Having a stillborn baby after months of pregnancy is devastating.
In many instances, stillbirths are caused by events beyond a doctor’s control. However, when a stillbirth could have been prevented by proper medical care, the impact can be even more heartbreaking. In these instances, parents can bring a medical malpractice lawsuit against the responsible medical professionals. Although no amount of money will make the pain go away, it can help bring a sense of justice and closure.
Common Causes of Stillbirths
In stillbirth cases, many times the cause of the baby’s death is unknown. However, there are several factors that are known to increase the chances of a baby being stillborn. If a physician fails to diagnose one of these conditions or fails to treat one of these conditions, the physician may be liable for causing the stillbirth. A New York medical malpractice attorney can help you determine whether there is liability in your case.
Some common risk factors that are linked to stillborn deaths include the pregnant mother having high blood pressure, diabetes, or a bacterial infection. A doctor must therefore monitor for these conditions throughout the pregnancy. The doctor should also ask whether the mother smokes, drinks alcohol, or uses recreational drugs. If so, the doctor should make an effort to help her quit, at least for the duration of the pregnancy.
Preemptive Checkups Are Important to Prevent Stillborn Births
Ultrasounds and fetal monitoring are necessary, even if there is no risk of a stillborn pregnancy. It is rare for infants to die suddenly without warning. As such, preventative measures can help detect umbilical cord problems or other fetal irregularities.
A doctor should also routinely monitor the baby’s heartbeat and check the mother’s urine. A failure to do so can be considered malpractice. This is especially true if the mother reported problems during her pregnancy and no tests were ordered.
Call an Experienced Birth Injury Lawyer
If you have recently experienced the agony of having a stillborn child and you suspect or believe that medical negligence was the cause, you are not alone. Although such sadness and loss may remain with you for life, the law does provide you with legal course to help you seek justice against the parties responsible for your tragic loss. The attorneys at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. have over 39 years of experience in pursuing justice on behalf of individuals harmed by medical malpractice. Our legal team will take every step necessary to secure not only financial compensation but also accountability and justice.
For more information or to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced attorneys in New York, please call us at 1-800-529-9997 or fill out a New York Personal Injury Case Consultation form. We handle personal injury cases in New York and New Jersey.
