When a Mother Suffers Birth Injuries During Labor and Delivery

By Thomas Greer | October 12, 2016

When a Mother Suffers Birth Injuries During Labor and DeliveryChildbirth is a perfectly natural function of the human body, and when it goes the way it is supposed it go, it is often a fairly routine process. Sometimes however, there are unavoidable complications during pregnancy that can put both the mother and the baby at risk. At other times, the negligent actions or failure to act on the part of the mother’s doctors and medical staff can lead to serious injuries and even the death of the mother.

According to the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), in the course of a year, about 157,700 potentially avoidable injuries are sustained by mothers and their babies during labor and delivery. When a healthy woman goes into the hospital to deliver her child and ends up with a life-changing injury or dies as a result of medical negligence, her family has the legal recourse of filing a medical malpractice claim to hold those responsible for her injuries accountable for the damage they have done.

Birth injuries to the mother

So often the topic of birth injuries is focused on the injuries that the infants suffer during childbirth, such as HIE (Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy), Erb’s Palsy, or bone fractures. However, mothers suffer devastating injuries during childbirth as well, and these injuries can impact the rest of their lives. Some examples of the injuries a mother can sustain during childbirth include the following:

  • Improper stitching following an episiotomy or C-section
  • Failure to monitor or address infections
  • Pre-eclampsia or eclampsia
  • Uterine rupture
  • Placental abruption
  • Placenta Previa
  • Vaginal tears and lacerations
  • Pharmaceutical errors

When a mother suffers a catastrophic injury caused by a doctor or other medical professional’s negligence, the mother can bring a medical malpractice lawsuit to recover compensation for her injuries and losses including any disfigurement or other long-term health consequences. In addition to the actual pain and suffering caused by the injury, one or both parents may be able to recover compensation for the emotional distress that oftentimes accompanies these injuries.

Working with an experienced Memphis birth injury attorney from the law firm of Bailey & Greer, PLLC, can ensure that your right to compensation is protected. We will investigate the accident, find out who is responsible, and then hold them accountable. When you or a loved one has suffered a preventable medical injury at the hands of a physician or other medical professional, you need a law firm who will tirelessly fight on your behalf.

Have you suffered a birth-related injury due to medical negligence? If so, you are encouraged to speak to an experienced Memphis birth injury attorney at the law offices of Bailey & Greer, PLLC. We will answer your questions and offer legal guidance specific to your case. Please contact us or call us at 901-680-9777 to schedule a consultation at our Memphis or Jackson office to discuss your case today.

Posted in Birth Injuries