Wayne County Mom Birth Injury Attorney

Soon-to-be mothers endure tremendous physical and emotional stress while pregnant. In most cases, a healthy child’s arrival makes all that trouble worthwhile. However, mothers often experience traumatic and long-lasting injuries during labor and delivery.

At the Wayne County birth injury law firm of Sommers Schwartz, P.C., we represent mothers who have experienced medical malpractice during labor and delivery. Our attorneys recognize the challenges new families face and work with you to meet your unique needs. We understand how hard it is to feel the joy others expect you to express when dealing with the aftermath of a birth injury.

Common Types of Preventable Birth Injuries Mothers Experience

Childbirth is incredibly physically demanding, and many new mothers experience injuries. Most of these are minor, even if they are incredibly painful. However, some mothers experience debilitating or even fatal injuries. According to a recent report, over 50,000 new mothers experience severe injuries during labor and delivery, and 700 die in or shortly after childbirth. Perhaps more shocking is that, by some estimates, more than half of these injuries could have been prevented.

Some of the most common types of potentially preventable birth injuries to mothers include:

Vaginal Tears

Many women experience some vaginal tearing during the birthing process. However, doctors should determine the size of a baby before it is born and recommend an alternate course of action for larger babies who may struggle to pass safely through the birth canal. Severe vaginal tears may be an indication of medical malpractice.

Episiotomy

An episiotomy is an intentional cut between the vagina and the anus designed to prevent vaginal tearing and facilitate birthing. Doctors must be especially careful when performing and stitching up an episiotomy because of the risks of having an open wound in this area.

Ruptured Uterus

A uterine rupture occurs when there is a breach of the myometrial wall. If this happens, the inside of the uterus may be exposed to other parts of the mother’s abdominal cavity, placing both mother and child at serious risk. Doctors should be aware of the risk factors, which include attempting vaginal birth after a cesarean section, and take steps to reduce the chances of a uterine rupture.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia is the name given to high blood pressure caused by pregnancy. Other than giving birth, there is no “cure” for preeclampsia. If undetected or left untreated, this condition can be fatal. While doctors can do nothing to prevent a woman from developing preeclampsia, doctors should know the risk factors and take the necessary precautions to prevent it from causing complications or injury during labor.

Cesarean Sections

A cesarean section is a medical procedure in which doctors create an opening in a woman’s abdomen to deliver the baby. About a third of all children are born through a cesarean section. Some of these surgeries are planned, while others are performed as an emergency response to labor complications. While cesarean sections reduce certain childbirth risks, they also have dangers. Whether to perform a C-section and when that decision was made can be crucial in determining whether a doctor’s negligence causes a mother’s injuries.

Epidurals

An epidural is a shot that delivers pain-relieving medicine to a mother during the labor process. Approximately 70 percent of pregnant women elect to receive an epidural. This medication can significantly reduce the pain of childbirth, but it can also cause complications and is not always appropriate. Once an epidural is given, medical personnel must monitor the vital signs of both the mother and baby to recognize warning signs and avoid permanent damage.

At Sommers Schwartz, P.C., we have handled countless birth injury claims for women and their families. We also handle wrongful death claims stemming from fatal birth injuries.

Contact an Experienced Wayne County Birth Injury Law Firm Today

If you or a loved one have experienced a severe injury during the labor and delivery process, we understand what a difficult time this is for you. When you are ready, reach out to Sommers Schwartz, P.C., to schedule a free consultation to review your options. We can help you understand your rights and effectively pursue them.

Sommers Schwartz lawyers have authored a textbook on handling birth injury cases and often speak at important birth trauma conferences, including the Boston University Medical School Annual Perinatal Conference and the American Conference Institute’s Annual Advanced Forum on Obstetric Malpractice Claims. We know how to help you recover the compensation you deserve.

To learn more and schedule a free consultation with a Wayne County birth injury lawyer, call 1-800-783-0989 today. Calling is free, and because we take all birth injury cases on a contingency basis, we will not bill you for our legal representation unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries.