Arbutus Birth Asphyxia Attorney

Before, during, or after childbirth, babies can suffer from a lack of oxygen and blood flow. Also known as perinatal asphyxia and neonatal asphyxia, this condition affects the brain and other organs, preventing them from working correctly. Nutrient deficiencies, increased acid in the blood, and breathing difficulties can occur.

Severe cases of birth asphyxia can trigger serious complications and even be life-threatening. A proficient medical professional should be aware of warning signs and have the skills to tackle any emergency. If your baby suffered from birth asphyxia and you suspect the medical staff did not take the needed actions, Brown & Barron’s legal team will help you hold them responsible for the damages.

Causes of Birth Asphyxia

There are many reasons why a baby may experience birth asphyxia before, during, or after birth. Some may be related to the mother’s health and others to the fetus. Below are some causes why a baby may experience birth asphyxia before or during birth:

• Problems of oxygen levels in mother’s blood: This may be due to health problems such as heart or respiratory disease or even decreased breathing caused by anesthesia. 
• Meconium aspiration syndrome: Babies may inhale amniotic fluid and meconium that flow to their lungs. 
• Low blood pressure: It causes a reduction in the fetus’s rate of blood supply. 
• Premature birth: Babies less than 37 weeks old may not have fully developed lungs, resulting in an inability to breathe correctly. 
• Placental abruption and umbilical cord prolapse: It occurs when the placenta separates from the uterus earlier than expected, or the umbilical cord leaves the cervix before the baby does.  
• Umbilical cord compression: In these cases, there is an obstruction of blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients due to the baby’s movement or contractions during labor, causing the umbilical cord to be compressed or flattened. 
• Poor placenta function: This may occur due to high blood pressure. It is most common in post-term pregnancies.

After birth, common causes of birth asphyxia are:

• Severe anemia
• Respiratory problems
• Heart or lung diseases

There are symptoms of birth asphyxia that medical personnel should be aware of. An abnormal fetal heart rate or low blood pH levels, as well as unusual skin tone, weak reflexes, and the baby not crying, could indicate birth asphyxia. If the medical personnel who delivered your baby missed any of these signs, Brown and Barron’s attorneys can help you file a lawsuit.

Who Is Accountable for Birth Asphyxia Injuries?

Naturally, you rely on medical professionals’ knowledge, skills, and experience. They have had many years of study and practice, and you expect them to know how to address birth problems before, during, and after delivery.

Whether because of delayed reactions, overconfidence, lack of proper monitoring, or other shortcomings, doctors, nurses, or other hospital staff engage in negligent behavior. The following are some of the actions considered negligent:

• Inadequate and delayed recognition of symptoms
• Inadequate monitoring of the infant during pregnancy, labor, and delivery
• Ineffective monitoring of maternal blood pressure 
• Delayed cesarean section 
• Inappropriate use of labor-inducing drugs 
• Subpar management of respiratory status 

Were you a victim of some of these medical misconduct? Brown & Barron’s attorneys can help you vet your situation, gather evidence, and file an appropriate claim.

An Attorney in Arbutus From Brown & Barron Can Start Helping You Today

Every citizen has the right to receive appropriate medical care. An inadequate medical service could bring a lot of financial, health, and emotional problems. If a negligent medical professional caused damages to you or your loved one, you could file a case. Doing so gives you the chance to hold the medical worker accountable for their negligence and obtain compensation for medical bills and other expenses.

Contact Brown & Barron online today to schedule a free case review with a with a birth asphyxia lawyer serving Arbutus.