The medical care that a mother receives during childbirth can have a tremendous impact on her and her baby’s life. While most medical professionals who assist during this sensitive process do so with care and consideration, a doctor who acts irresponsibly during the delivery process can cause severe and life-altering harm to patients.
Pursuing civil litigation over injuries sustained during labor and delivery can be complex, but an experienced birth accident attorney at Berkowitz Hanna is here to help. Assistance from a Bridgeport labor and delivery malpractice lawyer may be vital in achieving a favorable case outcome, as they are familiar with the various state laws and restrictions that could impact your claim.
Any doctor, nurse, or medical professional assisting in the labor and delivery process must uphold a standard of care when tending to an expectant mother. This standard requires acting in a way that a reasonable and equally qualified physician would under similar circumstances, such as diligently monitoring the mother, ensuring delivery proceeds smoothly, and taking prompt action when an issue arises. Any breach of this standard could be grounds for a malpractice lawsuit.
Complications during labor can have catastrophic effects on a child’s life. For example, brain trauma, a lack of oxygen, or sudden damage to the spinal cord could result in serious injuries. An instance of delivery or labor malpractice might also cause debilitating conditions like cerebral palsy. In addition to the harm endured by the child, mothers can also suffer life-changing and possibly fatal injuries if their doctors do not provide diligent care throughout childbirth.
In cases of labor or delivery negligence, comprehensive financial recovery must account for both short-term and long-term losses, including:
A Bridgeport attorney can clarify what losses may be factored into a particular childbirth malpractice lawsuit or settlement demand.
Even if it seems evident that a medical professional’s mistake caused a mother or child’s injuries, there are procedural requirements that any person wishing to file suit over delivery or labor misconduct must follow. First, in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes §52-190a, all prospective malpractice plaintiffs must have support for their claim from a medical expert with relevant expertise and professional qualifications in the same field(s) of medicine as the defendant(s).
Any injured person who does not go through this “reasonable inquiry” process and obtain a signed statement of merit from that qualified expert may be barred from pursuing their claim in court. A Bridgeport lawyer is familiar with this inquiry and can ensure a labor or delivery malpractice claim complies with the relevant legal parameters.
During childbirth, there is a reasonable expectation that your care provider will act in the best interest of you and your newborn. When that standard of care is violated, you may have grounds to pursue legal action for this negligence. Claims of this nature can be challenging on both procedural and emotional levels, but seasoned legal counsel is here to help.
A conversation with a Bridgeport labor and delivery malpractice lawyer can provide vital information about your rights and filing options. Call Berkowitz Hanna today to schedule a meeting.
Berkowitz Hanna
