth. A loss of oxygen could lead to brain damage and other medical conditions like cerebral palsy. If a doctor does not take precautions to prevent a child from suffering from a lack of oxygen, they may be legally liable for birth injuries the child sustains.

Our Maryland medical malpractice lawyer is here to help you discuss your legal options if you believe your doctor is responsible for your child’s injuries due to a lack of oxygen.

Damages Awarded for Loss of Oxygen Childbirth Injuries in Maryland

A child that is injured after suffering from a loss of oxygen can seek compensation from the negligent parties that caused the injury. the child can wait until they reach the age of majority, or the parents or guardian of the child can file a lawsuit on behalf of the child.

If your child was a victim of a birth injury, you can be awarded compensatory damages that would be helpful in ensuring that the child receives the continued medical care they need to recover and live with their injury. Compensatory damages are awarded for economic losses and non-economic losses. An economic loss would be considered as monetary losses that stem from the injury. A non-economic loss would be calculated based on a mix of objective and subjective factors.

The following is a list of compensatory damages that may be awarded after a plaintiff prevails in a medical malpractice lawsuit:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Future loss of wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress

Allow our firm to help you seek compensation and justice for the injuries your child suffered due to a negligent medical practitioner.

Contact Our Committed Maryland Lawyer for Loss of Oxygen During Childbirth

If your child suffered a birth injury due to a loss of oxygen, you should consult with an experienced Maryland lawyer for loss of oxygen during childbirth. Rice, Murtha & Psoras is here to work with you regarding your medical malpractice claim that led to the injury of your newborn. To schedule a free legal consultation to discuss the details of your claim, contact Rice, Murtha & Psoras at (410) 694-7291. You can also reach the firm online.