In 2015, a couple in another state welcomed a son into their family after a long, grueling labor and delivery process. A number of things went wrong, however, and the child suffered a birth injury that left him with permanent impairments. His parents are now seeking compensation for their losses and his. Louisiana residents who have similar stories may, like this couple, seek relief through legal means.
According to reports, at just over 39 weeks into her pregnancy, the 18-year-old mother was scheduled for an elective induction. There was allegedly no medical reason for the early induction. The woman claims that her cervix readiness and the baby’s position were not verified before the drugs to induce labor were started. The induction started at 10:30 a.m., and the baby was not born until 12:27 a.m. the following morning. During this near 14-hour process, the baby experienced heart rate decelerations that indicated he was not tolerating labor, yet no action was taken to address the matter.
When the baby was born, he suffered a skull fracture and had clearly not been receiving enough oxygen. He was taken to another hospital where medical providers treated him for seizures, brain bleeding, damage to his liver and renal failure. He is expected to need special medical treatment, various therapies and special-needs attention for the rest of his life. The hospital in question has yet to respond to this couple’s claim.
When there are signs that a baby is not tolerating labor and delivery, it is up to medical providers to take action in order to ensure the baby is not harmed. Unfortunately, sometimes, doctors, nurses and/or midwives sit back and wait things out or make other questionable decisions that can result in a child suffering a birth injury — which is what is alleged in the case above. Louisiana residents who believe that medical negligence contributed to the birth injuries suffered by their loved ones may be entitled to seek monetary damages by filing civil claims against all parties deemed responsible for their losses. Legal counsel can review the details of one’s case and assist one in taking any actions deemed appropriate in order to seek maximum relief.