Are Common Birth and Maternal Injuries Preventable?

 Posted on January 22, 2025 in Birth Injury

Childbirth and welcoming a new baby into the world can be a joyous occasion. Unfortunately, mothers and infants can experience injuries during pregnancy, labor, or delivery that can darken that joy. While some injuries are unavoidable, many are caused by medical negligence, making them preventable.

What are the most common maternal and birth injuries? How do you know if medical negligence was involved? A knowledgeable Cook County, IL birth injury attorney can assess your situation and help you explore your legal options.

What Common Childbirth Issues Can Lead to Injuries?

Healthcare professionals should monitor expectant mothers closely during their pregnancies, looking for potential problems that could endanger them or their unborn babies. As labor begins and progresses, medical providers should remain vigilant, checking for fetal distress and maternal issues. Common problems that occur during childbirth include:

• Abnormal fetal heart rate

• Pre-term or stalled labor

• Shoulder dystocia

• Placenta issues, such as placental abruption or previa

• Perinatal asphyxia

• Umbilical cord issues

• Labor not beginning after water breaks

• Abnormal baby position, such as breech

• Post-term pregnancy

• Excessive bleeding

• Perineal tears

Several of these conditions may indicate that a C-section birth is safer than a vaginal delivery. In other cases, doctors might decide to induce labor using medication. An episiotomy can reduce the risk of tearing. Other issues also have standard solutions that can prevent injuries. Failing to identify these problems or treat them appropriately can result in severe injuries or death, potentially providing grounds for a medical malpractice claim.

The best way to determine whether you can recover compensation is to speak with one of our attorneys. Because we focus on birth and maternal injuries, we are familiar with medical conditions, terminology, and preferred treatment options. This knowledge gives you a significant advantage.

What Injuries Can Result From Childbirth Complications?

Not all birth or maternal injuries are avoidable. However, when medical professionals are negligent and their negligence results in harm, they can be held accountable. The list of birth injuries associated with childbirth complications is extensive, including cerebral palsy, brain injuries, nerve damage, meconium aspiration, and death. Mothers can suffer from postpartum hemorrhaging, infections, uterine rupture, and miscarriage. In particularly dire situations, mothers can also die during childbirth.

What Damages Could I Receive for Maternal or Birth Injuries?

The losses you or your child suffered are unique, so there is no generic answer to that question. The types of damages and amounts are specific to your situation. Both birth and maternal injuries can have permanent effects, such as disability, losing the opportunity to have additional children, and requiring lifelong medical care. The emotional and mental anguish can be overwhelming.

Depending on your circumstances, you may receive economic damages to reimburse you for the financial losses incurred by the injuries. Non-economic damages could compensate you for pain and suffering and additional intangible losses. Your lawyer can calculate case values accurately and work to maximize the amount you collect.

Call an Experienced Chicago, IL Birth Injury Lawyer Today

If you suspect that medical negligence is responsible for your losses, you could be eligible for compensation. At Birth Injury Law Alliance, Ltd., we offer free case reviews, so call 312-462-4200 or contact us online to discuss your situation with one of our skilled Cook County, IL maternal injury attorneys.