The early days of a newborn’s life can be stressful for both mother and baby, even when they receive competent and compassionate medical care. However, if obstetricians and other healthcare providers fail to monitor the newborn closely, they risk allowing birth complications, such as meconium aspiration.
Meconium entering a newborn’s lungs can have serious consequences. If your child was harmed because their doctors failed to prevent or properly address this complication, you may have legal options. A Connecticut meconium aspiration malpractice lawyer from Berkowitz and Hanna LLC can help you pursue these options. We are one of the top-three medical malpractice firms in the state and have recovered over $400 million for past clients through a combination of settlements and court verdicts. Our experienced birth injury attorneys are prepared to work diligently to secure the compensation you deserve.
“Meconium” is the medical term for the bowel contents of a fetus that develops during pregnancy. This typically forms between the 10th and 16th week of gestation and is usually passed as a bowel movement within 24 hours after birth. In some cases, meconium is released before a fetus is born, resulting in its presence in the amniotic fluid surrounding that fetus. During childbirth, it is relatively rare, but possible, for the newborn baby to breathe in amniotic fluid with meconium in it. This condition is called “meconium aspiration syndrome.”
Meconium aspiration is not always immediately dangerous for a newborn, but because meconium is a toxic substance that can significantly hinder normal lung function, it may sometimes lead to respiratory distress. If this issue is not addressed quickly by qualified medical professionals, it can result in permanent brain damage, such as hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. A Connecticut meconium aspiration malpractice attorney can help assess whether filing a lawsuit is feasible in a given situation.
As part of the required standard of care, obstetricians and other maternal healthcare providers are expected to identify the risk factors for meconium aspiration syndrome. Risk factors include late delivery, abnormal fetal heart rate, and high blood pressure or diabetes in the mother. Healthcare providers must take steps to address these risks during prenatal and postnatal care. In addition, they need to recognize when there is an increased risk of meconium aspiration during birth. Healthcare providers should closely monitor whether any fluid has entered the newborn’s lungs in such situations and act quickly to manage any aspiration that occurs.
In Connecticut, if a doctor allows a newborn to suffer serious physical harm from meconium aspiration due to a breach of the standard of care, they may be liable for legal malpractice. Our lawyers may assist in seeking compensation for future medical bills, lost working capacity, physical and psychological pain, and other damages resulting from this type of negligence.
Meconium aspiration syndrome is a rare complication that may occur during childbirth but can often be treated effectively if diagnosed promptly. Unfortunately, not all medical professionals provide the level of compassionate and skillful care that their patients deserve, as you may have experienced firsthand.
At Berkowitz and Hanna LLC, we are here to support you in seeking justice for the harm your child should never have suffered. Call today to learn how a Connecticut meconium aspiration malpractice lawyer can help you take legal action and protect your child’s future.
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