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When giving birth, an expectant mother is often only concerned with the good health of her newborn child. However, giving birth can also be dangerous for a mother. That is why it is essential for a mother to have a doctor that will take all necessary precautions during a delivery. If you were injured while giving birth, you should consult with an experienced Dallas lawyer for birth injuries to the mother today.
The Queenan Law Firm, P.C., is dedicated to providing injured mothers with the legal representation they need to pursue negligent doctors for compensation for their injuries in Dallas, Texas. To schedule a free consultation to discuss your legal situation, contact the Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797, or contact us online.
Common Types of Maternal Birth Injuries
Labor can be hard on a mother as well as a child. In some cases, labor can leave a mother with long-term or even life-threatening injuries that should be treated as soon as possible. Unfortunately, every mother does not receive the care they deserve while they are expecting a child.
The following is a list of common types of maternal birth injuries that a mother could sustain.
Post-partum Hemorrhages
When a mother delivers a child, they will often experience some level of blood loss that may continue as vaginal bleeding for about six weeks. However, the amount of blood lost by a mother can be increased if a doctor is negligent during the delivery process.
Misuse of birthing instruments by a doctor is one issue that could lead to a mother suffering increased bleeding after giving birth. When a mother has a difficult or prolonged labor, a doctor may employ the use of forceps or vacuum extractors to help deliver a child. These instruments are typically attached to the head of the child to pull them from the womb. However, if a doctor exerts too much force when using a birthing instrument, it can cause damage to the mother’s birth canal that can lead to hemorrhaging.
If a mother has lost too much blood during the birthing process, doctors must act quickly to treat her. Failure to diagnose and treat a post-partum hemorrhage could result in a valid claim for medical malpractice.
Perineal Tears
Perineal tears, also known as vaginal tears occur in many women when giving birth. However, many mothers only experience first degree tears or second degree tears that can be treated with stitches or that may heal naturally. Alternatively, some mothers can experience third degree tears and fourth degree tears that can damage lining and muscles in the anus, and that can be extremely painful.
Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD) is one medical condition that could cause a mother to suffer an injury during childbirth. CPD is a condition where the mother’s pelvis is too small for her unborn child to pass through safely. When a mother is diagnosed with this condition, her doctors should suggest a cesarean section or other alternatives to allow her to deliver her child safely.
Improper Cesarean Section
To perform a cesarean section, a doctor must make an incision into the mother’s womb in order to deliver the child. Unfortunately, some doctors may fail to make a proper incision, which can leave a mother with a serious wound that should have been avoidable. This clear negligence can make a doctor liable for a mother’s injuries.
Excessive Medication
When a mother enters labor, doctors may suggest a variety of drugs to make the labor easier. One of these drugs is Pitocin. Pitocin is a synthetic oxytocin that is used to help induce labor or to advance a stalled labor. However, if a mother is administered too much Pitocin, it could cause violent contractions that may have a negative impact on their health and the health of their child. Other health issues caused by excessive use of Pitocin include:
- Abruption of the placenta
- Irregular heartbeat
- Rapid changes in blood pressure
- Serious pelvic or abdominal pain
- Vaginal tears
This is not an exhaustive list. In some cases, Pitocin can cause a child to experience serious issues like brain damage or cerebral palsy.
If you believe your doctor was responsible for your birth injuries, do not waste any more time, take your case to an experienced attorney that can evaluate your options.
Contact a Trusted Dallas Lawyer for Birth Injuries to the Mother to Fight for You
If you or a family member was injured while giving birth, contact an experienced Dallas birth injury and malpractice lawyer today. The malpractice lawyers at the Queenan Law Firm, P.C., will work tirelessly to help you fight against negligent practices by hospitals and physicians. Our legal team has a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to working with our clients on their legal needs. To schedule a free case evaluation, contact the Queenan Law Firm, P.C. at (817) 476-1797.