Oxygen Deprivation Injury or Death
Medical Malpractice Lawyers for Fetal Asphyxia Cases
Multiple mechanisms can lead to oxygen deprivation of the unborn baby including dysfunctional placenta, umbilical cord compression, maternal hypotension and infections. The umbilical cord delivers not only nutrients but vital oxygen. Any disruption to this lifeline can quickly lead to brain damage or fetal death. A compromised cord is a threat throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery. Asphyxia is also a danger after the baby is born, if there is obstruction or weakened lung function.
In each of these critical stages of development, childbirth and post-partum care, the actions, inaction or wrong decisions of medical professions may lead to permanent harm or fatality. Our experienced trial lawyers are committed to securing justice and full compensation for medical negligence.
The Cleveland-based law firm of Becker & Mishkind Co., L.P.A. has extensive experience in birth injury litigation. Our attorneys take cases statewide, and assist in lawsuits in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Illinois. Call 1-800-826-2433 for a free consultation to find out how we can help.
Asphyxia refers to oxygen deprivation resulting in interference of gas exchanges. Hypoxia (too little oxygen) or anoxia (no oxygen) can lead to asphyxia and ultimate brain injury. Also iscemia (reduced blood flow) can lead to asphyxia, as well. Brain injury from oxygen deprivation may result in:
- Low IQ and developmental delays
- Profound mental retardation
- Cerebral palsy
- Blindness or deafness
Extended anoxia results in fetal death or stillbirth. Hypoxia can also damage the developing baby's heart, lungs and other organs, manifesting in a range of health problems at birth. Trial lawyers Michael Becker and Pamela Pantages have secured verdicts and settlements for brain damage and death relating to:
Prolapsed Umbilical Cord — A twisting, pinching or compression of the umbilical cord cuts off the flow of oxygen to the fetus. Asphyxia by cord prolapse usually occurs during delivery, when the cord comes through the birth canal before the head. Cord compression can also lead to asphyxia without a prolapsed cord, particularly during reduced amniotic fluid (oligohydramnios) in conjunction with contractions. Failure to quickly deliver or perform an emergency C-section with severe cord compression can results in hypoxic brain injury.
Anoxia secondary to abruption — Separation of the placenta from the uterine wall (abruption) will cause oxygen deprivation and brain injury if not detected and treated promptly. Abruption can occur secondary to severe maternal hypertension, trauma or rupture of the uterus.
Asphyxia litigation centers on proving negligence in preventive care or response to dangers, including failure to:
- Provide intrauterine resuscitation (in threatened fetal distress)
- Perform a non-stress test (NST) during pregnancy
- Recognize fetal distress (via fetal heart monitor, ultrasound) and rescue the fetus
- Recognize fetal anemia and rescue the fetus
- Give prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection
- Diagnose and treat intrauterine infection
- Perform a timely Caesarean section
- Provide steroids to premature infants (in utero or after birth)
- Transfer distressed infants to neonatal intensive care (NICU)
- Monitor newborns with pulmonary problems
- Appropriately resuscitate a fetus or newborn
- Failure to appropriately monitor the newborn baby in the nursery
Our lawyers and on-staff medical professionals have the technical medical knowledge and access to experts to demonstrate liability in these complex cases. If you believe that preventable oxygen deprivation caused your tragedy, please contact us today for a free case evaluation.
