Austin Labor and Delivery Injury Lawyers
Doctors and medical staff must be extremely mindful during the delivery process. A single mistake can lead to a lifetime of complications for the newborn. At Winckler, Harvey & McConnell, LLP, our labor and delivery injury attorneys are dedicated to holding negligent medical professionals accountable for missteps in their duty of care. Our medical malpractice attorneys have more than 100 combined years of experience serving families in the Austin community and throughout Texas. Labor and delivery negligence cases are some of the most difficult claims to bring, so we will need to thoroughly review your situation during an free initial consultation to evaluate if it resulted from negligent actions by a medical professional.
What Leads To Traumatic Labor and Deliveries?
Labor and delivery injuries can arise from various complications and errors during childbirth. Traumatic labor and deliveries can be a result of medical negligence where health care providers fail to follow the standard of care. Common causes include:
- Improper use of delivery tools: Misusing forceps or vacuum tools can cause extreme consequences for a newborn or the mother.
- Failure to monitor fetal distress: There are many opportunities to identify distress in a fetus or newborn, and failing to spot it can result in a number of injuries.
- Delayed C-section: Pushing back a C-section can cause injuries during the labor process for both mother and child.
- Inadequate management of maternal health: Preeclampsia, gestational diabetes or infections can all pose serious risks if neglected.
- Excessive force during delivery: Using too much force during the delivery process can cause fractures, brachial plexus injuries and other serious conditions.
When these scenarios occur due to medical negligence, they can lead to significant injuries from traumatic labor and deliveries potentially warranting legal action in the form of a medical malpractice lawsuit.
Understanding Forceps and Vacuum Extractors Injuries
Forceps and vacuum extractors can be necessary devices for delivering a child, but they still require proper use. Failing to use these tools in a safe manner can cause numerous injuries, including:
- Forceps injuries: Forceps are metal instruments used to guide the baby’s head out of the birth canal. If not used correctly, they can cause skull fractures, facial nerve damage and brain injuries. Mothers can also suffer from vaginal tears, uterine rupture and bladder injuries.
- Vacuum extractor injuries: Vacuum extractors use suction to help deliver the baby. Misuse can lead to scalp wounds, intracranial hemorrhage and brachial plexus injuries. Mothers may experience perineal tears, hemorrhaging and other complications.
Understanding the risks associated with these tools highlights the importance of proper training and execution by medical professionals.
Turn To A Compassionate Lawyer After A Labor and Delivery Injury In Austin
If you believe you or your baby has suffered labor or delivery injuries due to medical malpractice, do not let a hospital try to minimize the reality of the situation. Call our medical malpractice attorneys to evaluate your situation to determine if your injuries are the result of negligence. Call us at 512-593-7399 or email us here to schedule your free initial consultation.