A child who receives too little oxygen during birth can suffer serious long-term effects, including developmental and cognitive delays. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the most common types of brain damage caused by oxygen loss, and one of the leading causes of death and severe impairment among infants.
Florida Couple Sues after Doctors Fail to Perform C-Section
A Florida couple has filed a lawsuit against the mother’s physician after alleged negligence on behalf of medical staff led to her child’s birth-related injuries. The family presented the claim originally in August of 2014 and was recently denied by the Department of the Navy.
The issues began shortly after the mother was administered an epidural prior to childbirth. Prior to the epidural, the baby received regular monitoring for its vital signs, but afterward, monitoring became sporadic. When it became clear that the baby’s condition was declining, doctors recommended proceeding with a cesarean section, but the attending physician did not proceed.
Shortly thereafter, despite signs indicating the baby’s distress, the birth continued normally. Upon delivery, the baby was found to have no respiratory effort and suffered from HIE.
Doctors are required to do everything in their power to protect the health of their patients. If the parent’s allegations are true, then when the doctor failed to proceed with the c-section, the doctor may have demonstrated negligence that resulted in the baby’s HIE.
If your child has suffered from injuries due to a doctor’s actions, you may have grounds for a birth injury lawsuit. Talk to an experienced birth injury attorney as soon as possible to find out your options and investigate the medical records.
Farrell & Patel – Birth Injury Law Firm
