San Antonio Lawyer Handling Birth Complications and Labor Injury Claims
Helping San Antonio parents and families find a new way forward after birth trauma
If you or your child suffered injuries during childbirth as a result of complications during labor, the road ahead can seem daunting. The Law Offices of Pat Maloney is here to help. Our legal team investigates what happened during labor and delivery, and works to hold the right parties responsible for compensation for your injuries and losses. Our firm understands the complexities of medical malpractice cases and is committed to advocating for the rights of families who have been affected by negligent medical care during childbirth. We are here to provide compassionate support, legal guidance, and relentless advocacy to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.
How can your San Antonio birth injury lawyer help?
Our San Antonio birth injury lawyer assists families who have experienced difficulties during childbirth or labor.. Attorney Pat Maloney possesses a deep understanding of the laws and regulations governing medical malpractice in Texas, including those specific to birth injuries and labor complications. This knowledge enables him to effectively advocate for his clients and pursue justice on their behalf.
Additionally, we will conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the birth complications or labor injuries. This investigation may involve reviewing medical records, consulting with medical experts, and gathering evidence to build a compelling case. By uncovering key details and identifying instances of negligence or wrongdoing, we can strengthen our client's position and increase their chances of a favorable outcome.
More, we serve as your dedicated advocates for your clients' rights and interests. We understand the emotional and financial toll that birth injuries can take on families, and are committed to fighting for fair compensation to help alleviate these burdens. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing clients in court, we work tirelessly to secure the best possible result for our clients.
Importantly, working with a knowledgeable attorney can provide families with peace of mind during a challenging time. By entrusting their case to a skilled legal professional, our clients can focus on their recovery and well-being while knowing that their legal rights are being protected.
What is a birth complication?
A birth complication refers to any medical issue or problem that arises during pregnancy, labor, or delivery that can negatively impact the health and well-being of the mother, the newborn, or both. These complications can vary widely in severity and can result from a variety of factors including maternal health conditions, fetal development issues, complications during labor and delivery, or medical errors.
A recent Blue Cross Blue Shield report states that:
- A greater number of women are entering pregnancy with pre-existing conditions
- The number of women experiencing both pregnancy and birth complications has increased 31.5%
- Women with pregnancy complications are twice as likely to experience birth complications
These pre-existing conditions include hypertension, Type II diabetes, obesity, substance use disorder, anxiety, and major depression.
What are the different types of birth complications?
Some common types of birth complications include:
- Preterm birth: This occurs when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, which can increase the risk of health problems for the newborn.
- Preeclampsia: A condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs, typically occurring after the 20th week of pregnancy.
- Gestational diabetes: High blood sugar levels that develop during pregnancy and can increase the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby.
- Placental problems: Issues such as placenta previa (where the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix) or placental abruption (where the placenta separates from the uterine wall prematurely), which can lead to bleeding and other complications.
- Fetal distress: Signs that the fetus is not receiving enough oxygen during labor and delivery, which may require prompt medical intervention.
- Birth injuries: Physical injuries sustained by the newborn during labor and delivery, such as fractures, nerve injuries (like Erb's palsy or Klumpke’s palsy), or brain damage.
- Cesarean delivery complications: Complications related to cesarean section (C-section) deliveries, including infection, bleeding, or injury to the mother or baby.
- Infections: Maternal infections during pregnancy or delivery, such as group B streptococcus (GBS) or neonatal sepsis, which can pose serious risks to the newborn.
In some cases, birth complications may result in long-term health issues or disabilities for both the newborn and the mother, which highlights the importance of comprehensive prenatal care, skilled medical management during labor and delivery, and access to appropriate medical interventions when needed.
Why do birth complications happen?
Medical News Today notes that “specialized help is more likely to be needed if a pregnancy lasts more than 42 weeks, if there has been a previous cesarean delivery, or when the mother is of an older age.”
Birth complications, unfortunately, can occur for a variety of reasons. Here's a breakdown of some major categories.
Maternal health factors:
- Chronic illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, or autoimmune diseases can increase the risk of complications.
- Infections during pregnancy can be harmful to both mother and baby.
- Smoking, drug use, and poor diet can negatively impact pregnancy health.
- Very young or older mothers may have a higher risk of complications.
Fetal health factors:
- Twins, triplets, or more can put additional strain on the mother and raise the risk of complications.
- Birth defects can make delivery more difficult and potentially lead to other complications.
- Babies born before 37 weeks are more likely to have health problems.
Placental problems:
- When the placenta prematurely detaches from the uterine wall, it can cut off oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
- When the placenta covers the cervix, it can block the baby's exit and cause bleeding.
- If the placenta doesn't deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to the baby, it can lead to growth problems.
Umbilical cord complications:
- If the cord comes out before the baby, it can be compressed during delivery, depriving the baby of oxygen.
- When the cord wraps around the baby's neck, it can tighten during delivery and restrict oxygen flow.
Other factors:
- When the baby is positioned bottom-first (breech), delivery can be more difficult and risky.
When the baby is very large (macrosomia), it can be difficult to deliver vaginally, increasing the risk of complications for both mother and baby.
It's important to remember that this is not an exhaustive list, and the specific reasons for birth complications can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances. At the Law Offices of Pat Maloney, our experienced San Antonio birth injury attorney can launch an investigation into what went wrong.
How can birth complications be prevented?
Unfortunately, not all complications and birth injuries can be prevented. Preventing birth complications involves a combination of prenatal care, maternal health management, early detection of risk factors, and access to skilled medical assistance during labor and delivery. Here are several measures that can help prevent birth complications:
- Early and consistent prenatal care allows healthcare providers to monitor the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. Regular check-ups can help identify and manage potential complications early on.
- Encouraging pregnant individuals to adopt healthy habits such as maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active (under medical guidance), avoiding harmful substances like alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drugs, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension can significantly reduce the risk of birth complications.
- Providing education to expectant mothers and their families about the importance of prenatal care, proper nutrition, and warning signs of potential complications can empower them to make informed decisions and seek medical help when needed.
- Screening tests during pregnancy, such as ultrasounds, blood tests, and genetic screenings, can help identify conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and fetal abnormalities early in pregnancy, making time for timely intervention and management.
- Proper management of pre-existing medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disorders, and autoimmune diseases is vital during pregnancy to minimize the risk of complications for both the mother and the baby.
- Regular monitoring of fetal growth and development through ultrasounds and other imaging techniques can help detect any abnormalities or growth restrictions that may require medical intervention.
- Ensuring access to skilled obstetric care, including trained healthcare providers, midwives, and access to medical facilities equipped to handle emergencies, is essential for timely intervention in case of complications during labor and delivery.
- Proper management of labor and delivery, including monitoring both maternal and fetal well-being, providing pain management options, and being prepared to handle emergencies such as fetal distress, umbilical cord prolapse, and maternal hemorrhage, can help prevent birth complications and improve outcomes.
- Adequate postnatal care for both the mother and the newborn is essential for identifying and managing any complications that may arise after delivery, including breastfeeding support, screening for postpartum depression, and monitoring infant health and development.
Healthcare providers can work to minimize the risk of birth complications and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. If you believe your labor and delivery complications were the result of medical malpractice, talk to our San Antonio labor injuries attorney today.
Do you have a San Antonio birth injury lawyer near me?
The Law Offices of Pat Maloney is located at 239 E Commerce St. in the center of Downtown San Antonio, TX. We are the owner of one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in San Antonio and there’s plenty of parking nearby. If you cannot travel, we can arrange a phone or video conference, or an in-hospital visit.
Contact us in San Antonio if complications during labor and delivery caused you harm
Are you seeking justice after birth complications or labor injuries? Your story matters, and you deserve answers. Our dedicated San Antonio birth injury lawyer is here to advocate for you. Don’t suffer in silence – take action today to protect your rights and hold those responsible for the pain and suffering you’ve endured accountable. Let the team at the Law Offices of Pat Maloney fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, call or fill out our contact form today.