Medication And Malpractice-Related Birth Injuries
Among the various types of medical malpractice-related birth injuries are those involving medications. Such birth injuries can result from overmedication, improper medication, or even a lack of medicating, and can occur at any stage from the onset of pregnancy to the postpartum “after-the-birth” phase.
Mother, child, or both may be affected. For example, if a drug is prescribed for a pregnant woman and she has a known but overlooked contraindication to its use that results in harm to her and/or her unborn child or children, the result may be one or more medical malpractice-related birth injuries.
In cases involving multiple births, the scenarios may extend even further. As the number of lives affected by negligent harm increases, so does the need for appropriate compensation to aid in the care of those injured.
Doctor or specialist-prescribed medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) drugs recommended by any medical professional, have the potential to result in medical malpractice-related birth injuries.
Epidural medications and how they are administered are also included in this arena. Improper medications and/or administration can result in nerve damage, spinal problems, bleeding, abscesses, paralysis, and even death. According to Johns Hopkins Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, patients with a skin infection where they need to place the needle, a history of bleeding disorders, certain brain or spine disorders, or certain back surgeries cannot receive an epidural.1
When medical malpractice-related birth injuries occur, liability may rest with one or more individuals and/or entities, including an obstetrician, physician’s assistant, nurse, birthing specialist, hospital, birthing center, or other associated individual and/or entities including dentists and even pharmacies and pharmaceutical staff in some instances.
Medical malpractice-related birth injuries may result in either short-term or lifelong medical and functional needs. It is therefore crucial to obtain monetary compensation commensurate to meet those needs. Costs for medical care, medications, physical therapy, medical devices, mental health assistance, transportation, and other essentials, as well as anticipated price increases likely over time, must be taken into consideration.
If you or a loved one is currently experiencing, or has already experienced, a medical malpractice-related birth injury, or a loved one has died due to a negligence-related birth injury, contacting an experienced lawyer for an initial consultation is an important step. It is helpful to research information about lawyers or legal teams who specialize in birth injury cases, or if possible, who specialize in the particular type of birth injury lawsuit case you are potentially dealing with.
Many lawyers and legal teams offer free initial consultations. At Mallard & Sharp, P.A., we specialize in a wide variety of birth injury cases, including those related to medical malpractice negligence. To schedule a free initial consultation with our expert legal team please call 877.662.5527 or 305.461.4800.