St. Louis Medical Malpractice Involving Obstetricians

The American college of Obstetrics and Gynecology reports that obstetricians should expect 2.5 malpractice lawsuits be brought against them throughout their career. 

Perinatal nurses are also at higher risk and pay the highest amounts in insurance premiums. Obstetrics is a specialized branch of medicine that deals almost exclusively with pregnancy and birth. The high number of complications that may arise during the 9 months of a woman’s pregnancy and subsequent delivery is the leading factor in the high number of lawsuits brought against them.

The failure to diagnose preeclampsia or a ruptured uterus are two common forms of negligence during pregnancy that Missouri medical malpractice lawyers see when dealing with obstetric cases. Both of these conditions can arise at any point during a pregnancy and are life threatening to both the mother and baby.

It is not unusual to see medical malpractice cases that involve pregnancy and childbirth to be settled for millions of dollars. Juries are sympathetic towards parents whose dreams of a healthy baby were shattered by negligence on the part of their obstetrician.

In many cases, a doctors’ negligence is determined by their decision not to opt for a caesarian. A long labor and delivery puts a lot of stress on a baby and may cause him to be deprived of oxygen for long periods of time. Oxygen deprivation at such a young age can quickly lead to brain damage that will leave the child mentally disabled for life. A medical malpractice attorney knows that in such instances the child may need special medical care for their lifetime and will pursue compensation for future care as well. Missouri courts have seen children left severely brain damaged by a failure to perform an emergency caesarian section receive compensation as high as $4.75 million dollars.

Allowing a long or difficult labor to progress naturally can lead to a number of different ailments or injury to a newborn baby. Cerebral palsy is the most severe and often occurs from prolonged oxygen deprivation. A child born with cerebral palsy may be unable to control their motor functions and suffer from muscle spasms. The severity of their defect will determine how much care they will need during the course of their life. A baby that is too large to fit through the birth canal may suffer from a brachial plexus injury. There are varying degress, but the most severe is the nerve root actually being pulled out of the spinal cord. This occurs if too much force is used to pull the baby out of the birth canal. Erb’s palsy can also result in trauma to the brachial plexus. Erb’s palsy is characterized by full paralysis of the arm.

St. Louis Malpractice Lawyers

Obstetric medical negligence has the potential to inflict harm on a newborn that will forever affect their quality of life. Expecting parents rely on their obstetricians’ expertise to ensure that they deliver a healthy baby. If you feel that your newborn suffered as a result of the obstetricians’ negligence seek the advice of a St. Louis medical malpractice attorney at the Zevan and Davidson Law Firm. They will possess the knowledge and experience necessary to review all medical records to determine what compensation you and your child may be entitled to.

To speak with a St. Louis Medical Malpractice Attorney, call (314) 588-7200 or contact us online. We can evaluate your case for free and help you determine what your legal options are.

photo credit: Calmtwood